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.
Virtually every child on the planet is exposed to at least one climate or environmental hazard right now.
850 million children are exposed to four or more climate or environmental hazards.
Thirty-three countries are considered extremely high risk for children, but those countries emit just 9 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
The 10 countries with the highest emissions collectively account for nearly 70% of global emissions, but children in those higher-emitting countries face lower overall risks associated with climate change.
Good News
Federal climate action is happening. (Thanks for voting!)
The Glasgow Climate Summit in November will put countries “feet to the carbon fire.” They will ratchet up the goals they set in Paris.
Countries are already signing up for deep carbon cuts. China aims to go carbon neutral by 2060.
Renewables are now the cheapest energy. At some point it will make economic sense to shut down and replace coal and gas power stations.
Covid was a wake-up call. It has reminded us that it is possible for our world to be upended in ways we cannot control.
Business is going green. Why invest in new oil wells or coal power stations that will become obsolete before they can repay themselves? Tesla is the world’s most valuable car company. Exxon stock’s value fell so far that it got booted out of the Dow Jones for major US corporations.
There is reason for hope. But even if we win the battle to create a carbon-neutral world the major fight will be in persuading the rich carbon-producing countries to support the countries who will suffer from the greatest impact of climate change. Creating a mechanism for this to happen will be one of our greatest challenges.
