This Sunday in Religious Education Classes: October 11, 2009

This Sunday in RE

Religious Education this Sunday- Our UUP children and youth will participate in the International Day of Climate Action by learning about global warming, ocean acidification, and how rising levels of carbon dioxide are damaging coral reefs, shellfish and other ocean species. Stacey Meinzen will present information on climate change and explain how humans must reduce carbon dioxide levels to less than 350 parts per million in our atmosphere to sustain life on our planet. The kids will then create a large sculpture with the number 350 painted on a basketball hoop and backboard from Recycletown. The kids will choose a slogan such as "Let's Shoot for 350" or "One Planet, One Shot, 350" or "We Only Get One Shot, 350". A photo of the sculpture and UUPers will then be sent to the International Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen. Our RE day will combine science with hands on woodworking and painting.

Our efforts will be part of Unitarian Universalist activities all over the nation. The Unitarian Universalist Ministry for the Earth is working to get 350 congregations involved. Working together with many other UU's, we will work to save the world.

Religious Education Update: October 11, 2009

Weekend Retreats for UU Youth

You may have heard our high schoolers talking with great excitement about CONs. These are weekend conferences that have inspired our UUP 15 year olds to say that they are excited about Unitarian Universalism. Conferences are also wonderful places for our youth to make new UU friends that share their core values. The next Con or Conference will be at the UU Church of Marin on October 16-18, 2009. Approximately one hundred teens from all over Northern California will gather to do workshops, meet in small assigned groups, worship, eat together and then sleep ( but not too much) in sleeping bags on the floor of the church.

While high school conferences are youth-run, there are many youth-friendly adults actively involved. As a matter of UU District policy, there must be an adult over the age of 25 for every 10 teens. The adults participate in workshops, attend youth-led worship services, and get to know some terrific teens. Amy West, Bailey Boatsman and Lizzie Gardner plan to attend this Con, and would likely be willing to talk about the experience if you ask.

I’m excited to announce that our younger youth in grades 6-8, or ages 12-14, will soon have their own weekend retreat. This gathering, called a MUUGS Retreat, for Middle School UU Groups, will be held November 13 and 14 at the Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek.

This retreat is a first for our UU District, and I’ve been an active part of the planning process. While geared for younger youth, much of the basic format is similar to CONs. The youth will do a variety of workshops, play community building games, worship, meet in assigned small groups with kids from all over Northern California, and most importantly, have fun. Older teens and adults will provide leadership, working in partnership. I will there, of course. I wouldn’t miss it. Please ask if you’d like to more about these important weekend retreats for our young people.

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education