June 28, 2022
Dear Families:
I hope the end of the school year is finding everyone healthy and happy and looking forward to some summer fun and relaxation. Relaxed summer programming will be available for children and youth on Sunday mornings all summer, except for three Sundays in July (the 17th, 24th, and 31) when there will be no in person Sunday Services as the Loop Hearing system and new flooring is installed in the Sanctuary. Online options for services on those Sundays can be found on our website. The Board and Church Executive have determined that church COVID protocols will remain in place over the summer.
I will be on leave during the month of July for some rest and rejuvenation but will be back in August to start organizing and planning for the 2022-23 church year. Next year promises to be a busy and exciting years for children, youth, and families as we have several programs starting up in the Fall, including Coming of Age, Youth Group, and OWL Gr. 4-6.
As well, this Fall we will be launching a monthly Family Chapel starting in October, where families will be invited to attend a service at the start of each month in Fellowship Hall that will be creatively designed for the young and young in heart. As church protocols loosen, we also hope to return to the UU Family Nights of yore, when the last Friday night each month we have inclusive multigenerational potlucks full of fun and fellowship. This year we hope to at least start some outside events of this type as we continue to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Another initiative will be to launch a Chalice group specifically for parents and caregivers, providing childcare for those who need it. Watch for details about all these programs to start coming out in August. Speaking of August, for anyone attending the Family Week at Unicamp from August 7-13 and wanting to connect informally with other Hamilton UUs while there, please contact Grace Pollock grace.e.pollock@gmail.com
Finally, if you are looking for an alternative list of books for children and youth as we start doing the work of our new 8th principle, here’s a list of titles from Ibram X. Kendi, the author of How to Be an Antiracist: Parents Alternate Summer Reading List: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s Antiracist Book Recommendations
Have a great summer!
-Tim Versteeg, Religious Educator