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In Gatherings by Rev. Marta I Valentin
...we are stirred
like the leaves of the fall season
rustling around sacred trees,
tossed hither and yon
until we come to rest together,
quietly, softly . . .
We come to gather strength from each other.
We come to give strength to each other...
Like the leaves, it does feel like we are coming to rest together, quietly, softly, here in this community after so much tumult from the past year and even the past month of transition and uncertainty. I am looking forward to gathering strength together over this month.
The early childhood class has been meeting together outside, playing together, creating art, and learning about the first principle of Unitarian Universalism - Each Person is Important (more below). Our middle grade classes are creating an impressive mural with Harriet Diamond's help, exploring the 7th principle - Respect for the interdependent web of which we are a part. As they learn about and paint the web of existence, they are building their web of connection in the class. Meanwhile, our Coming of Age class, Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education program, and Youth Group are all launching, building vital cross generational and peer relationships.
In October we will focus on Cultivating Relationship, giving opportunities for RE participants to get to know each other better and to build their community. Creating a covenant is an important step now in thinking about how they want to be together, to take care of each other, and to learn and grow together. The RE Council is looking forward to coming together with families on October 10 at Mt. Tom from 1-3 pm for games, pumpkin carving, and a short walk. We hope that our RE programs offer opportunities to gather and give strength.
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