It’s the day after RE Sunday as I write, and I’m still basking in the glow of a great day. Our worship service – A Celebration of Religious Exploration - was full of meaning, great music, humour and a few surprises. We shared moments of quiet contemplation, and others of joyful participation.
Our children and youth, who displayed such depth and thoughtfulness, were part of the planning process for this service. They chose what to share from their year, created their group reflections, and offered suggestions or requests for all other worship elements. I am so very proud of them.
I’m also proud to work with so many gifted leaders. Teachers, youth allies, committee members, Our Whole Lives facilitators, assistants and supporters: thank you! First Winnipeg is able to offer such excellent programming because, as a community, we care about helping each other live our Unitarian Universalist values and search for truth and meaning.
Following the RE service, the Committee for Religious Exploration hosted an Open House in the RE space. It was wonderful to see so many people visit and learn more about our plans for next year, when children will be exploring wisdom from the world’s religions, and youth will be looking for messages in music. If you missed the Open House, don’t worry! You can find the same information here.
There was a time when the realm of Religious Exploration programs was thought to be exclusive to parents. Parents are indeed their children’s primary religious educators, but we now understand that in our faith communities many others find meaning in offering their time and talents to the programs that serve young people. This past year we welcomed more young adults, elders, and adults without children in the program, and we all benefited.
We all have a stake in providing vibrant programming for our young people, and all are welcome to support the RE program. There are opportunities to teach children’s RE, work with our youth group, help in our library, plan children’s worship or intergenerational events, serve on committees, and more.
If you’d like to add your name to one of our sign-up sheets look for them in the church foyer through June, or speak to Lorna Turnbull, Chair of the Committee for Religious Exploration.
Love,
Andrea
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