All Things RE!
December 2022

It’s hard to believe December is here. Shorter days, colder nights, the season for hot chocolate and lights. It has been my privilege to get to know you during these past four weeks. I appreciate every smile, kind word and moment of encouragement. I have especially loved getting to know the children in Religious Education (RE).

Starting in December, children will leave for RE after The Message for All Ages. They will light their chalice then go downstairs to share their joys and concerns as a large group. RE classes will begin after this.

We are so fortunate to have amazing teachers that care for our children. It is our hope that this additional time will help children to engage and connect with their peers. It will also give them the opportunity to have a little more fun while learning together.

Blessings,

LaToya Bates

Director of Religious Education

The Holiday Store Opens December 11th

The 2022 Holiday Store will be open from 10:30 am until noon on December 11th. Our pageant rehearsal will also take place during this time. Building on the RE Theme of “Love,” children can purchase gifts for the family by bringing a donation of a food item.

Time to Get your Elf On!

We are still in need of Holiday Store donations and volunteers. Not sure what to donate? New or gently used toys, CDs, DVDs, books, jewelry, candles, and knick-knacks make excellent gifts. Please bring your donation no later than the start of service on December 11th. The donation box is in the West Lobby.

Elves are still needed to help children find and wrap the perfect gift. We have 30-minute shifts available from 10 am until noon during the holiday store. Click here to volunteer. Contact Katie Egan-Bruhy at egan.bruhy@gmail.com with any questions.

Holiday Pageant

We will host a Holiday Cantata on Sunday, December 18th, celebrating the sounds and sights of the season. Our RE children and families will create artwork to support the morning of song and holiday cheer. Rehearsal will be held during service and Barn Banter on Sunday, December 11th. Children will also get to shop the holiday store during this time. Volunteers are needed to help with the children. Voices are welcome too. Contact LaToya Bates at DRE@UCN.org to sing, volunteer or for more information. It is sure to be a great time!

News From Our Classrooms

Coming of Age (COA)

Our COA class is growing! UCN members are invited to join class on Sunday, December 4th to talk about their spiritual practices. Please Peggy Creer at subdebpeg@gmail.com, for more information.

The COA class welcomed members in November, who shared their faith story and views of religion. Students are reading the Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide, edited by Susan Frederick-Gray. Students have engaged in reflection on Humanism, and other theological perspectives like Monotheism, and Atheism.

5th Through 8th Graders

The World Religions class has been learning about the Greek Orthodox Church. Information about their upcoming trip is below. In December, the class with Catholicism in December and are planning a visit to St. Monica Parish, in Whitefish Bay.

World Religions Class Trip

When:

Sunday, Dec. 4th, 10am-12pm

Where:

1617 West State Street, Milwaukee, WI

On Sunday, December 4th, our 5th through 8th graders are going to service at St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Students have been studying Christianity. The trip to this Greek Orthodox Church will help students to better understand differences in religious practices and build acceptance of diverse beliefs.

Friends, family and UCN members are invited to join us! Please contact Janet Jensen (608-217-6566; jan.jen33@gmail.com) if you are interested! Please make sure your child's field trip form is signed and submitted before the group leaves.