Because of temporary space restrictions, our youth R E classes will be combined during July and August for enjoyable summer activities. We will be honoring the UU Seventh Principle, "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." We will be exploring our environment and Becoming Friends with the Earth. (We will be using a guide from the Institute for Peace and Justice as well as UU Faithworks.) There will be games, crafts, activities, stories and field trips around our Fellowship. So come join us for fun in the sun!

July 2 - See the Faces of the Earth. We will discuss various "faces" of the earth, such as sunrise and sunset. Preschool youth will draw, while middle and high-school youth take photographs of the earth around the UFL. (NOTE: Parents of middle or high-school youth, please send one-use cameras or cameras your child can use in class). We will be displaying the photos for public viewing.

July 9 - My Favorite Tree. We will identify trees, flowers and other plants found around the fellowship. We will also discuss our favorite trees and plants and our favorite tree products such as maple, syrup, apples and nuts. Seeds will be planted for indoor enjoyment.

July 16 - Communicating With the Earth. We will discuss where our special places are that make us feel close to nature. Can you visit regularly? Do you see different species there and what have you learned from them?

July 23 - Touching and Apologizing to the Earth. Do you have a garden? Do you get to hike or go on nature walks? Could we make a nature walk or meditative garden at the UFL? What are the ways we hurt the earth and how can we apologize? Youth will decorate and distribute recycling bins for the UFL.

July 30 - The Earth and Eating. How about having a picnic with the earth, this would be a time when you would just enjoy and communicate with the earth. Where would be some good places for you to have these picnics? What foods would you bring on your picnic? We will share fruit and bread, a gift from the earth and from class. The adults are welcome to join us.

If adults are interested in the Seven Principles and what they can do to put them into action, we will provide discussion points and activities.

Are you interested in a Green Sanctuary, the UUA program of planting 10 trees, or developing a meditation area on our grounds? Just sign up with Sheila or Jessica and we'll do the rest.

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Here is a list of books that illustrate the fourth UU principle, A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Enjoy them with some children you know!

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Dear Members, Friends, and Newcomers:

This morning my head is spinning at the opportunities and challenges that face the UFL’s Religious Education Department. I’m so excited to be leading us into new areas of education, discussion and worship. I want to send special thanks to Jessica Noble and the RE Committee for all their hard work in getting us to this point. As you know, we have more youth attending Religious Education than ever. We expect those numbers to increase as the UFL continues to grow.

Even as I write this letter, the UFL Board of Directors is busy collecting information for additional space for our growing RE Department. At this time, I don’t know what the outcome will be, but our RE Committee is excited about the possibility of creating age-appropriate classes for our youth. We are dedicated to helping further their growth in personal religious philosophy.

We are faced with the challenges of finding Religious Education teachers and volunteers, creating a Sunday morning family worship, and expanding our adult education program. For the first time in the Fellowship’s history, we may be able to have a nursery and will need to find personnel to operate it.

The RE Committee will be working with the Worship Committee and the Music Director to present youth programs for the congregation as well as intergenerational programs.

The RE Committee will be meeting this summer to plan for the new year. I hope you will contact one of us with your suggestions and ideas. I also hope that you will volunteer to help as we continue to create a compassionate, informative and fun space for our children.

Unitarian Universalist minister Gary Smith says:

Yours in fellowship,

Sheila