By Beth Williams Minister of Religious
Education

The Unitarian Universalist Directory defines the Ministry of Religious Education as applying "to those ministers who are qualified to perform all educational functions relating to religious growth and development in a society. These shall include administration and facilitation of programs for children, youth, and adults, counseling, services of worship, the celebration of new life, marriages, memorial services, and serving the larger community."

Mercifully, the MFC will not require that I undertake any additional preparation to acquire this credential. However, when I think of the new year, the thought of New Year’s resolutions naturally comes to mind. So here is mine for 1999: I resolve to fill the knowledge gaps that may exist in my preparation for this ministry - at least as many as is humanly possible! I am pleased to report that I will be beginning soon by taking a Meadville/Lombard Theological School January Intensive class on "Human and Faith Development." I look forward to sharing an intellectually growthful winter with you.

R.E. PROGRAM NEWS:

Needy folks in the Hyde Park community were a little less hungry this holiday season. Approximately 100 non-perishable food items were collected during our Thanksgiving Intergenerational worship service and brought to the Hyde Park Community Food Pantry. Thank you to all the children, youth and adults of our faith community who thoughtfully contributed to this effort.

The generosity of many First Unitarian Church Secret Santas was in abundance on December 12 at the Grove Parc Christmas party . Thank you to the kids from our December 6 Hang Out room who contributed to the festivity of this occasion by making hand painted wrapping paper for many of the Secret Santa presents.

The Voyagers and Pathfinders classes made our Hull Chapel Christmas tree truly a Tree of Faith this year with their hand made Flaming Chalices, Dreidels, and Menorahs.

The Winter Term begins this month for three of our R. E. classes. The theme for these classes is Racial Justice and Diversity.

Voyagers - Rainbow Children and Worth and Dignity curricula with teachers Ann Marie Kirby and Anne Morrill-Ploum.

Pathfinders - Rainbow Children, Worth and Dignity, and Race to Justice curricula with teachers Julie Neuman and tba.

Searchers - Race to Justice and Worth and Dignity curricula, with teachers Joe Cherry, Hank Henriques and Steve Ploum.

January Calendar Events

Saturday, January 2: R.E. Teacher Training, R.E. Classroom, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sunday, January 3: Winter term R.E. classes start for the Voyagers, Pathfinders, and Searchers classes; Adventurers class resumes; Nursery and Youth Group continue, 10:15 a.m., various locations in Pennington Center.

Sundays, January 10 - 31: Being a Unitarian Universalist Parent Adult R.E., 11:30 a.m., Searchers Room.

Thursday, January 14: R.E. Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Explorers Room.

Sunday, January 17: Kids’ Church - Being a Kid - during the Life and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 10:15 a.m., Woolman Hall.