2009-2010 Program Year Volunteers needed!

Dear Members and Friends,

While the summer months are a time for rest and relaxation, it is also (already!) the time to start gearing up for the new 2009-2010 program year. It is so hard to believe that before we know it, September will be upon us; the weather will cool down, we will close down our gardens for the season, school will start and we will all, once again, gather to share stories from our summer adventures!

It takes a great deal of preparation to ensure that our programs are prepared for fall; this week Johanna Brown and I will begin our annual work on the curriculum for the fall, and over the next month and a half teacher schedules will be finalized, program dates will be solidified, and I will begin working with Chris Monk, Sue Owen Kinsey and other volunteers, to put together a "kick-off" celebration picnic to follow the service on September 13th (featuring fun, games, food and the launching of our lifespan learning programs! Stay tuned!).

Our Lifespan Learning ministry provides so many opportunities for growth and fun for children, youth, and adults alike; from our Coming of Age program to our Sunday morning classes for children and youth, and from evening classes for adults to our valued sexuality education program, I hope that each of you will take some time to consider that each of these programs not only provides information, but an opportunity to connect to your fellow congregants and to consider your spirituality at a deeper level. Facilitating programs can also often be a very rewarding experience; many volunteers have had the experience that they get just as much out of a program by leading it as being a participant.

If you are interested in helping to create and facilitate our Lifespan Learning Ministry, please consider volunteering! I am currently looking for:


Classroom Coordinators:

If you are passionate about teaching and providing an important ministry to our children and youth each and every Sunday, then this is the job for you! Classroom coordinators help recruit a team of teachers for each classroom and assist in managing the schedule; this ministry helps to ensure that our children and youth can look forward to a safe and loving classroom environment every Sunday morning. Classroom coordinators are also vital in our evaluation process, helping the Lifespan Learning committee ensure that the lessons fit the needs of our children and their families. If you are interested, please contact me by August 15, 2009.

Lifespan Learning Committee Members:

The Lifespan Learning Committee plays a vital role in the success of our Lifespan Learning programs. Members of this committee work with the Director of Lifespan Learning to create a vision for our ministry to children youth as well as adults. We also work together to recruit volunteers, make decisions on which curriculum to offer and develop new and exciting programs for our congregation members as well as for the greater Flint community. If you are interested in creating this committee, please contact me by August 15, 2009.

OWL Facilitators:

The Heartland District of the UUA will be offering an Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education facilitator training on September 25-27th at the Birmingham UU church in Bloomfield Hills. Lifespan Learning is looking to sponsor two individuals interested in educating youth about human sexuality in a way which helps to build self-esteem, knowledge and confidence. If you would like to facilitate the Our Whole Lives program for teens in our congregation, please contact me no later than August 30, 2009.

I hope that each of you is having a wonderful, restful summer. If you have any questions concerning our Lifespan Learning programs or about volunteering, please feel free to send me an email or give me a call!

In Faith,

Amy Peterson Derrick
Director of Lifespan Learning
pestro2001@hotmail.com