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Friends and Families of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration (LSE)

June theme: Celebrating Blessings

   

Above:  The Bridging Ceremony for senior Sam Dear is just one of the many "Simple Blessings" in the Lifespan Spiritual Exploration Slideshow for 2021-2022. Click the link to watch highlights from the past year.          
June 16, 2022 

Dear families and friends of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration:

For those of you with school age kids, the school year has ended and summer vacation is here. I send you love amidst the swirling busy schedules and emotions that this transition brings. A young person I know said "It's like I'm a smoothie," when observing the sadness and excitement and others feelings all blending together.  

This newsletter is my last to you, and as such is both a farewell and an invitation. Tomorrow is my final day as UCM's Director of LSE. Thank you for the smiles, songs, stories, moments of grace, learning, laughter, tears, hugs, and love! Thank you for letting me into your spiritual journey, whatever your age. Thank you to the volunteers especially.  

Whether you've stayed engaged a little or a lot or maybe not at all these past two years, or whether you are brand new to UCM, this letter is also an invitation for YOU to be part of the rebuilding of community that is happening this summer and into the fall. Liz Benjamin (chair of the LSE Committee) along with Meredith Warner (UCM Board President and mother) and others are putting together some GREAT SUMMER EVENTS with the goal of building community for families and LSE volunteers (present and future)! 

I look forward to returning and being part of the rebuilding alongside you as a congregant sometime in early 2023.  Until then I want to give space to all of those helping lead the LSE program--both staff and volunteer. If I see you around town, please do say hello, but let's honor the boundary of these six months and not discuss church life.  


Thank you, again, for all that we've co-created these past six years!   

With love, 

Liza


Liza Earle-Centers
Dir. Lifespan Spiritual Exploration (LSE)
ucm.dre@gmail.com
802.223.7861 ext. 2  

 

Above: Our ministerial intern, Verdis LeVar Robinson uses the bundle of cedar and white pine for the Child Blessing and Dedication Ceremony on Sun. June 5th.  The ceremony was for Cass Madison and family!  (We don't list children's names with their photos.).  


Upcoming In-Person Events   


This WEDNESDAY:
Cookout for UCM Families & LSE Volunteers
Wednesday June 22nd 5:30-7pm
New Shelter Hubbard Park

Let us feed you a nice dinner, make space for parents, caregivers, volunteers and children to fill their bellies and be together. Childcare support will be provided to keep young folks busy and engaged. We strongly encourage you to RSVP here so that we have enough food, can send you reminders, and any updates like weather contingencies. (Rain date: 6/23 in the churchyard) Questions can be sent to lizbenjamin64@gmail.com



Sign-up today for All Ages Camping Weekend
Kettle Pond State Park in Groton State Forest ~ July 8-10th

Read the information sheet for more details, and register online via this form. If you still have questions after reading the info sheet or if you would like to help in any way, please contact Jeremy Beaudry (jeremybeaudry@gmail.com).


Summer Fun at Wrightsville Reservoir
Sunday August 14, 11:30-2pm

Families with children and youth, and LSE volunteers are invited for a day at the beach at Wrightsville Reservoir. We’ve reserved the small shelter and there is lots of space to spread out on the beach. Bring a picnic if you’d like (grills available). We’re hoping to offer a youth-led disc golf and/or a nature walk on the trails. Our group rate includes Boat Rentals at 25% off, and Disc Golf is only $1.00 extra. 

Walk-ins welcome, but if possible, please fill out this form to register ahead of time.  (It will help us keep you updated of any changes, AND send you a reminder email.) 

 

Summer reading at UCM

The Lifespan Spiritual Exploration library has great books on a variety of topics for All Ages–spiritual practices, parenting, UU history, gender, environment, antiracism, death, meditations, etc.  Picture books and middle level readers too.  Currently located in the School St. entryway and available whenever the building is open (Sunday meditation gatherings at 10am). You can ring the doorbell to see if anyone is in during the week, or call the office and set-up a time when someone will definitely be there.  Try to just have a book out for 3-4 weeks (use the sign-out sheet please). Enjoy your summer reading!

 


UCM Summer Drop-in Choir!

4 Thursdays.  July 14th:  3:30-5:00 pm.   
July 28th, August 4th and August 11th: 6:30-8:00 pm.

All ages and abilities welcome! Come to a single session, or all of them!

For past and present choir members, and anyone who likes to sing with others.  No commitment or music reading ability necessary. During the first half of each session we will learn and sing satisfying, easy to learn multi-part songs that don’t require music reading skills. During the second half of each session we will explore music that we possibly might sing during the church year. We might also learn something to sing at our Vespers services on July 15th and August 12th.

All of it will be informal and low-key. You are welcome to attend just the first part of the rehearsal or the whole thing. We will plan to meet in the vestry at the church, but might possibly sometimes meet outdoors, at a location to be determined.  Check the UCM calendar for updates on location, or contact Director of Music Donia Prince with any questions at  ucm.music21@gmail.com.












Above: A preview of summer days to come, three friends head back from the river hangout time at the North Branch for last Sunday's Middle School Youth Group. Yes, the water was perfect for swimming! 



Liza Earle-Centers, Director of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration
ucm.dre@gmail.com (best option)
223-7861 ext. 2 
Our mailing address is:
130 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

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Above: Johanna Nichols shares some Opening Words during a recent Chalice Circle Celebration for any participants in our ongoing small groups: Small Group Ministry, Queerality, Soul Matters, and Seasoned Souls.  We had just over 20 people in person for a lovely potluck and shared time of reflection!  Thank you to everyone who could be there.  
 
Want to know more about LSE happenings? Visit ucmlse.blogspot.com 

Want to know more about all UCM happenings?  Sign-up for our weekly 
UCM e-news here.  We're also on Facebook.  Visit our public page, Unitarian Church of Montpelier, or join our private page by visiting Friends of UCM.  (Request access by clicking 'Join.').
 
 






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RE at Unitarian Church of Montpelier · 130 Main Street · Montpelier, VT 05602 · USA

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