Religious Exploration Visioning Workshop
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Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists
Religious Exploration Visioning Workshop
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Led by Jeanelyse Doran Adams, Director of Program Development, Pacific Central District
Participant Reflections
The workshop with Jeanelyse Doran Adams had 15 people from the BFUU community in attendance. The fact that we even HAD a workshop on the present and future vision for Religious Exploration is a HUGE testimony to the commitment we have to a stronger presence in the lives of families living in the neighborhood. It was a good third step (after applying for the grant and then hiring Beth Dana as our Director) but there are many more steps ahead. I trust we will continue on the path we're on to make our programs a vital part of the future of BFUU. Thanks to all who attended and to all of you who will become more involved as we grow.....It really takes a village! Our thanks to the Pacific Central District for their continued support. --Rev. Ben Meyers
I found that the RE visioning workshop was indeed an opportunity to brainstorm about the future of our RE program at BFUU. In the workshop, I appreciated the acknowledgement of some of the good work already being done in our congregation, such as the oral history grant project by Lena Richardson. I believe Lena's work could serve as a template for the growth of the RE program. Lena's work seems to have galvanized the talents of many new young adults to join in the life of BFUU, while honoring the contributions of BFUU's old-timers at the same time. Likewise, by bringing in new families to BFUU, we could galvanize the talents of a new crop of UU parents to teach and further publicize the work of the RE program. At the same time, we could further engage the talents of long-time members, such as Dolores and her dance talents, so that long-time members are also enhancing the RE program and contributing to its growth. I pledged long-term to contribute my energies to a program to serve at-risk young adults, homeless or otherwise, or to serve English as a Second Language adult learners, whichever would most serve the community. Both of these programs could have strong tie-ins to BFUU's RE program. I feel committed to this goal in my long-term vision of serving BFUU. --Cecilia Owen
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Right here in the heart of Berkeley There is a place for children A place for tender souls A place to learn A place to play A place to be nurtured A place to be spiritual A place to be heard A place to be shaped A place to grow |
By the bye We have many grandparents to share With your child Isn’t that wild?? We don’t twitter We don’t tweet We are here for your child Isn’t that neat?! --Poem by Gene Herma |
On March 14, 2010 17 people from the BFUU community gathered to discuss and envision the future of lifespan religious exploration in this congregation. The workshop began with an opening reading and song, and the dedication of a children’s chalice that workshop leader Jeanelyse Doran Adams donatedto BFUU.
Starting a Religious Exploration Program is a radical act of faith and love!
Creating Memories
The workshop began with a reflection on our memories of RE, or what we imagine would be most memorable for children. Here are some the highlights:
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Welcoming Space
Jeanelyse shared the observation that children often imitate or reflect their surrounding environment and community. Look around the BFUU space, and the Fellowship Hall. Does it look like children are here? Will families feel welcome? How can we change the environment to be more welcoming to people of all ages? What if there were images of children and families on the wall? What if there were art by children around the fellowship?
Trends – How Will We Adapt to a Changing World?
- Parents are having children later in life
- Parents need help raising children with their values
- Parents are spending more time with their children – churches can provide activities for families to participate in together
Values
Why is RE important to BFUU?
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What We Offer
The workshop participants brainstormed the ways that we currently do RE at BFUU.
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Vision
The workshop participants envisioned what RE would look like at BFUU in three years (March 2013). Imagine the possibilities!
Mission Centered – Values Based – Connected to the Surrounding Community
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On March 14th we planted seeds of hope for RE at BFUU. Look at how they have flourished, less than a month later!
Our Commitment
We closed the workshop by discussing the steps that we need to take to make our vision a reality, and shared our personal commitments. The following is the “to-do” list we developed:
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Pipe cleaners are for people of all ages!
The image to the left represents the individual commitments made by workshop participants.
BFUU Religious Exploration Links:
