This past September marked the first in-person fall ingathering of our Learning Community of children and youth of all ages since 2019. Since March of 2020, our families, volunteers, and staff have engaged in various ways to keep our Learning Community afloat, and there were indeed many meaningful moments, unexpected opportunities, and powerful connections. Yet we felt the fragmentation of our community, ongoing challenges, and needs to constantly reassess during those many months that grew into years. But with intention, we move forward. 

Last church year, we began a phased reopening of in person programs and ended the year in the spring with classes open for all ages as well as a family worship service offered in person and online. Despite some disruptions and necessary adaptations, we were able to offer the entire year of OWL (Our Whole Lives comprehensive, holistic sexuality education) programming to our middle schoolers (as well as catch up our 9th graders) and the 10-week OWL program to our 5th and 6th graders, which was a priority we refused to give up to the pandemic. This life-saving program is a critical piece of what we do in the Learning Community and an opportunity we strive to offer every child or youth in our community. 

This fall marks a time of rebuilding, reimagining, and reconnecting. I feel deep gratitude for the resiliency of our community–one that has clearly been impacted but that is pushing forward with strength and joy. Every week I am encouraged by a family returning after a time away and by the emergence of a steady pattern of visitors (like the “before times”). It is clear that this community offers something unique and extraordinary, something well worth the long haul. 

Our wee ones–born during the pandemic–are getting acquainted with their church community for the first time in our Nursery, starting to recognize this as a safe and love-filled place, bonding with our dedicated childcare staff, Rhionne Morris, Ashley Lookenhouse, Julie Grice, and Milena Weller. 

Our Preschoolers are a delightful group of explorers, currently engaging with their sense of wonder about all that is beautiful and fascinating in this world, all the way to the moon. Jody Feldman, Lily Roselyn, and Mindy Clark bring their wonderful skills and loving support to this tender, child-centered space.  

We have a combined Kindergarten and 1st grade class this year, using the theme and metaphor of Home as we help children feel at home in the world. By exploring being at home in our church community, we hope children will experience the spirituality of family and a larger understanding of community. Teachers Evie Zaic, Sharon Dawson, and Kris Soske create a magical space to explore every Sunday. 

Our 2nd-4th graders are discussing religion as the practice of being faithful to what we love. In order to do this, one must decide what they love and do their best to live that love faithfully every day. It is wonderful to learn from our children about what they love and what matters most. They are a curious and thoughtful group with wonderful questions to explore with one another and their teachers, Robert Close, Joyce Crumrine, Miranda Broadbent, Joachim Schalk, and Lee Spiker. 

In 5th-6th grade, weekly film shorts are a catalyst for exploring ethical dilemmas and our eight principles. I have long considered the 5th-6th grade class a transition point in our Learning Community spectrum. This is the age at which our children prepare to bridge into our youth program in the following year or two. It is a critical time for affirming their place and connection to this community. It is a great joy to share that this class, facilitated by Christa Copeland and Vivien Lyon, is bonding and engaging in a truly beautiful way this year. 

Our 7th and 8th graders are in their Coming of Age year. Through music, art, religious texts, and small group discussions, we invite our middle school youth to more deeply understand their own values and Unitarian Universalism. They are encouraged to reflect on many questions including, Who am I? Whom and what do I love? What gifts will I nurture within myself and share with others? These are big questions they will continue to explore as they bridge into our high school group and beyond as young UUs. Sierra Stringfield, Victoria Fairham-Wheeler, and Faith Buchanan are accompanying them on their journey this year. 

YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) is our high school youth group. Collectively, we create a space in which youth are valued, respected, and where they can grow as individuals and as a community of like-minded and like-hearted young people. Recently, they have been exploring our 8th Principle and what it means to put it into practice. The year culminates in our annual Youth Service in April–don’t miss it! Nicole Bowmer (Associate Director of Family Ministries) and Christopher Doo are our youth advisors this year. 

Our Religious Education Committee, Janice Lucas, Martha Jones, Anne Draper, Ellen Summers, Lee Spiker, and Maggie Quintana, support the Learning Community in many ways, especially through their presence at the Buchan welcome desk Sunday mornings. Sarah Levy is our staff program assistant who cares for a tremendous number of details ensuring the smooth functioning of our program. 

This is also an exciting time as we bring back “Together Time” and multigenerational worship services, meaningful times for all ages to be together in worship, connecting across generations and experiences as Unitarian Universalists. 

We are in our “Season of Giving,” an important time to renew or begin your financial support to First Unitarian Portland which sustains our ministries for children, youth, and families, among the many sacred ministries of our church. Your support ensures that we can provide supplies to our classrooms, obtain up to date resources, support training and development for our volunteers and staff, and compensate all staff fairly. Please give generously within your means. May we be called on to nurture a thriving Learning Community, lifting up and honoring the whole of our community and the generation that will move Unitarian Universalism into the future. 

In gratitude,

Cassandra Scheffman

Director of Family Ministries