June DRE Report
June is the time of year to extend thank-yous to the many people who make our OCUUC Religious Education program vibrant and exciting for our youngest UUs. It takes many people to provide our Sunday RE classes and other activities throughout the year, and 2010-2011 was very busy.
Our social justice work took some of our youth and chaperons to San Francisco for the April Faithful Fools Street Retreat. We had other opportunities for families to have hands-on work with Big Sunday and Second Harvest. These activities required planners, coordinators, and chaperons.
We had four classes that required teaching teams that served throughout the regular school year. Our volunteer teachers and assistants planned lessons, read stories, assisted with art projects, set up and cleaned up classrooms, and served snacks. Our dedicated core group of teachers do this many Sundays out of the year, missing the adult service to spend time with our children and assist the larger community. We have assistant teachers who help when they can and step in to give our regular teachers a break. All of these people help to make our Sunday program strong and growing.
We had volunteers who assisted with special activities like our third Friday youth movie night, field trips, Time for All Ages and our first Sunday program. They stepped up when needed and so our children could experience the extra events that make our program interesting and varied.
Our minister, Rev. Karen, our Religious Education for Children and Youth (RECY) Committee and Chair (Merrie Lee Wooten) provided structure and leadership for our program. They made decisions, provided short and long-term planning, voiced concerns and provided encouragement. Their contributions were vital to the success of the OCUUC Religious Education program this year. The chair of the Worship Committee, Jason Cook, and our intern minister Patrick McLaughlin, collaborated with the DRE, sharing their time and talents for the intergenerational services in fall and spring.
As I complete my first year as Director of Religious Education at OCUUC, I am very proud to have worked with such a wonderful team of people. Our UU young people and the caring adults I am privileged to serve make my job a joy. I encourage everyone to take at least one Sunday and work in our program this summer or next year. I guarantee, you will get back more than you give.
In Gratitude,
Rayna Hamre
OCUUC Director of Religious Education
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