Wide World of Resources: JPDLFD News 15 May 2008
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Lyn Cox
May 15, 2008, 4:29:26 PM5/15/08
to JPDLFD
Dear Friends of Religious Education in the Joseph Priestley District,
I am humbled and overwhelmed by the kind words and gestures that have
been offered to me as I prepare to leave the staff of the Joseph
Priestley District. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has
been an honor.
This edition of JPD Lifespan Faith Development News includes
references to the interdependent world of Unitarian Universalism.
I’ll point you to on-line resources, a regional training, a
continental conference, and other goodies. There’s also a reminder
about upcoming training events for Junior/Senior High OWL. At the end
of this newsletter is the usual “Finding Lyn” feature. Hope to see
you around the district and beyond.
YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY TRAINING
When I travel around the district, congregational leaders often tell
me that they secretly wish their congregation would do more to reach
out to young adults or to college students, but they don’t know where
to start. Wonder no longer! Send people to a regional training June
12-15 at the UU Church of the Washington Crossing in Titusville, NJ.
If your volunteers are just starting out, they can opt for the one-
day, introductory training on Saturday, June 14. The success of this
training will depend on individual congregations identifying and
funding the registration for new and experienced young adult and
campus ministry volunteers. Housing for this event is at a hotel, not
on a church floor. The training is intended for older adult
volunteers as well as young adults. Registration is on a sliding
scale basis, $50 to $150, not including housing or transportation.
We’re counting on you to keep Unitarian Universalism alive for the
rising generation. Register online by visiting
http://connectuu.com/events.php?action=view&event_id=1167 or download
a flyer from http://www.uua.org/documents/congservices/yacm/080612_training.pdf
to learn more.
OWL TRAINING JUNE 6-8
A recent cancellation leaves ONE open spot in the Junior/Senior OWL
Training scheduled for June 6-8 at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in
Washington, DC. The JPD website still says registration is full, but
call Mrs. Jillian Conway in the JPD office (302-778-4564) before
giving up completely. If you don’t happen to get the last spot in
this training, look ahead to September.
SEPTEMBER OWL TRAINING DATES
Two Junior/ Senior High OWL Training events are scheduled for the
fall. For those who prefer a retreat setting, come to the Temenos
retreat center near West Chester, PA, September 12-14. For those who
prefer a congregational host (participants will make their own housing
arrangements), come to the UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA, September
19-21. Chris and Bobbie Nelson will facilitate both events. Save the
dates and stay tuned; registration forms will be available in June.
Is your congregation eager to pay to send teachers to OWL training for
elementary levels? Be sure to indicate your interest directly to the
next DLFD. The only way JPD staff know that training is financially
feasible is if enough congregations show enthusiasm for the program.
EVENTS AND RESOURCES FOR RE TRANSITIONS
When a Religious Education professional resigns, the transition can be
difficult for a congregation. The transition can also be an
opportunity for discernment, growth, and increased congregational
health. One way to seize this opportunity is to hire an Interim
Director of Religious Education.
Is your congregation thinking of hiring an Interim Director of
Religious Education? Are you a religious educator thinking about
becoming an Interim DRE? Do you want to learn more about the
possibilities for growth and change during a religious education staff
transition? If so, you are invited to a reception on June 28 at
General Assembly for those interested in Interim Religious Education.
While you’re thinking about it, check out the “Developmental Tasks for
the Interim Period” listed on the UUA webpage about Interim Directors
of Religious Education.
If you are interested in becoming an Interim DRE or in sending someone
to training to become an Interim DRE, mark your calendars for the
training July 23-25 in Boston. The application deadline is July 14.
Please see the UUA website for details.
http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/religiouseducation/107495.shtml
UU UNIVERSITY: MINISTRY IN THE BORDERLANDS
In some congregations, religious education leaders seem to carry the
primary responsibility for interfaith engagement through activities
like the Neighboring Faiths curriculum for junior high. I have two
thoughts about this. (1) It doesn’t have to be that way. Leaders in
other constituencies are missing out and would get a lot out of
training for interfaith engagement. (2) If religious education leaders
are going to take responsibility for interfaith engagement, some adult-
oriented training would be really helpful. Luckily for all of us, UU
University is coming soon!
UU University is a 24-hour conference for lay leaders immediately
prior to General Assembly. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev.
Dr. Nick Carter, President of Andover Newton Theological School.
(ANTS is a non-UU seminary that educates a lot of aspiring UU
ministers.) Dr. Carter will work with UUU participants on “how to
lead through the borderlands of difference that naturally occur in the
context of diversity.” The discussion will touch on diversity in the
interfaith community as well as within congregations. (Because
sometimes we have several theologies, thoughts, and opinions
represented in one congregation. Occasionally. A little bit.)
Visit the UU University home page to learn more about this year’s
program, watch the YouTube video made at last year’s program, download
a flyer to recruit your friends, or register online. UU University
registration is $125 and is separate from General Assembly
registration.
http://www.uua.org/events/uuuniversity/index.shtml
CHURCH OF THE LARGER FELLOWSHIP EDUCATION RESOURCES
The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) is the Unitarian
Universalist spiritual home everywhere in the world. The online
congregation provides resources and community for far-flung UU’s, as
well as members of brick-and-mortar congregations who are looking for
more ways to connect with their faith.
Upcoming online adult classes through the CLF include “Raising Ethical
Children,” led by the Rev. Ken Reeves. “Raising Ethical Children”
begins June 2 and runs for four weeks. Rev. Ken is a clinical
psychologist and a UU minister. I’ve met him briefly, and he also
happens to be a nice, well-grounded guy. On-line courses at the CLF
are $40.
http://clf.uua.org/learn/
Families practicing religious education at home and small
congregations think the CLF’s “RE Express Plus” service is the best
invention since washable markers. RE Express resources include the
CLiF Notes Curriculum for families and small groups, an index of RE
resources, and a KidTalk web page aimed at young UU’s. RE Express is
available to members of the CLF to use at home for free. RE Express
is also available by subscription to non-members, congregations, and
small groups.
http://clf.uua.org/re/express.html
The Church of the Younger Fellowship is the CLF’s ministry to Young
Adults (age 18-35) if you know young adults who could use an on-line
spiritual home, be sure to direct them to http://uucyf.org/ to find
community, to light virtual candles of joy and sorrow, to listen to
podcasted sermons, and to enjoy other resources. You or your
congregation can sponsor a membership in the CYF for $75. What a
great gift for a graduating senior! If you have a bunch of graduating
seniors, sponsor a group of 5 members for only $30 each. CYF members
include students, young parents, seminarians, activists, wanderers,
and solid members of brick-and-mortar UU congregations. In my waning
days of young adulthood, I still enjoy the affinity groups and
discussion questions at the CYF. Take a tour and see for yourself.
http://uucyf.org
NEW CURRICULA COMING SOON
Apply to be a fieldtest congregation for the latest installations of
“Tapestry of Faith.” Try out these 16-session curricula between
September 2008 and January 2009. Note that some of our own JPD
superstars are involved in writing! The programs are:
* Wonderful Welcome Grades K-1 (16 sessions): Children learn about
intangible gifts such as love, friendship, protection, invitation and
welcome. They discover ways they give and receive them in their own
lives and become empowered to make their gifts seen, heard and felt.
By Aisha Hauser and Susan Lawrence.
* Windows and Mirrors Grades 4-5 (16 sessions): Through a lens of UU
faith and justice, children look closely at themselves and the
communities to which they belong, especially their congregation. How
do they experience true affiliation with others who may, at first,
seem very unlike themselves? How do they move out from "me" to "we?"
By Gabrielle Farrell, Natalie Fenimore and Jenice View.
* Amazing Grace: Exploring Right and Wrong Grade 6 (16 sessions):
Amazing Grace uses drama, art, music, discussion and other tools to
encourage sixth graders to recognize the many sources available to
them to help make decisions between right and wrong. By looking at
what religion, the law, our culture, their peers, and their conscious
say about right/wrong, virtue/sin, youth explore how Unitarian
Universalists take responsibility for the decisions they make in their
lives and the consequences. By Rick Kimball.
For more information, and to apply to be a Tapestry of Faith fieldtest
congregation, contact: fiel...@uua.org or Wanda Wong at 617-948-4371
FINDING LYN
May 17: JPD Board Meeting, UU Fellowship of Harford County, MD
May 17: Towson (MD) UU Church Religious Education Committee
May 18: Preaching for the UU’s of Central Delaware in Dover
May 28: Chesapeake UU Ministers Association, Bethesda, MD
May 28: CUUMA White Anti-Racist Allies, Bethesda, MD
June 1: RE Sunday at the UU’s of Sterling, VA
June 11: Greater Washington Area RE Council
June 12-15: Young Adult & Campus Ministry Training, Titusville, NJ
June 22-29: General Assembly & Related Meetings, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
June 30: Last day on JPD Staff
I am humbled and overwhelmed by the kind words and gestures that have
been offered to me as I prepare to leave the staff of the Joseph
Priestley District. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has
been an honor.
This edition of JPD Lifespan Faith Development News includes
references to the interdependent world of Unitarian Universalism.
I’ll point you to on-line resources, a regional training, a
continental conference, and other goodies. There’s also a reminder
about upcoming training events for Junior/Senior High OWL. At the end
of this newsletter is the usual “Finding Lyn” feature. Hope to see
you around the district and beyond.
YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY TRAINING
When I travel around the district, congregational leaders often tell
me that they secretly wish their congregation would do more to reach
out to young adults or to college students, but they don’t know where
to start. Wonder no longer! Send people to a regional training June
12-15 at the UU Church of the Washington Crossing in Titusville, NJ.
If your volunteers are just starting out, they can opt for the one-
day, introductory training on Saturday, June 14. The success of this
training will depend on individual congregations identifying and
funding the registration for new and experienced young adult and
campus ministry volunteers. Housing for this event is at a hotel, not
on a church floor. The training is intended for older adult
volunteers as well as young adults. Registration is on a sliding
scale basis, $50 to $150, not including housing or transportation.
We’re counting on you to keep Unitarian Universalism alive for the
rising generation. Register online by visiting
http://connectuu.com/events.php?action=view&event_id=1167 or download
a flyer from http://www.uua.org/documents/congservices/yacm/080612_training.pdf
to learn more.
OWL TRAINING JUNE 6-8
A recent cancellation leaves ONE open spot in the Junior/Senior OWL
Training scheduled for June 6-8 at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in
Washington, DC. The JPD website still says registration is full, but
call Mrs. Jillian Conway in the JPD office (302-778-4564) before
giving up completely. If you don’t happen to get the last spot in
this training, look ahead to September.
SEPTEMBER OWL TRAINING DATES
Two Junior/ Senior High OWL Training events are scheduled for the
fall. For those who prefer a retreat setting, come to the Temenos
retreat center near West Chester, PA, September 12-14. For those who
prefer a congregational host (participants will make their own housing
arrangements), come to the UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA, September
19-21. Chris and Bobbie Nelson will facilitate both events. Save the
dates and stay tuned; registration forms will be available in June.
Is your congregation eager to pay to send teachers to OWL training for
elementary levels? Be sure to indicate your interest directly to the
next DLFD. The only way JPD staff know that training is financially
feasible is if enough congregations show enthusiasm for the program.
EVENTS AND RESOURCES FOR RE TRANSITIONS
When a Religious Education professional resigns, the transition can be
difficult for a congregation. The transition can also be an
opportunity for discernment, growth, and increased congregational
health. One way to seize this opportunity is to hire an Interim
Director of Religious Education.
Is your congregation thinking of hiring an Interim Director of
Religious Education? Are you a religious educator thinking about
becoming an Interim DRE? Do you want to learn more about the
possibilities for growth and change during a religious education staff
transition? If so, you are invited to a reception on June 28 at
General Assembly for those interested in Interim Religious Education.
While you’re thinking about it, check out the “Developmental Tasks for
the Interim Period” listed on the UUA webpage about Interim Directors
of Religious Education.
If you are interested in becoming an Interim DRE or in sending someone
to training to become an Interim DRE, mark your calendars for the
training July 23-25 in Boston. The application deadline is July 14.
Please see the UUA website for details.
http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/religiouseducation/107495.shtml
UU UNIVERSITY: MINISTRY IN THE BORDERLANDS
In some congregations, religious education leaders seem to carry the
primary responsibility for interfaith engagement through activities
like the Neighboring Faiths curriculum for junior high. I have two
thoughts about this. (1) It doesn’t have to be that way. Leaders in
other constituencies are missing out and would get a lot out of
training for interfaith engagement. (2) If religious education leaders
are going to take responsibility for interfaith engagement, some adult-
oriented training would be really helpful. Luckily for all of us, UU
University is coming soon!
UU University is a 24-hour conference for lay leaders immediately
prior to General Assembly. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rev.
Dr. Nick Carter, President of Andover Newton Theological School.
(ANTS is a non-UU seminary that educates a lot of aspiring UU
ministers.) Dr. Carter will work with UUU participants on “how to
lead through the borderlands of difference that naturally occur in the
context of diversity.” The discussion will touch on diversity in the
interfaith community as well as within congregations. (Because
sometimes we have several theologies, thoughts, and opinions
represented in one congregation. Occasionally. A little bit.)
Visit the UU University home page to learn more about this year’s
program, watch the YouTube video made at last year’s program, download
a flyer to recruit your friends, or register online. UU University
registration is $125 and is separate from General Assembly
registration.
http://www.uua.org/events/uuuniversity/index.shtml
CHURCH OF THE LARGER FELLOWSHIP EDUCATION RESOURCES
The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) is the Unitarian
Universalist spiritual home everywhere in the world. The online
congregation provides resources and community for far-flung UU’s, as
well as members of brick-and-mortar congregations who are looking for
more ways to connect with their faith.
Upcoming online adult classes through the CLF include “Raising Ethical
Children,” led by the Rev. Ken Reeves. “Raising Ethical Children”
begins June 2 and runs for four weeks. Rev. Ken is a clinical
psychologist and a UU minister. I’ve met him briefly, and he also
happens to be a nice, well-grounded guy. On-line courses at the CLF
are $40.
http://clf.uua.org/learn/
Families practicing religious education at home and small
congregations think the CLF’s “RE Express Plus” service is the best
invention since washable markers. RE Express resources include the
CLiF Notes Curriculum for families and small groups, an index of RE
resources, and a KidTalk web page aimed at young UU’s. RE Express is
available to members of the CLF to use at home for free. RE Express
is also available by subscription to non-members, congregations, and
small groups.
http://clf.uua.org/re/express.html
The Church of the Younger Fellowship is the CLF’s ministry to Young
Adults (age 18-35) if you know young adults who could use an on-line
spiritual home, be sure to direct them to http://uucyf.org/ to find
community, to light virtual candles of joy and sorrow, to listen to
podcasted sermons, and to enjoy other resources. You or your
congregation can sponsor a membership in the CYF for $75. What a
great gift for a graduating senior! If you have a bunch of graduating
seniors, sponsor a group of 5 members for only $30 each. CYF members
include students, young parents, seminarians, activists, wanderers,
and solid members of brick-and-mortar UU congregations. In my waning
days of young adulthood, I still enjoy the affinity groups and
discussion questions at the CYF. Take a tour and see for yourself.
http://uucyf.org
NEW CURRICULA COMING SOON
Apply to be a fieldtest congregation for the latest installations of
“Tapestry of Faith.” Try out these 16-session curricula between
September 2008 and January 2009. Note that some of our own JPD
superstars are involved in writing! The programs are:
* Wonderful Welcome Grades K-1 (16 sessions): Children learn about
intangible gifts such as love, friendship, protection, invitation and
welcome. They discover ways they give and receive them in their own
lives and become empowered to make their gifts seen, heard and felt.
By Aisha Hauser and Susan Lawrence.
* Windows and Mirrors Grades 4-5 (16 sessions): Through a lens of UU
faith and justice, children look closely at themselves and the
communities to which they belong, especially their congregation. How
do they experience true affiliation with others who may, at first,
seem very unlike themselves? How do they move out from "me" to "we?"
By Gabrielle Farrell, Natalie Fenimore and Jenice View.
* Amazing Grace: Exploring Right and Wrong Grade 6 (16 sessions):
Amazing Grace uses drama, art, music, discussion and other tools to
encourage sixth graders to recognize the many sources available to
them to help make decisions between right and wrong. By looking at
what religion, the law, our culture, their peers, and their conscious
say about right/wrong, virtue/sin, youth explore how Unitarian
Universalists take responsibility for the decisions they make in their
lives and the consequences. By Rick Kimball.
For more information, and to apply to be a Tapestry of Faith fieldtest
congregation, contact: fiel...@uua.org or Wanda Wong at 617-948-4371
FINDING LYN
May 17: JPD Board Meeting, UU Fellowship of Harford County, MD
May 17: Towson (MD) UU Church Religious Education Committee
May 18: Preaching for the UU’s of Central Delaware in Dover
May 28: Chesapeake UU Ministers Association, Bethesda, MD
May 28: CUUMA White Anti-Racist Allies, Bethesda, MD
June 1: RE Sunday at the UU’s of Sterling, VA
June 11: Greater Washington Area RE Council
June 12-15: Young Adult & Campus Ministry Training, Titusville, NJ
June 22-29: General Assembly & Related Meetings, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
June 30: Last day on JPD Staff
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