RE Weekly News 8/13/25

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August 13, 2025
प्रिय UUCMP परिवार,
It was such a joy to connect with you all last Sunday! Our older children explored the Unitarian Universalist value of Generosity in Community. Together, we wondered: What does it truly mean to be generous? We talked about how generosity is more than just giving things—it’s offering time, attention, kindness, and care. The children shared beautiful examples of ways we can help one another, from lending a hand to a neighbor to standing together for justice. We also reflected on how acts of generosity—big and small—help weave the bonds of a strong, loving community, one that supports both those within our circle and those beyond it who may be in need.
This Sunday we will join together for one of our most cherished traditions: our annual Water Communion service. This is an all-ages service, so children will remain with their families in the sanctuary and take part in this beautiful ritual. We invite you to bring a small amount of water from a place that holds meaning for you—whether from your kitchen tap, a favorite hiking spot, a summer trip, or even your garden hose. Each drop represents our unique journeys, and as we pour our waters together, we create a shared symbol of our unity, diversity, and collective spirit.
For those new to Unitarian Universalism, Water Communion is a tradition begun in the early 1980s as a way to celebrate both our individuality and our togetherness. It’s a visual reminder that, though our paths are many, we flow together in one community.
We look forward to seeing you and your family this Sunday as we celebrate the many ways our streams of life join together into one beloved community.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday!
With warmth and  gratitude,Shannon
Shannon Morrison (she/her)Director of Religious Exploration, UUCMP
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION LIBRARY – Karen Brown has put together another beautiful selection of books from our collection – many stories about Earth Day, Unitarianism, spiritual practices and beliefs can be found in the RE library. Come back and see what books you may want to check out for the youth in your life, or those young at heart.
???????THANK YOU OUR VOLUNTEERS!  We have been so lucky to have helping hands in RE – thank you to our volunteers: Maren Martin, Max Cajar, Zeana Bey Davis, Alex Morrison, Lauren Keenan,  Jake and Alina Bagley,  Ryan and Lindsay Fondren, Marshall Grimm, Robin Jensen, Karen Judkins, and  Karen Brown for all your contributions.  Whether bringing food to share, helping to set or clean up, keeping our library tip top, or filling in for our teachers – your help is greatly appreciated!
??  Upcoming Activities & EventsSUNDAY Aug 17 – Water Communion and Blessing of the BackpacksFRIDAY Aug 22 – 24 Annual Big Sur Camp Out!क्या आपका बच्चा प्याला जलाना चाहेगा? हर रविवार को हम प्याला जलाने के लिए एक बच्चे या युवा स्वयंसेवक को खोजने की कोशिश करते हैं। यह बच्चों के लिए सेवा में भाग लेने का एक मजेदार तरीका है। DRE शैनन बच्चों को सेवा से पहले यह दिखा सकती है कि यह कैसे करना है, अगर यह उनका पहला मौका है या उन्हें याद दिलाने की ज़रूरत है। अगर दिलचस्पी है तो रविवार की सुबह शैनन से मिलें। प्याला जलाने के लिए साइन अप शीट हमारे रंग और शांत गतिविधि आपूर्ति के साथ RE टेबल पर होगी। अगर आपका बच्चा दिलचस्पी रखता है तो कृपया उसे साइन अप करना सुनिश्चित करें!
?? 2025 के लिए अपडेट किए गए स्वयंसेवकों की आवश्यकता है! चाहे आप कोई गतिविधि या स्नैक साझा करने के लिए तैयार हों, एक बार मदद करें या यदि हमारे पास स्टाफ़ की कमी है तो अतिरिक्त सहायता प्रदान करें या मासिक स्वयंसेवक बनें, आप कर सकते हैं  Sign Up HERE!   हम आपकी मदद के लिए आभारी हैं, चाहे आप सीधे हमारे बच्चों के साथ काम कर रहे हों या हमारे यूयूसीएमपी परिसर को एक सुरक्षित और मनोरंजक स्थान बनाने के लिए!