RE Weekly News 8/20/25

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August 20, 2025
Dear UUCMP Families,
Last Sunday we gathered for one of our most cherished traditions: the annual Water Communion service. This all-ages ritual was a beautiful reminder of how we come together as a community, with children and adults alike sharing in the experience.
This coming Sunday brings another highlight of our year—our annual Big Sur Campout!  Many families have signed up to stay for the weekend or to join us for a Saturday visit. It’s a stunning location, and I hope your family delights in time by the river, playing games, sharing meals, and enjoying the beauty of nature together. Please remember that there will not be formal RE programming at the campout—each family will be responsible for their own children.
For those not heading to the forest, we will have RE staff in the building on Sunday morning. They’ll have games, activities, and a snack prepared to keep the children engaged and cared for during the service.
One more note, our Committee on Family Ministry (COFM) meeting was postponed until Wednesday August 27th, 7:15-8:15pm.  A zoom link, minutes and an agenda will be sent out Monday morning.  We hope you can join us for input about planning for the fall and winter programming.
We look forward to being together, wherever you join us this weekend!
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 & EventsFRIDAY Aug 22 – 24 Annual Big Sur Camp Out!? 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!
?? VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDUPDATED for 2025!  Whether you’re willing to bring an activity or a snack to share, help one time or be an extra set of hands if we are short-staffed or volunteer monthly you can  Sign Up HERE!   We appreciate your help whether working directly with our kids or to make our UUCMP campus a safe and fun place to be!