DRE's blog

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education

Our Religious Education program seems poised for...something. How's that for specific? I can't quite put my finger on it, but there are a number of positive indicating factors that lead me to believe something very exciting is happening.

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education

Winter at First Unitarian Universalist Church brings many exciting opportunities to join in learning, fellowship, and worship in Religious Education. 

On January 14, the Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth and I will be  hosting a morning long retreat to discuss ways to include children and youth in more congregational events and to invite youth into leadership roles within more committees. Anyone interested in joining the discussion is welcome and encouraged to attend.

by Ryan Shriver, DRE

"At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer.  "Gratitude is the heart's memory." -Proverb

Youth is, after all, just a moment, but it is the moment, the spark that you always carry in your heart.  Raisa Gorbachev

There are many signs indicative of a thriving and growing congregation, many obvious and many not so much. To have a growing group of enthusiastic youth may be one of those more subtle indicators, but there is nothing subtle about our youth. Simply put, they are fantastic and dynamic!

Who are our youth and why are they enthusiastic, you might be asking yourself.

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education

Fall registration is approximately two-thirds of the way done and one thing is for certain: I am so glad our religious education program has added a third part-time position to the mix!

 by Ryan Shriver, DRE

As a busy summer winds down in the Religious Education program here at First Unitarian Universalist Church, it is hard to believe another church school year is just around the corner!

While many of our class offerings are similar to those of years past, we are making a number of subtle changes to why, what and how we deliver religious education to our children and youth.

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education

Any program or endeavor worth investing time, money and personal passion into must--from time to time--be scrutinized, evaluated, and updated. For our congregation's religious education program, that time is now.  

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education 

It's a blessing we were born.

It matters what we do.

It matters what we do together.

What each of us knows about God is a piece of the truth.

We don't have to do it alone.

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education

by Ryan Shriver, Director of Religious Education