August is here and while most people think of August as one of the summer months, for the RE department it’s back to the books!

I’m thrilled to announce that Marlene Katz has stepped up to be our new committee chair for the coming year. Marlene and her husband Rob have two kids, Dylan and Avery, who are quite active in our RE program. I’m sure they look forward to their mom’s new role and participation in RE. I know we do!

This year’s regular RE program will be offered during the 9:30 service with the kids being divided into age-based classes. Identical thematic material will be presented during the 11:30 service but in a mixed age environment (though we are considering moving the young teens group to the 11:30 service… those teens need their sleep, you know!)

At our meeting in July, the committee mapped out our themes for the entire school year. Once again we have organized the year into discrete modules giving our volunteer teachers a clear timeline for their teaching commitment. Our year will begin September 2nd with a review of the seven principles. November 4th through December 16th will focus on Our Judeo Christian Heritage, January 6th through February 24th on issues of Social Justice, followed by an exploration of Our UU Identity March 2nd through April 20th. Finally, from April 27th through May 19th we will prepare for RE Sunday by writing our own personal stories in light of the year’s explorations, with the year culminating on May 26th when we will share those stories on RE Sunday

We are excited to be introducing the “Center Quest” program for the coming year. “Center Quest” is both a curriculum and a methodology that gives anyone the tools to become an engaging and effective teacher. Special training for teachers is required for the program to ensure its success. Several volunteers from Chalice will attend a training at the Palomar UU Fellowship in July to help get our year started. A training session led by Liz Jones of First Church will follow for all our volunteer teachers on September 21st and 22nd. The benefits of this training will last for years to come.

See a topic in our schedules you’re interested in? There’s no better way to learn more about a topic than to teach it! Once again we will need a full slate of volunteers to make the RE program a success in the next year. I encourage anyone even remotely interested in teaching RE (or anything else for that matter) to set aside these dates, and contact me right away!

July 12, 2007

by Patty Carlisle

Summer minister, David Miller reported a quieter month. General Assembly (GA) was the main event – interesting and exciting. He also worked with RE to facilitate program evolution this year, and met with the Social Justice Committee to discuss “Weaving the Tapestry of Inclusiveness.”

Building and Grounds reported that because the yurts are facilities that children will be occupying, the County required that a Structural Engineer come out to draw up new plans showing their presence on the property. His services will cost $1,000.00, in addition to $600 for belated permits to cover the installation of the yurts.

Cabaret Night promotion is a current focus of the Outreach Committee. They would like to submit notices/articles to North County Times and would like an upfront article on Cabaret since it is our biggest event of the year. This promotion will not only sell tickets but also promote Chalice.

The Social Justice Committee is working to formalize a speaker series and continues to plan the upcoming year-long workshop series centering on “Weaving the Tapestry of Inclusiveness.”

RE Committee goals for 2007-08 include continuing to build on the progress made in enrollment, creating a nursery area separate from the toddler area, and putting together a Toddler program. They also wish to continue building a cadre of excellent leaders/teachers by a) increasing support and building on training for teachers with additional Leader meetings during the year and b) fostering leader-to-leader and leader-to-student connections. In addition,
they want to develop a high school teen program and regular activities for families.

San Diego will be the site of 2008’s District Assembly. The District is looking for local UU churches willing to step into planning and implementation of this event which will offer workshops and guest speakers. Anyone interested in participating on the planning committee should contact a Board member.

A copy of the complete minutes has been posted in the front hall and is available online in our members section.

by Patty Carlisle

David Miller said he has been enjoying and learning from his pastoral care duties: he has been participating in a lot of committee work (RE and its evolving program, Intern and Membership Committees, and the Committee on Ministry,) and has preached in Temecula.  He will be gone August 8-13 for his 30th high school reunion and August 15-18 for the UUA Western Regional Subcommittee on Candidacy.

Jim Schnelker spoke about the treatment of termites found in the minister’s office.  The company who did the original termite work (X-Termite) came out and treated this new infestation under our 2-year contract agreement with them.  He also told the Board that the County came out to inspect the property and was not pleased with the addition of yurts and the electricity run to them.  We will have to get a building permit and have new plans drawn up to reflect the changes.
  
Don Diver announced that he is stepping down as chairperson of the Personnel Committee after 6 years of service.  Board members expressed their appreciation for his devoted service.  If any member is interested in serving on this worthwhile committee, please contact Don or any Board member.
  
Don Diver also presented the results of the COM’s ministerial survey.  It was agreed by the Board that it would be posted on the members-only portion of the Chalice website.

Another of my articles was published. The talk was called “Why Liberal Churches are Growing” but I like my title better. The characteristics apply to almost any congregation whether liberal or conservative.

We can learn a great deal from conservative churches. Please abandon your stereotype that they are mindless automatons who just attend and throw money at their congregation. It’s insulting and ignorant on our part.

Like any organization, they are doing something right when that many people feel that they are being ministered to effectively. Read the article.

Stuart Holmes

“June is busting out all over,” which brings us to the official end of the RE year. Of course the fun is just beginning as we get the summer rolling. Check your calendars and look forward to these great RE summer events!

The summer season begins on June 17th with “Tie Dying Fun” led by Paul Dulaney. Just for starters we’ll hike at the San Miguel River Park near Lake Hodges, spend a day in the science lab, and have a rock climbing adventure. There’s bound to be a watermelon, water balloon- packed picnic in store, as well. Check the weekly announcements or your email for the most up-to-date information on these and other events. Got any ideas you want to share? Don’t hesitate to let me know.

In addition to all this fun, a team of volunteers will be working to complete modifications to the yurt deck with the goal of improving access to the yurts for all of our members. A platform will be added, both increasing the deck area between the yurts and raising the deck to eliminate the step up into each yurt from the platform. In the future a ramp will be added along with handrails to allow easy access for wheelchairs and those with difficulty climbing steps.

Summer Camps at de Benneville

Nineteen spaces remain available for the elementary and middle school camps, and 26 spaces remain for Sr. High Camp. Don’t miss out on this fantastic resource in our local mountains where kids can meet other Unitarian Universalists from all over the district as they live out our values in shared community for a whole week.

Elementary camp runs July 8-14, middle school July 15-21, and Sr. High July 22-28. For more information and registration forms visit www.uucamp.org

Important Dates:

• August 26th – 2007/2008 RE year Kickoff Sunday

- Stuart Holmes