Greetings UUCE Friends!
I hope you are doing well!
Over this past week, I’ve seen leaves changing colors and drifting slowly to the ground, signaling the coming of autumn. I’ve noticed the squirrels in my yard stowing away more of the birdseed and nuts they snatch from the feeders. My gardens and flower beds are entering the last of their blooming and food production cycles. And, like clockwork, my dog is starting to shed more than usual. It’s really kicked up over the last few days, and if I don’t keep on top of it, tumbleweeds of black lab hair will take over my home!
Change is certainly in the air. The Autumnal Equinox is just a few weeks away, and while the hot, humid weather might suggest otherwise, cooler winds will soon prevail (I hope!), ushering in all the fresh energy and transitions that the autumn season brings.
In our Religious Exploration (RE) program, we have several changes to share with you all:
- To ensure quick, easy access to a nearby restroom for our youngest group, Littles’ RE will now meet on the second floor in the space across from the Children’s Library. This move also provides a much more comfortable space, helping us avoid the heat and pest issues of the third-floor space.
- The Nest has been relocated to the back of the Sanctuary. This will allow for easier coming and going when children need to take a quick break or use the restroom. As an added benefit, this new location should help minimize any movement and extra sounds from the Nest that might make it harder for congregants to hear the service.
I am excited about the new curriculum we will pilot for the Littles’ group: “Living Our UU Values,” which is part of the Woven Faith lifespan curriculum from the UUA. The Littles’ program will kick off with the value of Interdependence and build thoughtfully from there. Overall, the curriculum centers around our updated Unitarian Universalist values—Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity—with Love at the center of it all.
I am equally excited that our Youth group will continue with their Deeper Joy role-playing game. Our youth have also expressed an interest in exploring world religions, so a portion of their RE time will be dedicated to discovering those traditions together.
Last but certainly not least, we will be expanding our adult RE offerings. These offerings were a hit last year! With Love at the Center of our entire Religious Exploration program, we can look forward to learning, reflecting, and growing both individually and as a faith community. More details about these wonderful enhancements coming soon—stay tuned!
Bright Blessings!
Michele
Help Wanted for the 2026-2027 RE Year
If you’d like to make a difference and volunteer to support Religious Exploration at UUCE, please drop me a line and let me know how you’d like to help.
You can email me at: michele.ramsey@uuce.org. I look forward to hearing from you!
***We are in need of substitute RE facilitators for our Littles and Youth classrooms. Please consider this important role and let me know if you can help.
Important Dates:
- September 20- RE Sundays, Today, class will look a bit different so be on the lookout for more information coming soon.
- September 6, 13 & 27- No RE, Families are encouraged to enjoy worship together on these Sundays. Childcare is available for children through age 9.
- As a reminder, September 13 is an Intergenerational Service- Water Communion