A message from Dave Cicero, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
The new year is now well-under-way, and the depths of winter have arrived. But as I write this, the sun is at least shining. And a lot is going on…
Religious Education (RE)
February RE classes started with a Group RE game day — a “Get Back in the Game” tournament of games reinforcing the idea that “failure” is only a temporary state and that all good sports, like life, afford multiple opportunities for “success.”
For the rest of the month, Nursery/Chalice Children can expect stories and creative play celebrating the wonders of love, rainbows, and imagination. Children in the Welcome Home classroom will learn about the chalice, our UU symbol of faith, and the gifts of spirit and stewardship.
Stories of World Religions students will review what they’ve learned about Judaism & Buddhism and be introduced to Islam, while Neighboring Faiths students review their trip to Gurdwara Brookfield and learn more about Buddhism and Hinduism before visiting the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin on Feb. 23.
Middle School students in the Coming of Age class continue their exploration of what it means to call oneself a UU. Some have also elected to explore the subject of sexuality in the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program starting this month. The next time we will offer this class is 2022. If you have any questions, contact me.
High school students in YRUU continue planning their Boston 2020 summer trip. They will also be taking their show “Pigs, Wolves, and the House of Belonging” on the road.” A visitor to UUCW from the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), in Elm Grove, happened to see their October multi-gen performance. Our YRUU teens were then invited to reprise their roles as pigs and wolves in “Piggsburgh: An Intercultural Experience” at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s auditorium at 13105 Watertown Plank Rd. in Elm Grove. (Enter via either West or East entrance/parking lot). Come and remind yourself of their message of inclusion and learn about the SSND’s mission of Peacebuilding around the world.
Adult RE
Thanks to the efforts of Helen Klimowicz, UUCW is hosting a free Intro to Meditation class, generously offered to us by Joseph Knasinski. If you are interested in suggesting or planning other Adult RE programs, please let me know.
UUA: Regional Aaaembly ’20 & General Assembly ‘21
I invite adult and youth leaders to attend, with me, the MidAmerica Regional Assembly (RA) at Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, IL on Saturday, April 18. This multigenerational day-long assembly provides opportunities to reflect, gain skills, and re-frame your understanding of justice, equity and inclusion. The day includes a keynote address and a selection of workshops. For more info, see www.uua.org/midamerica/ra/2020 Registration is due by March 12. Please contact me for sponsorship (if a youth) and/or carpooling options.
General Assembly is coming to Milwaukee in 2021! It’s not too early to start thinking of ways to help host and attend this assembly of UUs from across the country. I recently attended an informational reception/meeting for regional congregations and can help connect you or your group to those planning the 2021 business, worship and learning activities. Volunteer opportunities abound, and decisions regarding social action events and sponsorship will be made shortly after GA ’20 in Providence, RI in June.
Contact Dave Cicero, Director of Lifespan Religious Education.
