From DLRE, Nov 15, 2019
From Kathy Underwood, the Director of Lifespan Religious Education – November 15, 2019
November started out by participating in our high school youth’s conference, ConArtist. Our youth, with a lot of help from advisors Chris Allender and Mike Takada, coordinated a wonderful experience for UU youth. I led a workshop on Counted Cross-stitch – yes, you read that correctly! There were 12 youth patiently learning this art of fine-motor skills and patience. Some loved it, and others struggled, but they all gave it their genuine effort. The social justice program was led by Bonsai from the Theater of the Oppressed and was “the best program I’ve ever been to at a Con ever” according to several youth. The worship was awesome too because it included a little fire in the form of flash paper, as well as time for reflection and connection. A huge “thanks” goes out to Chris and Mike, and advisors Maxine Lapin, Ally Hunter, and Natalie Lawson – and of course, our youth.
Youth participating in a social justice workshop at ConArtist youth conference.
Our middle school youth visited Beth Emet Synagogue earlier this month. They met with Cantor Kyle Cotler, who brought out a Torah to show the youth, and they remarked what a special feeling it was to see a sacred text so close up. The students’ observations ranged from the ceiling height in the sanctuary (“So high!”) to the ratio of singing/speaking in the service and more! Next, they will be learning about Islam in religious education.
As of this writing, I have just returned from a Liberal Religious Educators’ Association conference in Baltimore that focused on trauma and marginalized peoples. It was a lot of theology and will slowly percolate in my brain over the next few weeks and months. In the midst of this was a lived example of white supremacy and how it plays out in our UU faith. Our colleagues of color called out the organizers of the conference on cultural misappropriation, which left myself and my white colleagues embarrassed, confused, and saddened for having caused more harm despite best intentions and actions. There is so much to learn, and so much work to do in dismantling white supremacy.
Looking ahead, there are two big events coming up quickly: Ornament Sunday and the Christmas Pageant. Here’s how you can participate in these fun traditions:
Ornament Sunday on December 8 – Do you have a simple holiday craft to share? One craft being offered is to decorate foam shapes. Or maybe you’re craftier than the average person and have something a little more challenging? Not crafty but want to help? Then you can staff a table, like the one decorating pinecones. Staffing a table means just being there to help people out as needed. We also need folks to help set up tables and move chairs after worship. Sign up here for any of these opportunities. And, whether or not you can help, I hope you come for some fun!
Christmas Pageant on December 15 – Another fun holiday tradition is the no-rehearsal Christmas pageant. Come be a part of the fun, either by participating as a character or animal, or simply by singing carols and watching. If you can help get costumes ready and set up or put away, then please sign up here.
In Faith,
Kathy