JULY 2008 YOUTH RE

Summer Overview

During the summer (June 1 – August 31) our UUCT Youth RE Program will be based on the writings of Dr. Theodore Seuss Geisel, more popularly known as Dr. Seuss. A different member of the congregation will read the story and present the session, with a primary Youth RE volunteer also present.

The session plans are by Rev. Helen Zidowecki. From her introduction to the Dr. Seuss Sessions: “Why use the stories of Dr. Seuss in Unitarian Universalist congregations? The stories are fun and engaging. Even more important, they are based on life situations and experiences and give us a way to reflect, to talk about things that are part of our lives. We all sleep; we all get lost; we all are afraid sometimes; we all meet people who are on -- and sometimes in -- our way; we all like adventure in various ways; we all struggle with what is right and what is not.”

There are no separate classes during the summer; all will meet as one class in Rm. L. The stories and activities are appropriate for children of all ages.

• Grades K – 5 go directly to Rm. L unless otherwise noted for a particular Sunday.
• Youth Group members are encouraged to participate or, if working toward volunteer hours, assist the session presenter with the story or with the activities and snacks for the children. Youth Group members may also help with stories, snacks, and activities in the nursery.
• Pre-school children (5 and under) may go to the nursery or to the sessions.
• As always, all ages are welcome to join their parents in the sanctuary for the service.

We hope your children enjoy our Dr. Seuss Summer!

July Dr. Seuss Sessions

7/6 – Butter Battle Book, with Michele Manting
7/13 – And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street, with Matt Doyle
7/20 – The Cat in the Hat & Horton Hatches the Egg, with Scott Geraci
(Director of Religious Education’s Sunday off)
7/27 – Great Day for Up, with Lorin Pratt 

Family Church in the Fall

In the fall we will again offer parents and children several opportunities to enjoy church together. Some will be in the form of Intergenerational services, a format we are all familiar with. Other opportunities, called “Family Church Sundays,” will give children the experience of worshipping with their parents during a regular service presented by Rev. Gray. Family Church will give children the opportunity to hear messages important to their parents and will give families “food for discussion” over Sunday family meals.

When Youth RE returns and children are once again sharing their joy of camaraderie and fellowship on Sundays, we ask that all children begin the service sitting with their parents. When a “Time for All Ages” is presented we will invite children to come to the front so they can easily see pictures and hear the story. This new arrangement will allow us to save the front row for choir members who wish to leave the choir to better hear and participate during the sermon. It will also offer visitors, who sometimes come in late, easy access to seating.

We look forward to enjoying our intergenerational congregation with you again in the fall. Wishing you safe summer travels!