RE registration 2020 is here! Here’s the link to register for this year’s virtual RE classes, which will begin October 11th (the week after the 10/4 RE kick-off): https://uuschenectady.breezechms.com/form/newfamilyreg17-1822824515
RE Kick-off! All, Youth and Teachers are invited to participate in the October 4th Talent/No Talent RE Kick-off! The Kick-off will begin at 1pm, with a rehearsal beginning at 12:15. Click here to sign up for the talent show:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG6YiZbFV_-32ebUr133iHjGsxDNWqlWkeF7lFeyrSE02BoQ/viewform or contact DLRE Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org or (607) 435-2803 (call or text). Performances may include singing, dancing, instrumentals, poetry, artwork, photography, comedy, skits, story telling, silly face making, tongue curling, etc. All skill levels are welcome. Depending on the number of participants, we expect each performance to run 2-3 minutes.
RE 2020-2021: RE classes will begin Sunday, October 11, except for our Senior Youth (grades 9-12) who will begin meeting this Sunday, September 27, at noon.
RE class times will vary this year so as to keep the 10:30 slot open for services only. For instance, the K/1/2 class, Moral Tales, will meet on various Sundays at 9:30. Our other RE classes this year are grades 3/4/5, CartUUns; grades 6/7/8, March; and grades 9-12, our Senior Youth. Classes will meet a bit less frequently and for shorter periods of time
than the in-person classes have in the past, as we know our children, youth, and teachers will likely be spending a great deal of time in front of their screens. Our hope is for the children and youth to do whatever “work” is involved in any given class at home on their own time, so that when we get together for RE, there’ll be plenty of room for discussion and activities. Please note that all plans are tentative and subject to change given the extraordinary times we’re living in right now. If something isn’t working or attendance is just really low, we’ll likely make changes to try to make RE work the best it can for as many people as possible.
You are Needed!: The Virtual RE Taskforce has some great plans for religious education classes and programs, and there are still some ways volunteers can help make this RE year successful. If you have an interest in participating in RE in some way, maybe with Children’s
Chapel or as a sub, please contact DLRE Robin Ahearn by September 30.
RE Teachers: There’s a virtual teacher orientation scheduled for all RE teachers on October 6 at 7 pm. This group orientation will be followed up with individual teaching team meetings to best prepare for this RE year and the needs of each of the classes. I’ll be sending a teacher
email soon and will include a link to the orientation at that time.
OWL Update: Unfortunately, our fabulous OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) program will not be offered this year due to the pandemic and the need for virtual classes. As parents are the primary sexuality educators for our children, there are sources available for parent-led OWL for K/1 and 5/6 children; contact DLRE Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org if interested. Our plan is to offer OWL to enough children and youth next year so that nobody misses out on this life-changing programming. We also have book suggestions available for our middle and high school youth. Again, contact Robin if interested.
Looking forward to this new RE year and opportunities for connection, fun, learning, change, and flexibility! –Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education