Taryn Strauss

Director of Religious Education

REflections

August 2008

How can we all work towards a more multigenerational community? What would that look like?

I can envision a church where we have members of our youth group serving on the worship committee, the music committee, and even the finance committee. I can imagine a congregation where large numbers of non-parents are teaching Religious Education courses to children. I can see a worship service where all ages are welcome, where children become regular greeters, chalice lighters, and help with the offertory. Perhaps we could invite youth into adult covenant groups or adult RE classes. What if we developed monthly intergenerational social events? Picnics, hikes, social justice activities, church decorating parties, congregation-wide potlucks?

My goal for the year is to create opportunities that will lead us towards this vision. Our multi-generational community is cause for celebration, and the rewards of that diversity will unfold themselves to each of us as we increase our commitment to truly engaging with one another.

This may be uncomfortable for some, or this may demand increased time or energy from others to stretch our ideas about church and how we’ve always thought of it. But taking risks and opening ourselves to the gifts of each other is what it means to live in the beloved community. I invite you to consider your role in this multi-generational congregation. What could you do to contribute to increased interaction between the ages? Consider what is holding you back. What might be keeping you from befriending a youth, or helping to plan a social event? Each of us has a role to play in this community with infinite possibilities for deeper connection. I look forward to another year of strengthening the sacred threads that unite us as Unitarian Universalists.