We’ve gathered our SOS school supplies, we are wrapping up our summer programs for children and youth, many of our adult members are heading back to school and work at our local schools and universities. Fall has arrived! Even with our hot Southern California weather, we notice that the light is changing and the days are getting shorter.
Our children and youth have had a fun and educational summer. Children in the grades K-6 program have enjoyed a curriculum based on science experiments created and organized by our own Jennifer Abt. Thanks to Jennifer for the many hours of preparation, planning and scheduling she put into this effort. Our children explored icebergs and diving bells, radish vacuums, slime and quicksand, the water cycle, rocket science and more. We had guest teachers over the summer from the congregation, and many more parent volunteers to assist. It took everyone to give our children an exciting hands-on experience of the scientific experience. Thanks to you all. Lead teachers included Jennifer Abt, Maurice Giss, Dale Osborne & Tom Hogan, Keith Jenkins, Gabrielle Block, Jonathan Pearson Magoon, Jacques Kilchoer and Mary Lundholm.
Merrie Lee Wooten took our grades 7-12 youth on field trips and brought in guest speakers that allowed them to experience other faiths. Kudos to our talented youth and Merrie Lee for the full service they put on exploring our seven principals and giving us a glimpse at the church of the future. They did a beautiful job and we are proud of them.
We also thank Summer al-Bayati for her transition work with our youth this spring and summer. Her years of service as Youth Advisor are greatly appreciated.
I look forward to an exciting fall in our Religious Education program. We have many talented people who are here for our youth and children. More teachers would be welcome to the program. You are not asked to teach every Sunday, so you will always have some open Sundays to attend the adult service. If you are interested in getting involved with our wonderful young people, please contact me for more information.
In Gratitude-
Rayna Hamre