RE Weekly News 3/11/26

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March 11, 2026
Hello RE Families!  
Our explorers will continue their lessons centered on our March theme of Paying Attention.  We will also have an interactive activity to learn more about UU women as it is Women’s History Month.  The nursery will be available for free-choice play activities and Tasha has an age appropriate craft planned for the littlest UUs.
This Sunday will be the First Session of K1 OWL – our lower elementary students participating in this program.   Children who are enrolled in the program will attend the class during the second service, beginning after the Story for All Ages.  K1 Students will meet with Andrea, Shannon and Warren in their regular classroom.
With warmth and gratitude,Shannon
Shannon Morrison (she/her)Director of Religious Exploration, UUCMP


Kindergarten & 1st Grade Our Whole Lives (K1 OWL for short)K1 OWL will be co-facilitated by three of our members: pediatrician Dr. Andrea Rivas, Warren Finch and Shannon Morrison.  Sessions be held in-person during second service 11:15-12:15 on the following dates:March 8 – Orientation (parents and children)March 15 – Session 1: Our wonderful bodiesMarch 22 – Session 2: Bodies & GenderApril 12 – Session 3: Body BoundariesApril 19 – Session 4: FamiliesApril 26 – Session 5: How Babies BeginMay 3 – Session 6: Pregnancy & Birth*Date? – Session 7: BabiesMay 31 – Session 8: Celebration & Closing*May is a tricky month – the date for session 7 will be determined after discussing availability enrolled families.
General information about OWL can be found here: https://www.uua.org/lifespan/owl
Program Registration:Please register here for the 2025-2026 Church Year! Registration annually helps us to have accurate, up to date information and also allows us to keep an accurate record of the families we serve as an organization.
??????? THANK YOU OUR VOLUNTEERS & DONORS!  We have been so lucky to have helping hands in RE and those who have their given time and talents, some who brought in snacks and resources – a huge thank you each to: An McDowell for the beautiful baby blankets made for our RE Families this past year and for Baby Festner due in March!  Zeana Bey Davis for taking the lead on our iHelp Dinner organizing and all the creative ways you show up in our community! Karen Brown for ALL that you do for our RE families!  Aydan and Eric Festner for always bringing the essentials, for your attention to detail and generosity.  So Many Thank Yous!   Warren and Michelle Finch, Monique Romero, Charlotte Bear, Angela Skerritt, Suzanne Schmidt, Rebecca Irwin, and Ali Shappard for all your contributions this season.  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 & EventsMarch 15 – K1 OWL  Session 1March 22 – K1 OWL  Session 2
? Would your child like to light the chalice?Every Sunday we try to find a child or youth volunteer to light the chalice. It’s a fun way for kids to participate in the service. DRE Shannon can show kids how  before the service if it’s their first time or they need a reminder. See Shannon on Sunday morning if interested.    The Chalice Lighting sign up sheet will be at the RE table with our coloring and quiet activity supplies.  Please be sure to sign your child up if they are interested!March 1  – Emerald & AriaMarch 8    _______________ (available!)March 15   _______________ (available!)
Email dre@uucmp.org to sign your child up to light the chalice