RE Weekly News 3/18/26

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March 18, 2026
I awoke very early this morning, drawn into the quiet of the dark before the sunrise. In these still hours, I find myself tending to a few small, waiting tasks—writing this article, paying a bill, starting a load of laundry. There’s something about the quiet, undistracted time that makes space for focus and intention.
By the end of this week, we will reach the Spring Equinox—a moment of balance between light and darkness. From there, the days begin to stretch, and the light slowly takes the lead.  With that shift often comes a kind of stirring. You may be feeling it—the urge to begin something new, to move, to clear space, to take action. This season invites us to notice what is emerging within us and around us.

As we approach the equinox, I invite you to gently pay attention to what is calling to you. What feels ready for growth?  What might the brighter days be opening up?
In our Religious Exploration spaces, our children will continue exploring our March theme of Paying Attention, practicing noticing, curiosity, and connection. We will also honor Women’s History Month with an interactive activity highlighting UU women and their contributions to our faith.  Upper Elementary and Teens will have the opportunity to create and explore paying attention outdoors this Sunday.
Our nursery will be open for free-choice play, and Tasha has a thoughtful, age-appropriate craft planned for our youngest UUs.
This Sunday will also be the second session of our K–1 OWL program. Children enrolled will attend during the second service, beginning after the Story for All Ages, and will meet with Shannon and Warren in their regular classroom.
The Committee on Family Ministry will meet this Sunday after church to check in regarding April and May plans.  Childcare, Pizza and Popsicles provided! However this season is finding you, I hope you are able to notice both the stillness and the movement it brings.
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 & BirthMay 17 – Session 7: Babies  (After RE Sunday)May 31 – Session 8: Celebration & Closing
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, 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 20 – Spring EquinoxMarch 22 – K1 OWL  Session 2; CoFM MeetsMay 17 – RE Sunday & Return to One Service!
? 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 small table next to the Organ.  Please be sure to sign your child up if they are interested!March 1  – Emerald & AriaMarch 8    _______________ (available!)March 22 _______________ (available!)
Email dre@uucmp.org to sign your child up to light the chalice