No one knows better than religious educators that we are stronger together than we ever could be alone.
Time and time again, you prove this to me, my colleagues -- most recently at RE Week at The Mountain. Six days in the company of religious educators, ministers, RE and worship committee members/chairs, spouses, and children reminded me that “to believe I walk alone, is a lie that I've been told.” (See the lyrics to Fort Atlantic’s “Let Your Heart Hold Fast”, a song Tim Atkins used in an RE vesper service.) My purpose for being there? To co-facilitate the newly revised Renaissance module on Worship. And teaching and learning was happening all over the place, in the module and beyond.
Teaching and Learning: practicing “showing, not telling,” as Rev. Meg Barnhouse encouraged us to use stories creatively in worship; remembering what wonder feels like, with help from Baby Evan, fascinated by the tick-tock of the wall clock; receiving Matt Meyer’s demonstration of weaving history and respectful cultural borrowing, reflected in worship presentations throughout the week; and, for those new to The Mountain, being invited to participate in rituals like walking the labyrinth, RE Week Update, and ordering original ice cream concoctions from Sweet Treats (My choice was chocolate ice cream with macadamias, toffee, Oreos, and hot fudge. After all, I am the person with the refrigerator magnet that says “Eat dessert first.”). For me, it was a time of re-learning what it feels like to work and play with our peers.
Nothing feels better than being in the midst of a community where you feel you belong. Where you are free to come sit with others to discuss work or personal lives – or to take a nap or sit on Meditation Rock alone – and not be judged for your choices. Where you can agree and disagree and know that disagreement does not need to lead to dislike, but know that disharmony is a kind of harmony, too.
The reality is that we do not walk alone: You are part of a faith community and a community of religious professionals and volunteers who hold the faith and hold each other. I feel this most strongly when I gather with my community.
For some of you, the new fiscal year is starting. Do you have professional development funds that can be used to spend time with your colleagues? I urge you to do this. Whether it is a week-long conference at one of our UU camps and conference centers, the Liberal Religious Educators Association’s Fall Conference 2014 (registration is open now!), LREDA Fall Conference, or a LREDA chapter retreat, make your plans now. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Next Steps!
Find out about programs offered at The Mountain and other, similar sites across the country on the website of The Council of UU Camps and Conference Centers.
Consider attending the Liberal Religious Educators Association’s Fall Conference 2014.
The UUA’s Renaissance Program provides trainings in topic areas including Worship, Youth Ministry, Multicultural Religious Education, and Adult Faith Development and Planning. In the coming year, look for a new module on UU Theology and a revised UU Identity training. Participation in a Renaissance module in person or in-person/online is a way to learn and share in community.