I hope you have seen emails and Facebook posts about the upcoming Stuffies Sleepover at UCE! This is a sleepover for stuffed animals only because they deserve to have fun too! Stuffies of all ages, sizes, colors, and species are welcome to attend! Put your name on the bottom of your stuffie and bring it to UCE and place it in the marked bin by the door before Sunday evening (the 27th). Call the church ahead to make sure someone is there to let you in. The stuffies will be busy recording their antics, which you will get to see in the Animal Blessing worship service on October 4. Arrangements for their return home will be made next week. 

Parents should have received an email last Friday looking for feedback on what they are comfortable having their kids participate in. If you missed it, please look for it and send me your thoughts. I will also send another email this weekend with an update and an opportunity to voice your opinion.  

So far, this is what I am learning from your replies and conversations: 

  • Most are comfortable with small in-person gatherings with masks and physical distancing. Since this isn’t 100%, having outside opportunities is still important. 
  • Some screen time for virtual RE is okay – no more than 1 hour and preferably not weekly 
  • For younger kids, afternoons around 4p is best 
  • The jury is still out on 6th-8th grade youth, although Sunday seems to be preferred 
  • There is some interest in parent groups: book group, parents of teens group, and forming a second covenant group 

While collecting more feedback, I have set up a schedule of events for different age groups this month as follows: 

  • Family Fun on the Lawn (weather permitting) – October 7 and 21 at 5:30-6:30p. Sign up here
  • POP – Parents of Preschoolers – Monday, October 26 at 8-9p. Sign up here. 
  • 1st-5th Grades – Thursdays, October 1, 15, and 29 at 4-4:45p. Sign up here.  
  • 6th-8th Grades – Popcorn Theology Online – Sunday, October 11 at 9:30-10:30a. Sign up here  
  • High School with MidAmerica Youth – Sundays, October 4, 18, 25 at 6-7:30p 
  • Parents on the Porch – Sunday, October 25 at 8:30-9:30p (Join any time in the hour!) Sign up here. 

Please remember to register your child/youth too. You can do so here.  

I will also be sending out an invite to those who have expressed an interest in forming one of the parent groups to meet virtually and share thoughts on what you wish to get from participating as well as logistics for meeting. 

The Children and Youth Team is looking at ways to connect people across the ages, so if you have an idea that can bring people together, let me know! As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback on how we can create beloved community for all ages during this unusual time.  

In Faith, 

Kathy