By Bridget Laflin Congregational Intern You all know me as the Director of Religious Education, but I am also a seminary student in my last year of my Master of Divinity program at Seattle University. My ultimate goal is to become an Unitarian Universalist minister. As a graduation requirement for my Master’s program, I need to do a congregational internship for two quarters. Rev. Dan and the Board of Trustees at WUUC were kind enough to let me do my internship here in addition to my work as DRE. A few things to know:
I only have 10 hours per week in this position, and will only be wearing my intern hat between the end of September and the end of March, so the scope of my internship will be limited.
The amazing Rev. Grace Simons will be acting as my internship supervisor and mentor. I am incredibly grateful to her for her generosity and wisdom.
I will be offering an adult religious education class at WUUC from November – March called “Improv as Spiritual Practice.” More info to follow.
I will be working with the worship team for the next several months and will be helping to create and lead several services between now and the end of March.
I will be working with the Lay Pastoral Associates to learn more about providing pastoral care within the church community.
I can’t wait to spend more time with you all in my new role as a congregational intern. Let me know if you have any questions!
This summer, WUUC combined with several other congregations in the Pacific Northwest to offer online summer camp opportunities for our children. I had the honor of being a “professor” at the Wizarding camp for ages 5-13 and leading the Rainbow Path camp for grades K-2. There was also a Minecraft Camp for grades 3-5. Each camp was a week long. We learned so much and had so much fun!
My take-aways from our Zoom Summer Camps:
As always, I was amazed by the creativity of the campers as they created art, music and skits.
The youth counselors (high school students from the congregations) were so fabulous! They brought excitement, technical expertise, compassion, joy and so much leadership skill to the job of guiding the younger campers.
The collaboration of the DREs, volunteers and other congregational leaders was such a blessing. When plans had to change at the last minute, or unexpected things arose, there was a network of wonderful people who seamlessly picked up the pieces and put them back together. It was a true group effort.
The young people in our congregations exhibited so much kindness and patience during camp. They were understanding of tech issues, varying levels of education and skill, and so supportive of one another in ways that warmed my heart.
The campers’ intelligence and willingness to learn brought me so much hope.
The joy and laughter we experienced together reminded me that we can still share meaningful moments if we are willing to open ourselves to the silly, the strange, try new things, and are willing to bring our whole selves to our interactions with others.
Hopefully, next year we can hold camps and summer activities in person, but in the meantime, let us follow the example of our youngest congregants and embrace the joy and fun in the times that we can be together, whether in person or virtually.
This month’s highlighted volunteer opportunities are from the WORSHIP TEAM:
ZoomKeepers/ ZoomMates – These folks run Zoom for Sunday services. This Involves a commitment to be scheduled in rotation every 4-6 weeks. That week requires a couple of hours prep, Tech Run-through (currently on Friday late afternoon) and running Zoom production Sunday mornings.
Worship Tech Team – Want to operate the sound system and/or cameras for services when we broadcast from the Sanctuary? This involves a bit of training, then Tech Run-through (Currently on Friday late afternoon), and then setting up, working through the service and putting away equipment afterward. Tech Team members commit to working once every 4-6 weeks.
Worship Leaders – If you are curious about what’s involved in acting as the Worship Leader for services, let us know. We’ll tell you about the job, give you some materials to read and you can decide whether to apply and be trained.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities with the Worship Team, please contact Worship Team Leader Donna Johnson or Worship Support Specialist Linda Sherry.
ONLINE SOCIAL GROUPS AND SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION
Connections and Sunny Days Small Groups – These are small groups that meet on Zoom regularly, just for conversation. Leaders may offer up a topic, or just leave it open to the group. We expect to be starting up some new groups this month, the times are yet to be determined. If you want to join one, OR if you’d be interested in leading a group, please contact Tevina Flood.
Focused Small Groups – Check out our Sister Circle, our Parent Support Group, our Retired Folks Group and more…
There are many more opportunities for classes, focus groups and conversation online at WUUC. Please check out the Community Connections using the link below, and contact our Engagement Coordinator Karen Hyams if you need more information on getting started.
In response to parents from the Kenmore Greenleaf Apartments expressing a desire for more supportive relationships among their children, as well as to deepen their identities and leadership skills, members of the Racial Justice Task Force partnered with Fernell Miller of Root of Us and Greenleaf parents to create the Roots Summer Circle and Community Camp, which took place every Wednesday in July and August. Several WUUC volunteers supported the camp with snacks and general help, while Fernell and other youth and adults of color provided programming and mentorship.
The weekly camp sessions grew into an opportunity for Greenleaf parents to engage with each other and their children, as well as showcase a bit of their culture by bringing special dishes to share during snack time.
Says Denesha McCoy, Greenleaf parent: “I’ve watched the youth grow their relationships by building friendships and trust in each other. We partnered with some amazing groups like Kinara Park Kids and Youth Rising, and taught them sustainable life skills and responsible self-care values. I look forward to volunteering with these youth next summer and following their journey.”
Her 11-year-old daughter, Jasmin, adds: “It’s been a fantastic summer camp experience. I’m able to make friends and learn about respecting my friends even if we do not always agree or get along. I’m looking forward to next year’s summer camp.”
Monthly Special Collections
On June 20, our special collection of $450 supported Lambert House, a safe space in Seattle that empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 11-22 through the development of leadership, social and life skills. In July, we collected $200 for EarthGen, a nonprofit organization that equips youth to grow their power as changemakers for a healthy environment. Through EarthGen’s science-based, action-oriented programs, young people gain the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to become leaders for climate solutions and environmental justice.
On Sept. 19, our special collection will replenish WUUC’s Black Student and Families Fund (BSAFF). This money, along with WUUC volunteers, assists families of students in the Northshore School District (especially those living at Greenleaf, a subsidized housing community) with a variety of needs – from essentials like food, shelter, and monthly bills, to community organizing, leadership development, and support for future dreams including college and career development. Your contributions will fund programs and services with the goal of providing a safe environment for students to explore and express their identity as they navigate the racial constructs of their world, such as the Greenleaf Roots Summer Camp described above.
The ASJ Committee thanks WUUC members and friends for their generous support of our monthly special collections, which take place during services on the third Sunday of every month. Instructions for giving are posted during the service, and you can also donate anytime the following week at https://onrealm.org/wuuc/-/give/now, or by sending a check to WUUC at P.O. Box 111, Woodinville, WA 98072. Please make checks out to WUUC and write “ASJ Monthly Collection” in the notes.
