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A Note from Bonnie
Summer RE

This is the second year that Eliot Chapel will be offering a Religious Education program for children in the summer. Attendance at summer services is up, and RE attendance last summer was very good. There were Sundays when we had thirty children here, so we wanted to be sure to offer a quality program.

This does represent a shift in expectations from church. In the old days, families went on vacation, went to summer homes, or simply didn't come to church for a while. Some people decided that they didn't want to come if the ministers weren't presenting the service. As a result, the church didn't offer programming for children, and the pattern of non-attendance was reinforced.

But newer families haven't had this experience of church "slow-down" in the summer, and don't see why they should want less inspiration for themselves for community for their children just because it's summertime. We've experienced high quality summer services, even if the ministers aren't leading them. And while numbers are certainly smaller, there are always kids here ready to have fun and learn a little something along the way.

Our "World Traveler" summer RE program this year will give children a chance to talk with Eliot adults who have traveled about the world and are knowledgeable about other countries. Children will get a sense of diversity in our world, and will meet more Eliot folks. Meanwhile, a member of our Religious Education Council, who is familiar with our Eliot children and families, will always be present too.

We do have different expectations of church community these days. Maybe its because we choose positive experiences for ourselves and our families, rather than feeling "obligated" to attend church. I hope Eliot will be part of your summer activities.

Happy summer!
Rev. Bonnie

Summer RE Calendar

Summer RE Classes

Families who are planning to attend Eliot Chapel Summer Services (one 10:00 a.m. service each Sunday) need to be sure to register any children who will be attending the Summer RE classes. Yellow registration forms are available in Joan Casey's office, the sanctuary foyer, and Visitor's Corner. There will be a childcare class open for children under 5 years old and a multi-age class for children Kindergarten through 5th grade. Older children and youth attend the adult service with their parents.

The theme for the RE class is World Traveler. Children will explore other cultures, gaining an understanding of how each individual is important (Principle 1) and how we're all interconnected (Principle 7).

Here's what the summer calendar looks like and the countries we'll be visiting:

• June 20 - Intergenerational Father's Day service, preschool care only
• June 27 - we'll make our passports and have an overview of the summer
• July 4 - Independence Day holiday, preschool care only
• July 11 - Italy with Adrienne Linden
• July 18 - India with Beth Rossow
• July 25 - Romania with the Partner Church Committee
• August 1 - Kenya with Maryann & Rick Mace
• August 8 - Mexico with Luis Ortiz
• August 15 - Japan with Sue Videen
• August 22 - Russia with Lisa Dahlgren & David Maguire
• August 29 - China with Anne Meneely
• September 5 - Labor Day holiday, preschool care only

Catch the RE Fever

Before we break for summer, I'd like to make one last request for teachers for 2004-2005. Please give me & the rest of the RE Council a peaceful summer knowing that we've filled every slot for the coming year!

• 9:15
  • Fall Semester ALL SLOTS FILLED!
  • Spring Semester (February 6 - June 12)
    • 5 Intermediate teachers
    • 2 PreK teachers
    • 1 2nd/3rd grade teacher
• 10:45
  • Fall Semester (September 12 - January 30)
    • 1 PreK teacher
  • Spring Semester (February 6 - June 12)
    • 2 Intermediate teachers
    • 1 PreK teacher
    • 5 K/1st grade teachers
    • 3 2nd/3rd grade teachers
    • 5 4th/5th grade teachers

Please call (314-821-0911) or email ( ) me today!

And for those of you who have already signed up - a hearty thank you!

Thanks,
Joan

Spring RE Teachers

Thanks to all the wonderful spring teachers & youth helpers ~ Lisa Alton, Rudy Anderson, Lisa Beck, Christy Berger, Ted Berger, Barbara Bleisch, Angie & Chris Bowland, Catherine Burgess, Barb Crowley, Geeta Davidson, Denise DeGhelder, Peggy Devoy, Mary Dingus, Don Drissell, Betsy Fallstrom, Debbie Fechter, Colleen Feulner, Kim Fitzgerald, Donna Fox, Julia Freeman, Teresa Gerber, Ben Gleason, Janet Gleason, Cindy Haynes, Katy Henry, Adine Hickey, Robin Horning,Tracey Howe-Koch, Jim Hunstein, Sue Kaiser, Andrea Kipp, Kevin Long, Jim & Shawna Lyonfields, Susan Maginn, Alison Markenson, Jessica Mehta, Catherine Meihaus, Marlene Mestres, Kevin Mitchell, Michelle Moller, Kevin Moore, Carol Moreland, Lynn Murphy, Denise Mussman, Diana Ortiz, Jean Pollard, Renae Quinn, Jane Pack, Sue Pritchett, Emily Rapp, Gary & Becky Rauvola,Teresa Reeves, Natalie Rekittke, Gina Rubright, Katherine Sedovic, Brian Seltzer, Dale Smith, Tracy Turner-Bumberry, Susan Vent, Dianne Wagner, Lisa Waldman, Brian Ward, Lisa Ward, & LK Wilhelms.

For a list that includes our youth helpers under 18 years of age, please pick up a copy of REjuvenation! at Eliot Chapel.

Don't forget to get your Summer Camp registration forms in as soon as possible, but no later than June 30!

We will be focusing on Islam this summer. We expect to have lots of fun and fellowship while we hear stories, sing songs, and learn more about a faith much in the news lately. Summer Camp is August 2 - 6 and is geared for children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. We hope to see you there!

REcruitment Choir Thanks

The Teacher Support Committee wants to thank our fabulous REcruitment Choir for helping to recruit our 2004-2005 teachers. Special thanks go to Jim Hunstein, our lyricist, Debbie Fechter, for speaking AND singing during the announcements, & Allison Hendrix, the pianist. Besides Jim & Debbie, members of the choir included: Geeta Davidson, Dave Day,Tim Gardner, Steve Lawrence, Marilyn Maguire, Carol Moreland, Jeff Pack, Julie Procter, & LK Wilhelms. Thanks! For a list that includes our children who sang, please pick up a copy of REjuvenation! at Eliot Chapel.

For Father's Day

For our Father's Day Intergenerational service, we will celebrate our fathers/ father figures together. Please bring something that reminds you of your father to add to our tribute table during the service. You may wish to say a few words about your father or offer it in silent tribute. You will collect the item at the end of the service.

If you have any questions about the service, please contact Joan Casey for clarification.

Raising a UU Child

Raising a UU Child will break for the summer & start up again in September.

Did You Know...

...that Lisa Dahlgren is putting together some service activities combined with fun for families to participate in this summer? Lisa will provide details, including dates and times, in the next Eliot newsletter, so be sure to stay tuned for these exciting opportunities to put your faith into action by doing good works in our community!

For More News...

To find out who had a new baby, or which of our kids celebrate birthdays in June and July, or to find out about our new families, be sure to pick up a copy of REjuvenation! when you next visit Eliot.

This newsletter is a product of the Eliot Chapel Religious Education Department. Please direct any articles, comments, or questions to Joan Casey (Religious Education Director) at 314-821-0911 or at . An article must be submitted no later than the 20th of each month to ensure it appearing in the next issue.

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