RE Weekly News 8/13/25

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August 13, 2025
亲爱的 UUCMP 家庭，
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!? 您的孩子想点亮圣杯吗？每个星期日，我们都会尝试寻找儿童或青年志愿者来点亮圣杯。这是让孩子们参与礼拜的一种有趣方式。如果这是孩子们第一次点亮圣杯或者他们需要提醒，DRE Shannon 可以在礼拜之前向孩子们展示如何点亮圣杯。如果感兴趣，可以在星期日早上找 Shannon。圣杯点亮报名表将放在 RE 桌子上，旁边还有我们的着色和安静活动用品。如果您的孩子感兴趣，请务必为他们报名！
?? 需要志愿者 2025 年更新！无论您是愿意带活动还是零食来分享，帮助一次，还是在我们人手不足时提供额外的帮助，或者每月做志愿者，您都可以  Sign Up HERE!   无论您直接与我们的孩子一起工作还是让我们的 UUCMP 校园成为一个安全而有趣的地方，我们都感谢您的帮助！