What Are You Reading ?
Faith formation doesn’t stop over the summer – we’ve been reading and learning with Banned Books Summer! In June, we read LGBTQ+ themed books to celebrate Pride Month. We heard the stories of This Day in June, And Tango Makes 3, and Jacob’s New Dress. In July, we’re exploring racial justice and equity with the books Separate is Never Equal, Something Happened in Our Town, and The Day You Begin. All of these books have been banned or challenged in schools and libraries across the country. We share the story and then have a conversation about the book, including why it has been banned or challenged, and then we process through art. This past week, we read the true story in Separate is Never Equal of the Mendez family, who fought long and hard to desegregate schools in California in the 1940’s. In response, our kids made welcome signs for our congregation, because everyone is welcome here. It was their idea to make the signs in multiple languages, I can’t take credit for that. Special thanks to all the adults who have stepped up to make this happen!
Though things are a little slower in the summer, we are working on plans for next year! I have to tell you that I am very excited for the upcoming year – we are going to have some fun together! Now is the time to register your children and youth for 2024-25 programming – help us plan to welcome your family by registering! You can register here: https://forms.gle/VSTe2TyRUgZeYgSq6. Interested in our OWL offerings for children and youth? You must register to participate in OWL and there is a link in the registration form to let us know you’d like to participate – please fill that out ASAP! We are also still looking for collaborators for next year. We have spots open on all teaching teams right now, you can find more information and sign up here: https://forms.gle/pmk7p6SZNDZcNtZJ6. Our children and youth program belongs to the congregation and we can’t do it without YOU. It is crucial to have folks from all walks of life and of all ages working with our children and youth – your lived experience is so valuable to building this beautiful community! I can also promise that you will be changed for the better by spending time with the future of our faith community. I have been doing this work for nearly 10 years and I learn something new every Sunday! We’re also always looking for behind the scenes folks if working with others is just not your thing.
Speaking of our beautiful community – our youth have returned from their trip to CERSI and had a fabulous
time, thanks to all of your support! They work hard to raise funds throughout the year and you all make it possible for them to do things like CERSI that gives them the opportunity to learn, grow, and make friends with other UU’s! Special shout out to the fabulous Jen Johnson for all of her terrific work with our youth program – we are so blessed to have her kindness and compassion leading the way. She’s on vacation now, but please tell her thanks the next time you see her!
In faith and with tremendous love,
Kim Collins, Lifespan Religious Educator