RE Weekly News 5/27/26

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May 27, 2026Hello RE Families!  Last week, since it was a holiday weekend, we had only a small group, so we all joined together in one classroom. We focused on the UU value of pluralism to remember that as UUs we respect different faiths and different ways of living good lives. We then talked about the hajj, the time when Muslims make their pilgrimage to Mecca. We talked about Mecca as a very special place for Muslims where during hajj (which began on Monday) they do rituals to focus on being good people. Then each kid talked about a place that’s special for them, and they made lovely diagrams with drawings, cut out colored paper, and tissue paper, to show their special places.The Committee on Family Ministry met after the service. Thanks to those who were able to attend for all of your discussion and amazing suggestions.This Sunday the kids will  return to activities relating to the monthly theme of awakening curiosity (although they already delight me with everything they’re curious about.)  K-1 OWL will also returnHope you are all doing well,Rebecca and ShannonRebecca Irwin (she/her)Director of Religious Exploration, UUCMP
2026-27 Program Registration NOW OPEN:Please register here for the 2026-2027 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.Registration is for all participating youth whether you’re returning or new to UUCMP please be sure to register your child.  
??  Upcoming Activities & EventsMay 31  –   K1 OWL – Morrisons Return!June 5 –      Game Night & Pizza!  6:30-8:30 in the Fireside RoomJune 7   –    K1 OWL
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 & Gender** March 29:  Session 3: Body BoundariesApril 12 – Session 4: FamiliesApril 19 –  Session 5: How Babies BeginApril 26 – Session 6: Pregnancy & BirthMay 31 –  Session 7: Babies  (After RE Sunday)June 7 – Session 8: Celebration & Closing
General information about OWL can be found here: https://www.uua.org/lifespan/owl
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION LIBRARYKaren Brown has put together another beautiful selection of books from our collection – many stories about spring holidays, 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 & 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: Corey Brunson, Karen Brown, Lindsay Fondren and Rebecca Irwin for filling in for me these past Sundays.  Warren Finch and Andrea Rivas for facilitating K1 OWL for our RE Families!  Zeana Bey Davis for taking the lead on egg decorating 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!
? 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 or a minister can show kids how to light the chalice before the service if it’s their first time or they need a reminder. Check in with the RE teacher at the activity table on Sunday morning if interested.    The Chalice Lighting sign up sheet will be at the RE Table.  Please be sure to sign your child up if they are interested!May 31  ____________________June 7  _____________________June 14 _____________________June 21 _____________________June 28 _____________________July 5, 12, 19, 26
Email dre@uucmp.org to sign your child up to light the chalice