I hope you are all having a wonderful summer! BUF will continue to be on summer mode until September but I have a few announcements and reminders for you now so you are fully informed about RE happenings!
There is a lot of information here-- pay special attention to:
- Children's Choir Rehearsal-- 8/27 & 9/3
- Back to Church Pool Party-- 9/6
- Middle School Conference 9/26-28 (registration form attached)
New Minister is Here!
Rev. Paul Beckel has arrived in Bellingham and begins work today to get ready for an exciting new year at BUF! He will be in the pulpit on August 31st but will likely be at church on most Sundays in August if you want a chance to chat with him during coffee hour!
I Will Be Traveling in August...
Usually I spend the month of August hard at work, preparing for the fall. This year, I came back in July to get prepared early so that I can take a trip of a lifetime! I will be gone from mid August until early September in London and then on a Bike and Barge trip in Holland-- yes, I feel incredibly blessed!
Fall Theme-- UU Principles
You may have heard the rumor that we will be offering our Hogwarts curriculum again this fall for children in grades 2-5.... I'm pleased to confirm that the rumors are true! Once again, BUF will be home to a Magical School of UU Principles-- children and adults will be wandering the halls in robes and hats learning the magic within us that keeps us true to our values and ideals. Our Spirit Play class will also be studying our UU "promises" through engaging stories while Middle School youth will begin the year exploring religious themes introduced in the popular show-- the Simpsons.
RE Registration
Registration packets will be sent to you in the mail in the next week or so. If your child or youth will be attending religious education classes this year (or providing childcare) he/she needs to be formally registered in our program. PLEASE return registration forms promptly so we can plan appropriately for the fall. Completed forms can be mailed back in the envelope provided or placed in the box outside my door.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR REHEARSAL
Wednesdays, August 27 and September 3, 7:00-7:45 pm
The BUF Choir is beginning rehearsals to get ready for ingathering on September 7th. Dee Dee Marshall has offered to lead a children's choir this year and would like to begin in time to get kids involved in our first service!!! If your child likes to sing-- bring them to BUF for these evening rehearsals-- children will begin with adults in the sanctuary. Childcare will be available for the duration of the adult choir rehearsal....
BUF FAMILY BACK TO CHURCH POOL PARTY!
Saturday, September 6, 9:30-11:30, Bayside Pool (in Fairhaven)
This is a fun way to get back together after the summer! Come swim with your BUF friends and get ready for a new year! All registered children and their families are welcome (registration materials will be available just in case you haven't registered yet)!
INGATHERING
Sunday, September 7, 10:30 am
Join us for this multigenerational worship service and participate in our annual Water Communion ceremony! All members and friends are invited to bring a bit of water that represents a significant moment from your summer to share.
LOCAL FEAST: RE SPONSORED COMMUNITY NIGHT DINNER
Wednesday, September 10, 6:00
The Religious Education Committee will be hosting one dinner per month this year! Help us kick off this wonderful new tradition by attending our Local Feast in September when we honor the delicious bounty of our fertile community.
FIRST RE SUNDAY
Sunday, September 14, 10:30 am
Children and youth begin in the sanctuary with their parents. We will have a Teacher Dedication ceremony before children and youth are invited to their religious education classrooms.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE
Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, Camp Selth (Vashon Island)
All UU middle school youth in the Puget Sound area invited to participate in this fun weekend of Swimming & Boating, (w/ certified life guards) Archery & Challenge Course (w/ certified leaders) Day spa, Campfire, Capture the flag, Rocket-making, Tie-dying, Talent/No Talent Show, Temporary Hair-dying (with special permission), Nail polish, Sock Monkey-Making, & Worship! BUF has sent youth to this conference for the last two years and it has been a HUGE hit with our youth and helped them build relationships with each other-- feel connected to our larger movement and make new friends. Please DO ask your youth about participating in this activity. BUF has some sponsorship money and so does the conference so don't let the cost deter you. Questions can be directed to me or to Indigo Lewis (the DRE on Vashon Island indigo@grasspants.com). REGISTRATION FORM IS ATTACHED!
SAVE THE DATE: BUF COMMUNITY (ALL CHURCH) RETREAT!
Friday-Sunday, October 3-5
You won't want to miss this year's retreat!!! This will undoubtedly be a really great opportunity to get to know Rev. Paul Beckel and his wife in a relaxed and informal setting. And of course, as always, it's a great time for children and youth to be free and safe in nature with the full support of your BUF village. Mark your calendars now... more details will be coming soon!
That's it for now, I look forward to seeing you in the near future!
Crystal
