NEW UPDATES We are excited to welcome your family into our virtual religious education program this fall! Please read about the plan for each age group below and, if you haven’t already, click here to fill out the RE Registration Form. 

• Preschool-5^th grade RE (11:15am-12pm most Sundays): Students and their parents will gather 11:15-11:30am for Family Chapel Time. Then Kindergarten-2^nd grade and 3^rd-5^th grade students will break into separate rooms (without parents) for check-in, activities and games. Preschoolers (with their parents) can join the K-2^nd grade group.
• 6^th-9^th grade RE (two-hour sessions, every other week): We are thrilled to offer a roleplaying experience this fall for these ages. Dungeons and Dragons might be best summed up as “collaborative storytelling.” No experience is necessary.
• 10^th-12^th grade RE: The leaders of this age group work with those registered, to create together their schedule and decide on topics to be covered throughout the year.

The Interim Ministry Team is delighted to announce that Jennifer Swick’s position is no longer acting. She is now your Director of Family Ministries! Jennifer’s approach to the faith formation of our young people is creative and heart-filled. She supports UUCM’s families and teachers with care and attention. Jennifer is a joy to work with, and this shift will provide continuity for UUCM and its new minister. Jennifer had this to say about the news:

“I am thrilled to hear this decision! From early on in my time at UUCM, I have felt a deep affection for the community and a strong passion for the work. My opportunity to do Family Ministry at UUCM is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I eagerly look forward to our continued work, nurturing faith and developing the ministry together.”

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer and offering gratitude for everyone who brings such love and commitment to our children and youth.

UUCM seeks to support families during this time of staying home. Check out these links and resources for ideas and activities to help your family weather the quarantine, and know that you are not alone. 

Zentangle Coloring Pages: Generously shared by UU Rev. Cynthia Landrum, on her Facebook page.

Soul Matters Family Resource, Creating Sabbath Space – Week One: “In times of trouble, be extra sure to keep the Sabbath.” In other words, “Be sure to set aside time and a space for worship, rest and connection.” Simply put, that’s what this resource is all about. We (the Soul Matters team) want to help families carve out “sabbath space” in their homes and weekly schedules. We want to honor ancient spiritual wisdom that says worship, rest and connection are a must, not “extras” to be fit as we can. Especially during trying times.

Here are the other weeks, plus a special packet on grief:
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five Continue reading →

Last weekend, 9 (of 11) seventh and eighth grade Coming of Age students gathered for an overnight retreat at camp Tanadoona in Excelsior. Six Mentors joined in for the afternoon of mixer games, sledding, 9 Square and deep conversations about faith. Many thanks to the co-leaders of the event: Julia Antonsen, Jeff Greenwood and Marie Calabria. And thanks to the youth- a truly remarkable (and fun!) group of young people.

We’re hoping to grow the team by 2-3 people over the next few months. We meet 6:30-8pm on the 2nd Tues. of the month to evaluate the ministry and vision for the future. Come to a meeting or two, to see if it’s a good fit for you. Contact Jennifer at dre@uucmtka.org with any questions.