“If the children are our future, then there is no greater way to invest in the future than investing in our children.” ~ Dr. Nirvadha Singh
If you have been to the fellowship lately, it is hard to miss the fact that we have a lot more children of all ages in attendance. While this is very exciting, it also puts a great responsibility on the UUFP to ensure that we are offering a quality Religious Education program to all of the children, regardless of their ages. Last year, we hired Meghan Mickle, who has a Master’s Degree in Education, to manage the nursery. Late last year, it was decided to have Meghan move up to provide RE for the K-5 children, which left an opening for the nursery. I am pleased to announce that Amanda Dill will be joining the UUFP RE team with responsibility for the youngest of our children. Amanda comes to us with a Degree in Childhood Education and is currently working in a pre-school. She will start on January 7. Please welcome Amanda to our UUFP Community.
While Amanda, Meghan, and Ruby Barnthouse, who works with our tweens, create a strong team, they should not have to do it alone. Therefore, we need to revive the RE Committee. This committee will work closely with the educational team to ensure that what is being delivered is consistent with the Principles of Unitarian Universalism and the overall mission of the UUFP. If anyone is interested in volunteering for this committee or is interested in chairing the committee, please let me or another member of the Board know.
If you attended our Christmas Eve inter-generational service, you saw first-hand the important role the children can play in our fellowship. I believe that everyone in attendance found joy in the service. The program was a wonderful way to celebrate the December Holiday season. A lot of time and effort went into putting this program together. Thank you to all who were involved and the work you put forward leading up to the service: The UUFP Choir for their beautiful singing, Carly Schell for all the piano accompaniment, Megan Mickle for working with the children and their songs, Ruby Barnthouse for coordinating the efforts of the tweens, and all the children who were involved during the service. A special shout-out needs to go Kim Kulp who developed and wrote the program. Thank you, Kim!
Wishing everyone health and happiness in the New Year.
In gratude, Linda K.