This week is “National Volunteer Appreciation Week.” As I think about how we are “doing church” during this time of social distancing, it is important to thank, agradecer, all the volunteers working behind the scenes to support the ministries of the church and our staff. They help keep us connected and support our spiritual deepening. I will not type a list of names because it is inevitable that at least one person will be inadvertently overlooked- perfection is an illusion. However, I do want to share with you a snapshot of what is happening in Faith Development while our brick and mortar congregational home is closed.
Children and youth continue to gather on-line Sunday mornings and afternoons. Volunteers are recording stories for the Spirit Play program for our youngest UUs. The Coming of Age program advisors continue to meet on-line with Coming of Age youth to plan one of the most inspiring services of the year, “Credo Sunday” to be offered May 17. Mark your calendar and be sure to view this beautiful gift from our youth. The Neighboring Faiths program advisors are also meeting with youth on-line. This Sunday they will have a guest from the Muslim community as they continue their study of world religions. Youth group advisors and youth are exploring ways to stay connected. The Religious Education Council continues to meet on-line to explore ways to support RE staff. These are just a few of the more than 75 volunteers who have supported Religious Education this past year either in person (pre-Corona) or on-line.
Thank you! Muchas gracias!
UUCA volunteerism is also crucial for the continuation of on-line Adult Faith Development Programs. Volunteers lead and coordinate our Small Group Ministry covenant groups. Many are meeting on-line and have started to meet twice a month instead of monthly. Peacemakers, Buddhist Fellowship and CUUPS-Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans are also meeting on-line and keeping our faith community connected. Classes such as “UU History 101” are also volunteer led and encourage us to keep learning and growing together. Church is happening in all of these gatherings. They are the new iteration of congregational life as we transition into a new way of doing church. We may be apart but the spirit of our community prevails. We are grateful, agradecidos, for all the volunteers that are keeping Faith Development alive and vibrant during this time.
Lastly, because Faith Development also happens in worship and in the work of congregational care, we are grateful, agradecidos, for our worship associates who are now recording their contributions to service and continue to share their insights with us. We are also grateful, agradecidos, for our pastoral visitors, meal train coordinators and meal providers who continue to care of our members in need. And a very special thank you, un reconocimiento muy especial, to all of those making phone calls to each of our congregants to say hello and check-in. What an amazing bouquet of people we are!
With gratitude, con gratitud,
Rev Claudia