Dear UUCV Community,
I am overjoyed to share with you all that UUCV’s long anticipated Children’s Chapel is on it’s way! I hope to see our Religious Education community on Jan. 17 at 9 AM for our very first Chapel titled “Imagining A New World” in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is an honor to reimagine sacred space together on this most sacred of days.
The Children’s Chapel is a space for families, parents, guardians, grandparents, children, youth, RE volunteers, and the broader RE community to join together in sacred space a few Sunday mornings each month. Each Chapel will begin with a chalice lighting, a time of Joys & Sorrows, and a Welcome. Our time together will be about 25 minutes and include interactive activities, children’s books, music, meditations, guest speakers, and space for families to just be together.
I remember my heart immediately leaping up in joy when Rev. Dana shared the Children’s Chapel idea with me way back in June: “Yes, yes, yes! Let’s do THAT!” I looked towards my many poetry, worship, and UU Youth materials and knew that creating a space for children to gather and reflect was a project I would gladly take on.
Right from the beginning, a Children’s Chapel has been central to my intention for my time in this position. RE community members have responded positively to this idea. And then… life got in the way, as it tends to do, as I learned the ropes of the new position, navigated the holiday season, and juggled competing responsibilities. I am overjoyed to be getting this project up and running!
I am joyfully seeking and happily accepting any offers of volunteers for this Children’s Chapel project! If this idea excites you, please reach out and let me know – big or small, any contributions are welcome. Attending our first Chapel will give you a good sense of what a Children’s Chapel entails and if you are interested in this new volunteer opportunity.
I am so looking forward to sharing this new adventure with you all. Our upcoming Jan. 17 “Imagining A New World” chapel will include a guest visitor, a beautifully illustrated story, music, and a meditative body prayer. I hope to see you there.
With care,
Fidelity Ballmer
Religious Education Coordinator
Fidelity@UUventura.org