June 2022
message from charla
"BUILDING COMMUNITY IS TO THE COLLECTIVE AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE IS TO THE INDIVIDUAL." ~ GRACE LEE BOGGS
I led with this Grace Lee Boggs quote last month, and I'm leading with it again. In staff meeting a couple of weeks ago I announced that I was launching "a campaign of relentless community building" in RE this summer. What a joyful cause to champion!
As you peruse this newsletter you'll see evidence of relentless community building in a variety of ways, including greater congregant involvement in the CRE summer program, three family picnics (first one's on June 10th), activities and events to engage our teens, and a weekend RE family campout in September!
We have such great kids, youth, and parents in our USSB community. I hope we can spend the summer - in between family vacations and out-of-town visitors - getting to know each other a little better. Come. Let’s build some community together. What a nourishing spiritual practice for us all.
Yours in community,
Charla
don't miss the photos at the end of this newsletter!
JUNE SUNDAYS
Here's what's coming up in RE this month
- Childcare is available from 9:45-11:30 in Starr King for children five and under every Sunday.
- Services begin at 10:00 AM. Older children begin in the sanctuary with their parents for a Time for All Ages before being sung out to their RE classes
JUNE 5
Multigenerational Flower Communion Service
Children are invited to remain in the sanctuary with their families for this beloved UU tradition. Bring a flower and go home with a different one as part of this beautiful ritual. We will also be honoring RE volunteers. And following the service, stick around for the USSB Annual Meeting. Childcare will be available
JUNE 12
Dance with Kasey Hartman!
Our own Kasey Hartman will kick off (maybe literally!) our summer CRE program by sharing her years of dance experience with our younger kids. Kids will enjoy an active and musical morning.
Stay for the congregational potluck following the service on the 12th! Bring a salad or hot dish to share and your own tableware. Hot dogs will be barbequed and drinks provided!
JUNE 19
Juneteenth
Our marvelous CRE teachers Christina and Janey will explore the meaning and social justice implications of Juneteenth with our children
11:30-1:00. Our Youth Group will see the outcome of their social justice project with a slideshow and presentation from the folks who crossed the border with 9 suitcases full of art supplies and books for children living in a Mexicali shelter! Trinity youth are invited to join us.
JUNE 26
Sewing with Mindy Nelson
CRE parent, Mindy Nelson, will share her talent and sewing skill with children this morning as they stich something beautiful together to bring home.
RE Family Summer Picnic
Friday, June 10th, 5:30-8:00 PM @ Tucker's Grove
Join us for our first of three RE summer picnics for families with children and youth, a time to gather and get to know each other outside of Sunday mornings. Bring a picnic dinner and drinks for your family and meet us at Tucker's Grove!
At this first picnic, we will have childcare providers to supervise kids on the playground after dinner so parents can circle up and spend some time in adult conversation. We will also have an activity to engage our youth group members.
CRE SUNDAY SUMMER 2022 SCHEDULE
Sunday mornings at 10:00 in the Jefferson Courtyard. Schedule subject to change.
Don't forget to add RE Family Summer Picnics to your calendar too!
Check your weekly CRE email for details and current information.
June 12 - Dance with Kasey
June 19 - Juneteenth with Christina & Janey
June 26 - Sewing with Mindy
July 3 - Sing Along with Charla & Chuck
July 10 - Games with Kyle & Sarah
July 17 - Drum Circle with John A. and Friends
July 24 - Gak & Goop with Christina
July 31 - TBD
August 7 - Greeting Card creations with Sally H.
August 14 - Janmashtami (Krishna's Birthday) with Janey
Aug 21, Aug 28 & Sep 4 - CARDBOARD ARCADE MAKERSPACE
USSB Youth Group Summer 2022
Summer youth group is open to incoming 8th-12th graders
Times, dates, and locations vary. Schedule is evolving and subject to change. Don't forget to add RE Family Summer Picnics to your calendar too!
Watch your weekly email for details and new events!
Sunday, June 19, 11:30-1:00 - Mexicali Border Trip slideshow and presentation
Youth Group will take a break for most of July while families enjoy some vacation time.
Sunday, July 31, 11:30 - 1:00 - TBD
Friday, August 5, 7:30-10:00PM - Teen Movie Night
Sunday, August 7, 11:30-1:00 - TBD
Sunday, August 14, 11:30-3:00, Ventura Thrift Store Shopping
Sundays, Aug 21, Aug 28, & Sept 4, 10:00-11:30 AM - CARDBOARD ARCADE BUILDING WITH CRE KIDS!
COA Worship Service
May 22, 2022
After 14 weeks of soul searching, journaling, personal values clarification, social justice work, bake sales, sleeping on the ground, learning about Unitarian Universalism, and asking the hard questions about personal beliefs and life paths, seven 8th and 9th graders planned and led a beautifully crafted and heartfelt worship service on May 22. They gave us a glimpse inside their hearts and minds as they shared their personal credos with the congregation. Join me in welcoming Ada Ray, Antonio Yturralde, Emma Parent, Kaitlyn Marden, Phoebe Siegel, Sam Gibou, and Zander Yturralde into youth group and a more active role in congregational life.
contact me with your questions, concerns, and great ideas
Credits:
Created with images by eriksvoboda - "Heart drawn on yellow sand by finger, close up view. Egyptian beach in february. Yellow sand texture. Selective soft focus. Blurred background" • david_franklin - "Beach background border copy space" • puckillustrations - "Banner summer background with white sand. Seashell and starfish on the beach." • Mariusz Blach - "Beach accessories straw hat, flip flops, towel on sunny tropical Caribbean beach with palm trees and turquoise water, caribbean island vacation, hot summer day"