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REjuvenation!
Religious Education News - October 2004
REjuvenation! ArchivesA Note from Bonnie
Family Support and Outreach
You may (or may not) be aware that we're structuring our Religious Education program a little differently these days. We have teams focused around specific aspects of our program, working to offer support in various areas. One of these teams is the Family Support and Outreach Committee.
This group, as all our Religious Education groups, is filled with people who are actively involved in family life themselves. They try to think about what Eliot can do that would support families - especially, of course, in their religious lives. The Family Potluck we held last year, and again in September, seemed to be a great way to get families interacting, as well as to have an opportunity to answer parents' questions about the RE program. The group is also thinking of ways to welcome new babies into our congregation, and possibly a plan for a "Family Spiritual Retreat" to be held in the winter. They're developing a book resource list, to help parents talk about various religious topics. And of course, Eliot has the Parenting discussion group that meets about once a month, and a Friday morning playgroup. So many of us grew up either in a much more conservative religious climate or without a religion at all. As parents, we often feel lost when it comes to how to "do religion" as a liberal religious family. Here are a few things to consider:
- Wondering: Take some time regularly to listen to your children's wondering about why things are or where they came from. Be sure to share your perspective, not as someone who knows more, but as a fellow-wonderer. Be sure they have time to share their thoughts-children often take a long time to express themselves around these "wonderings."
- Creativity and Beauty: Pay attention to their creative energy, and your own. Find out what they think is "beautiful," in art, music, cooking, nature, literature, etc.
- Awareness: Talk with them about how other people live in the world. There are many differences to be appreciated. There are also many injustices to understand.
- Social Action: Do some social action, no matter how small, as regularly as you can. Eliot offers some opportunities. It can be as easy as picking up litter on a regular walk. Find something to do together to act on your concern for the world.
We invite you to participate in the many family activities at Eliot. For more information on the Family Support and Outreach Committee, contact Tracey Howe-Koch, chair of the committee.
Faithfully,
Bonnie
October RE Calendar
| October 3, Sunday |
Both services Children K-5th grade begin in service for first 15 minutes, then attend class as usual 10:45 am Adult GATE partners in class, followed by lunch together and CROP walk at 1:00 pm 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| October 8, Friday | 9:30-11:00am Playgroup meets in the nursery (See article) |
| October 10, Sunday | Both services Children K-3rd begin their morning in Children's Chapel/Children 4th-5th end their morning in Children's Chapel RE Classes as usual 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| October 17, Sunday | 8:30 am Teacher Planning Coffees in room 001; childcare in room 002 RE classes & Children's Chapel as usual 10:00 am Teacher Planning Coffees in room 001; childcare in room 002 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| October 24, Sunday |
RE classes & Children's Chapel as usual 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| October 29, Friday | 6:30 - 8:30 pm Secret Pals Party |
| October 31, Sunday | RE classes & Children's Chapel as usual 10:45 am Adult GATE partners in class 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
Secret Pals
Congratulations on being a Secret Pal - whether you're an adult or the child. What a great opportunity for you to discover things about a new person at Eliot - or maybe someone you already know!
Adult Secret Pals - Remember to contact your child often, whether by mail, email, dropping things off at his/her house, and, of course, by leaving something at the Secret Pals table each and every Sunday. Include hints about yourself as the weeks go by, so that your child can have fun guessing who you might be. You and your Pal will want to discuss how you will dress for the party - coming in costume (it could be something as simple as a special shirt) is always fun for the kids.
Joan is always willing to help you out if you can't be at church on any given Sunday. You can always leave things with her to put on the Secret Pals table - so please - don't neglect your Pal!
Child Secret Pals - Don't forget to send regular thank you notes and small gifts to your Pals. And remember to tell more about yourself, as well as try to figure out what costumes you and your Pal will wear to the party on October 29. You'll want to try to get to church every Sunday before the party, so you won't miss out on surprises from your Pal!
Parents - Let Joan know if your child hasn't heard from his/her Pal.
EVERYONE - Remember we want you to limit your Secret Pal spending to around $10. And especially RIGHT NOW if you haven't already - mark October 29 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on your calendars for the Secret Pals Halloween party! Please get there on time, because activities are meant to be done with your Pal during the whole party!
SEE YOU THERE!
Teacher Planning Coffees
Fall teachers - please remember that our teacher planning coffees are on Sunday, October 17, in room 001 at 8:30 am and at 10:00 am. This is a great opportunity to meet with your team for planning, to get support if you're having a problem with your class, or to just have some coffee and a bite to eat. Childcare will be available in room 002, so please mark it on your calendar.
Peanut Free Zone
Parents and teachers - Please be aware that peanut allergies can be a matter of life or death for some people, children especially. Eliot Chapel is a peanut free zone! Be sure to check any treats that you might bring not just for peanuts, but for any peanut products, such as oils or peanut butter. Some products may not contain peanuts but are processed in a plant that has peanut residue on its machinery. Believe it or not, some people are that sensitive. If in doubt, please don't bring the treat! Thank you for taking this seriously.
UU Parenting
Do you have questions about raising your child (0-18) within a UU perspective? We are a group of parents helping each other answer those difficult questions our children may ask. Our next meeting will feature a member of the Welcoming Committee providing suggestions on how to talk to our children about Eliot becoming a Welcoming Congregation. It will be Sun. Oct 17th, 7:00 pm, at the home of Hilary Babcock. Please call Hilary at 314-918-0623 or Tracey Howe-Koch at 314-838-1725 for directions or if you have any questions. See you there!
The Playgroup Returns!
We'd love to have you and your little one(s) join us to play in the Eliot nursery every 2nd Friday of the month, from 9:30 to 11:00. This is a fun way to meet and chat with other Eliot parents while watching your child play. This group is best suited for kids age 3 and under. Our October meeting is on Friday, October 8. Please call Wendy Cutshaw at 636-305-9753 for more information.
Chalice Choir & Junior Hand Bells
Kids in grades 1 - 6: Don't forget we want you to join Chalice Choir. We're meeting in the music room each Sunday in October between services (10:15-10:45 am).
Kids 4th grade and up: Junior Hand Bell Choir, led by Nancy Collis, meets on Tuesday evening from 6:30-7:00 pm.
We hope to see you a lot of you in one or both of our new music opportunities.
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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