LREflections May, 2008

     First of all, a special thank you to all the children, youth and adults who participated the April intergenerational Earth Day service.  Nancy S. did an excellent job directing the children’s play.  I enjoyed working with Nancy, Susan W., and music director, Ann H. to craft the service.  This service is an example of the wonderful things we can accomplish when we work together.

     On May 18, we celebrate the accomplishments of UUFVB’s Lifespan Religious Education ministry at our annual LRE Sunday Service.  We have had a very productive year, starting with Culture Camp in August, followed by the birth of our M&M youth group, under the guidance of Celeste D., the rebuilding of the Adult LRE committee under the leadership of Rosie M., the launch of Adult OWL which continues through June, and the addition of a monthly “LRE Gathering” to strengthen our community.  Participants at the Gathering share a meal before going to their various meetings on the 3rd Wed. of the month.  We have experienced growth and change during this LRE year.  We have made progress in some areas, and need to improve others.

     One area in need of improvement is providing a vision for LRE programs for children and youth.  It is the congregation and lay leadership who provide the vision.  You tell me your goals, and I’ll work with the committee to get the job done!  My job depends on the guidance of the Children & Youth LRE Committee.  The Children &Youth LRE Committee hasn’t met in two months for a variety of reasons.  This makes it challenging to plan for the new LRE year.

A few questions to consider:

• How do we re-energize the Children & Youth LRE Committee?
• What are your goals and aspirations for youth programming?
• How do you define spiritual growth and learning?
• What experiences to promote spiritual growth and learning do you want to see available to families that walk through our doors?
• What can we do to be more welcoming to families with youth?
• In what ways do we involve our children and youth in the on-going and vital spiritual life of UUFVB?
• Do you have to have children in the program to actively support UUFVB’s ministry to youth?

     We have established successful programs for adults and the OWL program.  We can move forward and provide compelling programs for children & youth, if we work together to make it happen.  We’re in this together.  We need to talk!  I invite you to an “LRE Conversation” at 7:00 PM, Wed., May 7 after the LRE Gathering dinner (6:15 PM).  If you can’t join us, please contact me so your thoughts and suggestions are heard.

Adult Programs

     The Adult OWL program continues to meet through June. This month’s meeting is May 11, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The topic is Sexuality & Family. Learn more about Our Whole Lives from the UUA webpage available HERE. If you would like to see this Adult OWL offering repeated in the fall, please indicate your interest in the Adult LRE survey included in this month’s newsletter.

     Another outcome of the Adult LRE Survey…Enneagram!  The Enneagram of Personality Types offers a framework for understanding one’s self and others.  Join Rev. Crystal Bujol for this series of 3 workshops to attain greater self-awareness in a soul-stirring, enlightening, fun manner.  Contact Rosie M. for details.

     The Adult LRE Committee meets monthly to evaluate and plan adult faith development programs. The calendar for current programs is on our website by clicking HERE, or visit the LRE table. Visit either for the date of the next meeting. New members are welcome!

Youth Update

     This month children and youth will be preparing for LRE Sunday on May 18th.  It will be an opportunity for youth to reflect on their LRE experience this year, and thank all the facilitators who made programs possible.

     The M&Ms youth group will also focus on the environment and finalize their “Roots & Shoots” project.

     The May calendar is available on the LRE table and available on-line by clicking HERE.  It is tentative, so check the Sunday Bulletin for updates.

Claudia Jiménez
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration
(772)778-5880
dre@uufvb.org