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This month we gather to join in the
most important ritual of the free religious
tradition—our congregational meeting.
Last year we didn’t have enough people
at the meeting to satisfy the 40 percent
quorum needed to pass changes to
our bylaws. This may be due to a lack of
understanding of what it means to be part
of this free religious tradition. It means
we show up and are counted when decisions
must be made. It means we engage
in the creative process of being a community,
not just when the topic suits our
fancy.
Above all, it means that we care
about the people and the potential of our
congregation. There will be no smoke
unfurling above the Fellowship’s roof to
announce decisions from a closed meeting.
The decisions will be made with
everyone present.
Other changes—you’ll notice this
newsletter is different than those you’ve
been receiving. We are in transition in
the office, and the newsletter is being
reworked by a group of dedicated members.
If you have comments about the
newsletter, what you’d like to see or how
you’d like to receive it, please let us know.
Our goal is to have a more effective, more
exciting newsletter available both online
and in mailboxes by September. Until
then, we’ll be sure that the information is
being mailed out—and tinkering with the
form.
Speaking of tinkering, our first four
weeks of Wellspring Wednesdays seemed
to be a success with 30 to 40 people participating
in some event during each
night. However, signups for the second
four weeks were not sufficient to continue
the program. We will try a four-week format
again in the fall and early spring of
next year. To those of you who joined us
on Wednesday nights—thanks! Any comments
you have about the program would
be welcomed.
This is the process of creating community,
taking risks, trying new things
and learning from our successes and mistakes.
It’s been a year full of both—so I
can certainly say I’m still learning!
See you on Sundays,
Brian
No President's Letter this month.
No DRE Letter this month.
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Coming of Age ceremony
Everyone is invited to recognize the 25 Coming of Age participants at a 7 p.m. ceremony Saturday, May 21, at the Fellowship. The youth have worked on this program for nine months.
Youth and their mentors will share their insights and experiences. Audience members will have a chance to add their own blessings to these wonderful youth. Please come and show your support.
2005-06 teachers
Time is passing quickly; the days are running past. At this writing we are well on our way to a full roster of RE teachers for both children and youth. Let me tell you who they are: Diane Debinski, Jennifer Davidson, Jane and Bart Dupuis, David Brenner, Adin Mann, Krista Weber, Dena Ryan, Suzanne Zilber and Ron Schuck.
Many thanks to all of them for committing so early to teach in the fall. We’re still looking for two teachers for the third and fourth-grade class at 11 and one for the fifth- and sixth-grade class at 11.
Evaluating offerings
Parents, if you didn’t complete an evaluation of the RE program in April, please make sure you get an evaluation from the main office as soon as possible.
If the RE committee and I don’t receive feedback from you, it’s hard for us to implement needed changes or plan for programming that you think is important.
The Fellowship functions best with the concept of shared ministry—all of us helping accomplish our vision and goals.
Peace projects
The children in first through sixth grades have finished exploring world religions. Our remaining time in May will focus on peace projects and celebrating our friendships with games, walks, and parties.
Parent helpers will still be needed until May 29.
An attitude of gratitude
May is also a perfect time to make sure parents (and anyone else!) show their gratitude to RE teachers. Each one has shown great dedication this year— offering their time, wonderful ideas and love to UUFA children and youth.
How can you show gratitude? A gift certificate, a coupon to a coffee shop or movie, a note of thanks, fresh bread or pastries, dinner at your house, etc.
Boston-bound youth
Thanks to everyone who bought items at the T-shirt, etc. sale. Many thanks to Tammy Hartmann for planning and organizing this important fundraiser. Our balance for the Boston trip is $8,500. Please watch for information about a possible car-wash fundraiser at the west Hy-Vee. Those involved in fundraising (and the parents of participating teens) are immensely grateful to members for supporting our efforts.
— Benette Sherman
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