RE Announcements for August

Summer Committee-Led Lessons

The RE Committee would like to extend a very sincere “Thank you!” to the RFM committees taking over RE classes this summer. Each week, the children are learning from a different committee or working group. Not only do children have the opportunity to learn about the life of the Meeting, but they are also building intergenerational connections. Thank you, committees!

Community Submissions Requested by the WWG

The Willow Working Group (ages 9-17) and RE Committees are working on two special projects, and we need your help! Each person’s contribution will make these projects richer.

First, we want you to share your favorite memories of The Clearing with us. Did a special connection with humans or nature impact your life in some way? These are the treasures we are seeking! We are also accepting a limited number of special photos.

Second, Zoe Garrett will be attending Westtown High School in West Chester, PA this fall.  We are asking everyone, maybe even if you don’t know her very well, to write a letter to Zoe and place it in a sealed envelope. We welcome you to share anything that may bring joy, comfort, or encouragement to a young person living far away from family and friends for a season.

The deadline for both projects is August 9.

How can you turn in your submissions? You have options!

  • Drop them in the Religious Education mailbox at RFM.

  • Give your paper(s) directly to Elizabeth Price.

  • Call, Text, Mail or Email Elizabeth Price

Wayne Taylor Reflection, Coffee Day & Global Forgiveness Day

After learning about Sadako & her 1000 cranes, some of our children have continued to fold paper cranes. We would like to extend this experience to all of RFM. In honor of Global Forgiveness Day and the Wayne Taylor Reflection, Danni Kong & the RE Committee invite anyone interested to fold origami peace cranes. Bring your cranes on August 2nd to exchange with or pass out to those in attendance.

Link to How-To Video: https://youtu.be/RdMNeee3Re8?si=5-WlGuSEOH19ld2H

Introduction to Neurodiversity, a presentation by the Autism Society of Central Virginia will be held in the community room on Saturday, August 29th from 10 am to Noon. This is RE’s annual workshop and Teacher Planning Day. Register by adding your name to one of the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board or letting Elizabeth Price know you plan to attend.

The morning session, Introduction to Neurodiversity, will be a presentation by the Autism Society of Central Virginia beginning at 10AM. It is for anyone who is interested in learning more about neurodivergence and how to better interact with children who see the world differently than we.

The session will include:

  • Understand neurodiversity and ASD and how it impacts children.
  • Learn how to set up classrooms that support all learners.
  • Explore the functions of behavior and the ABC model.
  • Practice proactive and de-escalation strategies.
  • Apply skills through real-life scenarios.

The afternoon will be a time for teachers to prepare for fall classes. If you plan to teach or assist in an age-related classroom, please plan to meet with your co-volunteers to begin planning for classes beginning September 13!

Spring Lobby Weekend

From the Peace & Social Concerns Committee:
Spring Lobby Weekend is an annual event through which FCNL brings hundreds of young adults together to learn, connect, and lobby Congress. This year, we decided to move the event online. So tomorrow, March 29, FCNL will broadcast this event live via YouTube and Facebook. Learn how you can help lay the groundwork for congressional action to address the climate crisis.
Go to fcnl.org/slw during the following times to watch live:
Beyond the immediate threat, COVID-19 is also a message from the future about how a danger to anyone in the world is a danger to everyone. And climate change is one of those dangers. What we do this weekend, will help determine what the new Congress will do next year.

 

You Are My Sunshine!

A social gathering and sing-along for young adults, teens, children, and babies too.  Sunday, June 11, 3pm-5pm, at the meetinghouse. Led by Kelly Kennedy, singer and actress.  We are also inviting young adults who grew up in Meeting and live in Richmond. This is a very casual, fun get-together with music and refreshments.

Sponsored by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Welcoming and Growing Our Meeting.

Young Friends Have Gathering with “Bondfire”

The Young Friends (teenaged Friends) held their annual “bondfire” – a bonfire for bonding with each other and making s’mores – last Friday. They also enjoyed pizza and a “lock-in”, staying  overnight at the Meetinghouse with a couple Friendly Adult Presences.

The fire was perfect for warmth and toasting marshmallows:

Afterwards, some of the Young Friends put their heads together:

The RFM Young Friends welcome others to join them at their activities.