This Week in Religious Education

This Sunday we will have our regular class schedule, but be aware that RE will be on winter break schedule for the next two weeks:

12/23: Only one all ages class at both services, no youth groups

12/30: NO Religious Education classes, only nursery care

See you this Sunday, and then have a great winter break!

Last Sunday the classes learned about Hanukkah. In Spirit Play the kids had a story about the Maccabees and a wooden toy menorah. In Labyrinth Learning for 1st-5th grades the kids learned about the holiday and made simple cardboard dreidels. The Middle School group went on a visit to Temple Beth Hatfiloh Friday evening.

Discuss it at home: What do you think of the holiday of Hanukkah? Do you have family, friends, or neighbors who celebrate this holiday? What do you think about the miracle of the oil lasting longer than it was supposed to? When does light seem like a miracle?

Spiritual Practice: have a family night! One of the beautiful aspects of Hanukkah is that families have time together: a feast, lighting of candles, and playing simple games at home. In these busy times, would a quietly festive night at home with your family do you good? What games could you play? Try out the dreidel game if you like!

Our Director of Religious Education, Sara Lewis, will be away this Sunday and our Religious Education staff teacher, Anisa Bentlemsani, will be coordinating this Sunday.

9:15

Spirit Play for preschool to 5th grade, with the story of Old Befana

11:00

Spirit Play for preK, with the story of Old Befana

Labyrinth Learning for 1st-5th grade, learning about the Nativity Story

Middle School Group, reflecting on their visits to other faiths so far

One all ages class at both services this week, each one with the Spirit Play story of The Tree of the Dancing Goats.

If you have not already done so, please take some time this week to complete the registration form for the new program year.

Children's Registration

Youth Registration

Please note that I have rearranged the rhythm of my week to better fit my children's school schedule, and I will now be working Saturday-Thursday, and taking Friday as a sabbath day. As part of the spiritual discipline of pausing and truly taking a day apart, I will not respond to emails or other forms of communication on Fridays.

Also note that I will be taking family vacation times as the end of the year rolls around:

Sunday December 16th

December 25th-January 2nd

Happy Holidays and May Your New Year Be Blessed with Peace and Joy!

Sara Lewis, credentialed religious educator, master level

Director of Lifespan Religious Education

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10am-2pm

Available by appointment: Saturday through Thursday

Change of Sabbath:

Sabbath Day (when I will not check email or respond to calls): Friday

olydre@gmail.com or dre@ouuc.org

360-786-6383 x. 102