Exciting news! We will all begin to meet in-person for worship and Religious Education—just not in the same location. Back in April the Reopening Taskforce sent around a survey. On the basis of the information we received we got busy planning how to go about the reopening process. Parents told us that they didn’t want their children and youth to meet indoors so the RE Committee and I searched out a suitable outdoor location. We found Estancia Park at the corner of Adams and Mesa Verde West, a short distance from our OCUUC campus. It is a safe distance from the street, has picnic tables, shade, a pleasant breeze, and restrooms. Parents will need to plan a little extra time into their Sunday morning to sign children and youth in at drop-off, and get back to Estancia Park before 12:00 noon for pick-up. Children and adults will wear masks and hand sanitizer will be at the ready.
Play is our theme for June. We will discover how play connects us. On our first Sunday at the park, June 6 at 10:30 AM, will we will play community building games to help us get acquainted/reacquainted with each other. On June 13 a reptile presenter will show us some amazing animals and we can even touch and hold them! Later in the month we will celebrate Pride with rainbows, play pretend, and play with words. Just below the surface of fun that play provides, come the added benefits of creativity, expanded problem-solving skills, social, language and physical skills. I hope you will join us as we play to laugh, learn, and grow!
June 27th I will be retiring. I have had a long life-enriching career as a Director of Religious Education and as a Minister of Religious Education. I have worked with so many talented, visionary, and dedicated volunteers and have witnessed the growth, development, and spiritual maturity of countless children and youth. My spirit is full to overflowing. I want to thank you all for giving me the privilege of coming back to OCUUC as DRE for these last three plus years. I will continue at OCUUC as a member. I’m delighted that Karen Magoon Pearson will be stepping back into the DRE position!
With love and gratitude,
Rev. Judy, DRE
Rev. Judy Tomlinson was Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's Director of Religious Education from 2018 through 2021.