Notes from the journey: January 2012

If you have been around our congregation for a while, you may have noticed that we, at times, seem a little inconsistent with our language when it comes to our Lifespan Learning programs (also known as Religious Exploration, Religious Education, Faith Development… you see what I mean?)

This is, in part, for good reason; there have been a great many discussions over the years about what it is, exactly, that we do in these classes together and how to best label them. As Unitarian Universalists, we recognize that we all, young and old, are on a journey of exploration and learning; that each and every moment brings another opportunity to find out something new and to grow. It is my hope that, through our programming here at UUCF, we provide many opportunities for these moments of sharing and deepening, and that all ages can find a safe place to explore.

So when we call our programs “classes”, are we really evoking the right images of what it is we hope to achieve? Are those who help lead these groups “teachers” or “facilitators” or “guides”?

There have been many of you who have maybe been reluctant to sign up to lead our children and youth during their Sunday morning classes because “teaching” Unitarian Universalism sounds too intimidating or because maybe you teach during the week. In our community, you do not have to be a world religions expert to explore our neighboring faiths with our youth, you don’t have to be an expert on the Protestant Reformation to discover our UU History with our children, and you don’t have to know the answers to life’s big questions to remember what it is like to be in complete awe as you watch a preschooler discover the mysteries of life for the first time.

So while we are wrestling with the best word to describe the adults who help lead our children, youth, and adults on their age-appropriate paths of spiritual and religious exploration, I hope that you will consider that we are all called to be teachers and learners together in this beloved community. I invite you to become a leader, a guide, a teacher, a learner alongside UUs of all ages. Sometimes this might mean that there is a curriculum involved, or public speaking, but most of all, it means entering into this space eager to share your gifts and accept the wisdom that comes from sometimes unexpected places.

 Together In Faith,

Amy Peterson Derrick

Director of Lifespan Learning

apderrick@uuflint.org