Embracing Change
Fall is a time of change for most American children. Moving up a grade can be a challenge and can be fraught with a mix of excitement and anxiety. AT OCUUC we hope to help our children with transitions in their Sunday classes, and to create a warm caring environment for them to feel safe as they explore new UU territories with their classmates.
We have had a wonderful changes in the past year in our program. We have steadily increased our registration for church school thanks to hard work and planning by our volunteers and staff. Close to 30 children and youth attend our Sunday program on a regular basis. It is a thrill to see their enthusiasm and excitement as they participate. We have a team of dedicated volunteer teachers and coordinators who make it all happen. Our Religious Education for Children and Youth Committee (RECY) plans with the Director of Religious Education for our classroom activities and programs, with support from our minister, church administrator, Worship Committee and Director of Music ministries. Our parents and church members volunteer to make it all happen, and bring their suggestions and ideas to the community along with their caring and creativity.
With this dynamism and growth does come change. As planners for this religious community, it is our job to find, to listen for, and to evaluate and implement new ideas. It is then our responsibility to make these changes. This can mean streamlining some procedures or trying a new idea. Change can be a challenge, but it also can be exciting and dynamic. As one browses through our curricula dating back over 50 years, it is clear that change is vital! And young or old, change will find us. Embracing the new can bring vitality and energy to our lives.
I was able to attend one transitional event this month, a big change for one person and our Pacific Southwest District, that made me so proud to be a Unitarian Universalist. It was Rev. Tera Little’s ordination at the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles. The religious educators and the ministers, along with all guests and visitors, processed around the block of 8th Street, singing and waving celebratory wands. It was wonderful and invigorating. It was a true gift to see our Rev. Tera’s hard work and dedication rewarded at this loving event. A big congratulations to you, Rev. Tera
In Gratitude~~
Rayna Hamre, OCUUC Director of Religious Education
Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
