December, 2003

From the Desk of the DRE

Can you believe that December is here already? Yes, the days are definitely getting shorter, and the air is decidedly nippy; we’re headed into winter. As close to it as we get in this corner of the world, at least. With winter’s arrival, though, comes more than just long, chilly nights—it brings also the promise of spring to come, as celebrated at this time of year in many of the world’s traditions.

Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, Divali, Kwanzaa—all celebrate, in their own ways, the return of light and hope in the dead of winter, and all are times when families come together to remember and celebrate the things that are truly important. In just a few weeks, I’ll be flying to Georgia to spend Christmas with my own family. In the meantime, though, I’ve got a lot to accomplish before I get on that airplane, and I’m feeling a little frazzled already. No time to waste—I’d better keep busy!

I’m reminded of one of my favorite Christmas stories, Befana who visits every home to bring gifts and candy to the children, only she arrives not on Christmas eve, but on the eve of Epiphany, the celebration of the arrival of the three Wise Men in Bethlehem.

Befana, the legend tells us, was an old woman even two thousand years ago. She happened to meet the Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem, and they told her about the child who had been born, and invited her to travel with them to see him. But Befana was busy cleaning and sweeping her home, so they went on their way without her. Before long, however, Befana changed her mind, and she set out to follow them, hoping to catch up in time to see the child. But Befana never found them, and to this day she travels the world looking in every home for the Christ child, leaving gifts for all the children she encounters, recognizing (so I like to think) the spark of divinity in every one of them.

There are many things about Befana’s story that I enjoy, but the message that strikes me most deeply is this: don’t become so absorbed with little things that you miss out on the big ones! May we all, as we make our way through December, be mindful of the true spirit of the season: celebrating life and living, light and laughter, as one family. Happy Holidays.

-- Catherine Farmer

 

All Children, of All Ages, Welcome to Join New Choir

Our Sunday services are beautifully complemented by music, including Louis Durra on piano and organ, Steve Wight’s adult choir, and accomplished visiting singers and instrumentalists. Soon to be added to the mix will be a children’s choir drawn from the congregation, directed by member (and alto in the adult choir) Judy Schonebaum.

We’ve had a children’s choir before, but not lately. Judy has been working to reorganize such an ensemble since September, and hopes to schedule a first appearance before the end of the year (before the children’s story at a Sunday service and/or at a seasonal event in December).

Judy began attending our church services more than 10 years ago and has been a member for many years. Her 15-year-old daughter, Hannah, has grown up in the RE program and credits her time here with helping her become a well-rounded young adult. Judy brings musical training, experience, and a passionate interest in the arts to the new children’s choir, promising to grow an ensemble that will enrich the children’s lives, provide a vehicle for them to become better known in the adult congregation, and affirm RE principles including this year’s theme, “the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” Judy knows in her bones that music can accomplish these things.

The children’s choir rehearses between the two services, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on the second, third, and fourth Sundays of every month, upstairs in Room 4. Seven children from 6 to 12 have begun learning several songs, and all are welcome to join at any time.

Previous training in music is not required. Repertoire is open to suggestions from people of all ages, especially those handed down in one’s family or heritage. The children will learn musical techniques, such as rhythm, vocal development and elementary harmony.

The new children’s choir promises to be a place to “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. . . .”

-- Rob Briner

RE Updates

Council meeting update
The first meeting with Catherine Farmer, DRE, was held November 6. In attendance were Cathie Gentile for social justice, Karen Patch for youth programs, Beth Rendeiro for OWL, Alicia Van Ooyen for curriculum , and Wendy Salz Johnston as RE Council chair. Lisa Stewart, formerly the Events Committee chair was added to the council. The council, with Catherine Farmer, aims to fill the second seat by the next meeting. We also need chair for both the Worship Committee and Events Committee. A motion was passed unanimously to hold open RE Council meetings. Since the council meetings will be held at members’ homes, we would appreciate anyone interested in attending RSVP to the meeting host. If there is an agenda item requested, please send an email or call the chair of the RE Council, Wendy Salz Johnston.

The next RE Council meeting will be held Wednesday, December 10, 7:30 p.m., at the home of Beth Rendeiro. Please contact Beth to RSVP.

Work in progress
• Drafting a policy for acceptance of volunteers.
• Improving the visibility of the RE program— involving and engaging the congregation with RE to benefit the church as a whole as well as each individual participant.
• Adding a new class at 11 a.m.—6th and 7th graders to be combined only at 11 a.m. and Way Cool curriculum be expanding to include this new age group.

Way Cool Sunday School
December 21 is the Social Justice Sunday. Children in both services will go caroling to nearby senior citizen and nursing residences. Please bring scarves and mittens to create that chilly winter effect. Permission slips must be signed and returned to the RE office. Time of departure and places to go will be sent to each RE family separately.

Head Start Gift Donations and Cookie Bake
Saturday, December 6, is the Cookie Bake. Sunday, December 7, is the last day to bring your unisex toy. Our COA and YRUU kids will wrap them this morning. Remember, we need at least 36 gifts that are new and unopened to give to our favorite holiday recipients. Make sure your toy is part of our RE gift.

Want to get involved in RE? Contact Catherine Farmer or Wendy Salz Johnston.

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November, 2003

From the Desk of the DRE

Where does religious education happen?

I’ve been thinking a lot in the past few weeks about what RE is, but have gravitated towards thinking about it in terms of place, perhaps understandable, given my recent move. So what can thinking about where RE happens tell us about what it is?

The easy answer is that religious education happens on Sunday morning in our classrooms. It happens when we gather our children and youth together in groups to learn about our faith and its history and about the world’s faith traditions, and it happens when we ask our kids to think for themselves and figure out how to find meaning in the world and in their lives. It happens when we lead our kids in creating caring communities right there in their classrooms, and it happens when we bring them together on Worship Sundays to celebrate “being you and being UU,” and on Social Justice Sundays when we work together to make the world a better place.

That’s not all that RE is, though. Religious education includes everything we do at church. Among religious educators, we say that there are three kinds of curricula: explicit curricula (traditional-looking lessons, etc.), implicit curricula (the things we see and hear around us), and null curricula (the things we don’t see because they are missing). Learning doesn’t stop when class is over — our kids and youth are learning about being UU and about our community when they see how the adults interact at coffee hour, when an adult who isn’t their RE teacher greets them by name, or doesn’t, when they see how kids and youth are incorporated into the full life of the congregation, and so forth. The rest of us learn from those things too. But does religious education stop when we leave the church a week (if we assume perfect kids and youth a grounding in what it means to be UU? Is it enough time to teach them to think for themselves, to respect all people, and to take action to make the world a better place?

Of course not. Parents, you are the primary religious educators in your children’s lives. They watch what you say and what you do — how are you living your own UU faith. What are the things that you’re already doing to reinforce what we do on Sunday mornings? What more could you do? And what can we do to support you in this role? Remember, friends, that ours is not just a Sunday religion. Everything we do is religious, and is educational. We are all religious educators.

— Catherine Farmer

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October, 2003

From the Desk of the DRE

As I write, I have not yet officially joined you, though I am with you in spirit already – my thoughts fly to the weeks ahead, when I’ll arrive and begin settling into the year, into the position. I’ve taken a break from the half-hearted packing I’ve begun (I can’t stand the process of moving, though I enjoy having moved once it’s all over) and have sat down to try and figure out what I can share that will express how I feel about joining you as your new DRE.

We have much to celebrate together in the coming year. So let’s shout it to the rafters, sing out in praise, tell the world our story – we, here together, today and every day, are celebrating being human, celebrating being alive, celebrating the ongoing struggle to be ever more human, ever more alive. Unitarian Universalism is at heart a lived faith; if we could teach our children nothing else, we would still accomplish something vital if we convinced them that what matters even more than what we believe is how we believe. It’s not enough just to say all the right words; how have you lived your faith today?

In the children’s RE program, we feel that those seven UU Principles provide an essential framework for all that we do as Unitarian Universalists, and so our focus for this year is the first principle, affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Yes, for the entire year. There is much to explore in this one statement of principle, and I invite every one of you to join our children and youth in grappling with it this year – if I truly affirm that first principle, what are its implications for how I respond to the guy who honked at me today because I hadn’t noticed that the light was green, and the woman I have to deal with tomorrow who’s just aggravating the heck out of me, and the person who said something to me last week that really hurt my feelings? How does it inform how we encounter one another in committee meetings, RE classes, coffee hour, walking down the street? Truly, being UU is something very special, and I cannot wait to join this community in developing ever more effective ways of living our UU faith together.

Audre Lorde wrote, “Tomorrow belongs to those of us who conceive of it as belonging to everyone; who lend the best of ourselves to it, and with joy.” It is with great joy that I arrive in your midst, ready to walk with you through the days ahead. We have much to celebrate together.

— Catherine Farmer

 

It's Not Too Late to Teach RE

Our religious exploration program thrives on the fact that the entire congregation not only believes in it, but also shows support. We have a great curriculum for this year and a great new DRE. We still have room for teachers — from Pre-K to seventh grade at 9 a.m. and for YRUU at 11 a.m. Contact Wendy Salz Johnston or Catherine Farmer or RE@uusm.org.

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September, 2003

Catherine Farmer is Our New Religious Education Director

Catherine Farmer, from the UU Church in Riverside, has been named our new director of religious education (DRE). A near-lifelong UU, Catherine originally comes from Ohio. “Both children’s RE and YRUU involvement played vital roles in my own growth and development,” says Catherine.
Catherine came to Southern California to attend Pomona College in Claremont, where she received a BA in history with many courses relating directly to her interest in religious education. She then worked closely with Greg Stewart at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena for several years helping make the Way Cool Sunday School format a success in that congregation.

From there, Catherine was hired as director of religious education for the UU church in Riverside where she has served full time for the last couple of years. “Religious education is the focus of my life’s work,” she says.

“My goal is to serve a congregation that is interested in developing its educational ministry in a sustained relationship with a settled professional.” As part of her commitment to religious education, Catherine plans to become a credentialed director of religious education through a new program offered by the UUA. This last year, she has been a consultant to our RE program in reviewing our curriculum and led the volunteer training session on August 23.

“We were very impressed by Catherine. She was articulate, passionate and experienced. She stood out as the best fit with our congregation, the RE program and its goals, “said Karen Patch, chair of the search committee for a new director of religious education. Other members of the search committee were Diane Fletcher-Hoppe, Janet Goodwin, Victor Paddock, and Karen Raiford. The Rev. Judith Meyer adds: “I expect to enjoy working with Catherine as a colleague and hope to learn from her how better to minister to our children and families. She has a lot to offer.”

-- Karen Patch

UU Teens Have Programs from 8th to 12th Grade

Our lively youth program is ready to start another fun year. At 9 a.m. will be the coming of age program for 8th graders. This class will prepare for the coming of age service at the end of the year.

For teens in 9th through 12th grade, there is YRUU at 11 a.m. This youth empowered group (with adult advisors) plans ways to put their UU faith into action.

For both groups, we plan to continue our tradition of monthly social activities. Last year we went miniature golfing, rock climbing, ice skating, bowling, played laser tag, plus had a couple of lock ins. For more information contact the Youth Activities Committee (YAC) chair, Karen Patch, or just ask one of our teens!

Our Summer DRE Tells What She Learned on Her Summer Vacation

As William Shakespeare said, “And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” Summer has ended but not without its lessons. What have I learned as the church’s summer director of religious education (DRE)? So much.

I learned that if you have water, they will come. (Our trip to Water World was a huge success.)

I learned that any obstacle, big or small, can be overcome and can also be fun.

I learned that the junk around my house (from toilet paper rolls to leftover electrical wire) can be made into a stunning piece of art.

I learned that our children are talented, generous and creative and can put on a really great show. (But, hey, I already knew that.)

I learned that the books of Dr. Seuss offer great lessons in Unitarian Universalist principles.

The summer has come and gone. I feel as if I had just started my stint as the summer DRE and now I am done. Whom to thank? So many:

The volunteers who made Way Cool Camp possible: Iris Jue, Alan Cranis, Emily Hero, Rachel Nannini, Daniel Teplitz, Sharon Voigt-Damerell, Sherry Handa, Debbie Menzies, Kris Langabeer, Joyce Holmen, Mort Postel, Linda Van Ligten, Linda Marten, Diane Fletcher-Hoppe, Karl Hoppe, Colette Fletcher-Hoppe, Jeff Greenman, Kerry Thorne, Dorothy Steinicke, Beverly Alison, Phyllis Kory, Caroline Falk, Martha Bonner, Pam Teplitz, Amelia Harati and Tom Ahern. Your support created an atmosphere of love and learning. Our children have learned that church is indeed a special place.

The teachers who took on “Summer of Seuss”: Tom Kafka, Ann Hanson, Lyn Armondo, Peggy Kharraz, Nancy Gershwin, Kit Shaw, Cathie Gentile, Ruth Harper, Anne Gustafson, Karl Lisovsky, Janet Goodwin, Anna Silver, Pat Gomez, Cindy Amer, Michelle Levesque, Julie Millett, and Michael Branton. Our preschoolers and kindergartners had a special time and place to really call their own.

Karen Patch and Jana Poirier for sitting in as DRE for the day.

The staff of our church: Marie Kashmer-Stiebing, Steven Andrew, Peggy Butler, and Jose Ruvalcaba. You all made my job so much easier.

The Rev. Judith Meyer for believing in me.

And finally, a huge thanks to the children and our YRUU group. You remind me why I love this church so much. I love you all.

Okay, since I love quotes so much I’ll end with one now from Josh Billings: “To bring a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.” It’s been a great trip.

-- Liza Cranis

Check Out the Way Cool Sunday School Pictures!

They're located upstairs next to the DRE office.

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Way Cool Camp July Schedule is Set; More Help Can Be Used

Way Cool Camp is coming July 6. Every Sunday in the months of July and August religious education for children first grade and up will be held outside in the 17th Street yard. Many outdoor activities have been planned as a nice change of pace from the classroom setting.

Preschool and kindergarten children will meet upstairs in the mural room for a “Summer of Seuss,” a curriculum using the books of Dr. Seuss, as well as activities and crafts.

Here’s the July Way Cool Camp schedule. The first listing is for grades 1 and up, and the second listing is for pre-school and kindergarten (in italics):

July 6 — Game Day. 
Everyone is invited to bring their favorite board games.
"Horton Hears A Who.” Every Voice Counts, we need little people. We will play cooperative games.

July 13 — Camp Shirts “Tie Die” For. 
We’ll be tie-dyeing Way Cool Camp shirts to wear all summer long.
“Horton Hatches the Egg.” Do the job right. Plan and stick with it. We will make elephant bird eggs.

July 20 — Water World (Prepare to Get Wet). 
Water fun for everyone. Bring a towel, sunscreen and some dry clothes and shoes as we transform the yard into a water paradise. (No Super Soakers, Water Blasters or Water Guns PLEASE!) We will be taking donations or loans of any water toys or games (Slip n’ Slides, wading pools, sprinklers, water balloons.) 
“The Lorax.” The interdependent web of life. We will make a Lorax garden.

July 27 — 2003 Way Cool Summer Games. Obstacle courses and challenges will be set up, capped off with a medals ceremony. “I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today.” Know your limits, don’t bite off more than you can chew. We will work on puzzles together.

Of course our summer program is only as good as our fantastic volunteers and we need you to make it all happen. All we need is a commitment of an hour and a half on one Sunday during the summer. You can act as head or assistant counselor for Way Cool Camp or lead or assistant for Summer of Seuss. Please contact the summer DRE, Liza Cranis. Let’s show our kids that making a spiritual journey on Sundays can also be a fun trip.

Peace!
Liza, Your Summer DRE

A Search Committee Has Been Formed

The Board of Directors has appointed a committee to search for a new director of religious education. Members are Karen Patch, chair, Diane Fletcher-Hoppe, Janet Goodwin, Victor Paddock, and Karen Raiford. They began work June 7.

Message from the Personnel Committee

As part of our child safety program that the committee is developing, church staff will be screened with background checks and religious education program volunteers must have been members of our congregation for six months before serving with the children.

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June, 2003

Liza Cranis Talks About the Summer RE Program

Fun and surprises await the boys and girls attending our RE program this summer. “It’s still in the planning stages,” says Liza Cranis, member of the RE committee. “But I can say that it will be fun and a nice break from the regular routine of Sundays during the year.”

More details will be available later in the order of service, in postings around the church, and online at the church’s website.

Liza and her husband, Alan, have been members of our church for nearly 11 years. “After we got married (by a UU minister) we explored other UU churches. None felt right until we walked into this church. We knew we were home.”

Liza became involved with the RE program about nine years ago, teaching SuperFriends. Later she became the team leader and then a member of the RE committee. Recently she hosted the Disco Bingo in Forbes Hall for the events committee.

“Being involved with RE has been a real joy in my life. It has allowed me to make friendships with other parents, and especially with the kids. The kids are the main reason I’m involved. To me, they’re the future of this church.

“Since I’ve had my son it has even deeper importance to me, because I so want him to have roots with this church. I have seen children come up through the ranks of their classes and develop into wonderful, thoughtful, loving children, with open and questioning minds. I’d say that our program here has been very successful because we’re all so passionate and caring about one another and our children. For me and my family, RE has meant that we are home and that our family has grown to over 400 people.”

Liza’s husband, Alan, is a school administrator for California Graduate Institute, and Liza herself is preparing to enter the education field. Now working as an entertainment publicist for celebrities and restaurants, she’s leaving this month to pursue her dream of being a high school English/reading teacher. “It’ll be a long road ahead, I’ll be taking a huge pay cut – basically no money – but the rewards are endless.”

Meantime, she’ll continue to be involved with our RE program, which still needs volunteers interested in teaching just “one fun class” this summer. For more information, call Liza or e-mail her.

-- Paula Bernstein

Did You Know Our Youth Have an Active Program?

It’s no secret that our youth are great, but did you know we have a very active program for our teens, grades 8 to 12? Under the guidance of the Youth Activities Committee (YAC), we have our Coming of Age program at 9 a.m. for the 8th graders and YRUU program at 11 a.m. for high school students. Along with this we have monthly fun events to give the teens a chance to just hang out together.

This year we've done midnight bowling, ice skating, miniature golfing, rock climbing, an overnight lock-in, and laser tag, plus more planned for the future. All events are chaperoned by wonderful (non-parent) adults (a.k.a., our youth groupies).

If you'd like more information, have a sleeping teen at home, or want to help out, feel free to contact YAC chair Karen Patch, or just ask one of our teens or their parents. We're having a great time and wanted you all to know about it.