Religious Education Update — June 28, 2026
Hello you gorgeous souls ✨
Summer is unfolding beautifully at HVUUC!
Over the past few weeks we've explored everything from wonder and curiosity to ancient fossils hidden beneath our feet. It's been a joy watching children, youth, and adults learn alongside one another, discover new interests, and build connections across generations.
Behind the scenes, preparations are already underway for the next chapter of Religious Education. The front lobby received a fresh tidying-up, plans for fall programming are taking shape, and exciting community events continue to emerge as we imagine what's possible together.
✨ REC — Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Part of the Magic
As our community grows, so does the opportunity to help shape the future of Religious Education at HVUUC.
Our next Religious Education Collaborative (REC) meeting is Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 PM via Zoom. We'll be discussing:
• All Ages, All In: A Summer of Community Connection
• Family Movie Night Fundraiser
• Summer Picnic (Saturday, August 22)
• Curriculum and facilitation for next session
• A proposed shift from "Religious Education" to "Religious Exploration"
If you've been looking for a meaningful way to become more involved, we'd love to welcome your voice, ideas, and enthusiasm.
📧 Email: "hvuucdre@gmail.com" (mailto:hvuucdre@gmail.com)
The REC is currently helping bring several exciting projects and programs to life:
🌟 All Ages, All In: A Summer of Community Connection
This summer initiative celebrates the many roles that help communities thrive. Inspired by We Are the Builders, we'll be exploring and honoring community roles through hands-on experiences for all ages.
Upcoming events include:
📖 Storytellers: S'mores & Stories
July 9 | 6:00–8:00 PM
🧘 Healers: Family Yoga with Tish & More
July 23 | 6:00–8:00 PM
🚒 First Responders with Gray Volunteer Fire Department
Date & Details Coming Soon
✨ Visionaries: Stargazing with Donnie and Mike Frisch
Date & Details Coming Soon
Whether you're attending, volunteering, teaching, or simply showing up with curiosity, there's a place for you in this community adventure.
📚 RE Book Sale Fundraiser
Saturday, August 15 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
The REC is organizing a community book sale fundraiser to support the continued growth of Religious Education programming.
You can help by:
• Donating books
• Volunteering with sorting, setup, sales, or cleanup
• Helping spread the word
Every contribution helps strengthen and expand opportunities for children, youth, adults, and families.
🎬 Family Movie Night Fundraiser
Friday, July 24
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Movie Begins: 6:30 PM
Family Game Night Continues Until 9:30 PM
Join us for an affordable evening of family fun!
Purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes, enjoy family-friendly games, and grab snacks and concessions throughout the evening. All proceeds support the continued growth of Religious Education programming.
Volunteers are also needed for setup, concessions, hospitality, and cleanup.
🌈 Summer RE Class Updates
Our All-Ages Summer Classes continue to highlight the incredible knowledge, talents, and passions that exist within our congregation.
Whether you're interested in science, creativity, life skills, games, storytelling, or simply connecting with others, there's something for everyone.
Adult RE 1 and Adult RE 2 also continue throughout the summer for those who enjoy smaller discussion-based experiences and deeper conversations.
🦴 This Sunday: Fossil Exploration 2!
Join Michael Jones and Peggy Wolfe as they lead our All-Ages Summer Class onto church grounds in search of fossils.
Last week's session introduced participants to fossil formation, identification techniques, and a few practical outdoor exploration tips. This week we'll put that knowledge into action through hands-on discovery and investigation.
Adults and children alike are invited to participate in this exciting adventure!
📱 Coming Soon: Simplified RE Sign-In & Sign-Out
A streamlined digital sign-in/sign-out system is currently in development for HVUUC Religious Education!
Within the coming weeks, families will be able to manage child check-in and hand-offs directly from their phones, creating a smoother experience for both families and volunteers while helping us maintain a safe and organized environment.
💜 Stay Connected
Be sure to join the HVUUC Families Group on Facebook for updates, announcements, photos, and opportunities to connect with other families throughout the year.
✨ Thank You
Thank you to everyone who teaches, volunteers, participates, supports, donates, shares ideas, and helps create a welcoming space for learners of all ages. Religious Education continues to grow because of the care and enthusiasm of this community, and I'm excited to see where this next season takes us!