Dear UCM Parents, Caregivers and Community Members, 

Over the last month, it has been so wonderful getting to know the people who make all the Spiritual Exploration programs possible as UCM, and I can’t wait to connect with UCM families in the coming weeks as the church year starts back up. It’s exciting to think about all there is ahead this year! Here is some important Spiritual Exploration info to know about and what’s on the immediate horizon… 

 

JOIN US FOR BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

Bring your backpack or bag for the blessing and receive a special tag that can go with you wherever you go this year: to school, homeschool outings, work, community gatherings, travel adventures, social action events, and more. This special blessing is meant to embody two important messages for children, youth, families and UCM community members:

1) Your life is important to the UCM community

2) Love and the UCM values go with you everywhere you go

We will gather together after the Water Ceremony service on September 8 from approximately 11:15 – 11:45 AM for the blessing and to give each person a special gift to attach to their bag as an on-going reminder of their connection to the UCM community and its values.

 

 

TIME TO REGISTER FOR SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION

To prepare for the year ahead, it’s very helpful for the Spiritual Exploration team to have children and youth registrations submitted before the church year starts. This helps with planning and to ensure a smooth experience for both children and volunteers. Parents and caregivers – if you could help out our incredible team of teaching volunteers by getting your registration form (one per child) submitted by Saturday, September 8, we will all be so appreciative of your help.

 

OWL IS BACK! 

We are happy to be offering Our Whole Lives (OWL) for grades 7-9 starting at the end of September. OWL is sexuality education that fosters informed, responsible, and values-based decisions about sexual health and behavior. The 7-9 grade program is the flagship program that OWL is most famous for and is considered transformative for many youth. With twenty-five 1.5 hour sessions, it covers developmentally and age-appropriate information about a variety of topics related to sexuality using a holistic approach. To learn more or sign up your youth, please email me at ucm.spiritualexploration@gmail.com.

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S SPIRITUAL LIFE 

We have a robust, wonderful set of Spiritual Exploration programs to continue for children and families this year, and we need volunteers like you to help bring them to life! Whether you’re interested in leading a class once a month, helping with a social event, or organizing a small team of volunteers, we have a role for you. Please reach out to me at ucm.spiritualexploration@gmail.com to learn more about the possibilities. 

 

And on that note, please don’t hesitate to get in touch any time with ideas, questions, concerns or anything I can be of help with. I am very much looking forward to being, serving, exploring, and growing with you and your family in the year ahead. 

 

With heart, 

Caitlin