RE Special Events
CROP WALK (OCTOBER 15, 2006)
This is an interfaith community event sponsored by the Church World Service of
the National Council of Churches. It involves people from all walks of life who
help stop hunger around the block and around the world. We raise funds
through pledges and we raise awareness and sensitivity in our children. We grow
in them a sense that working for justice is part of what it means to be a responsible
person and we empower them to make a difference.
HOLIDAY CRAFT WORKSHOP (DECEMBER 3, 2006)
Everyone is invited to usher in the holiday season by making a wide variety of
crafts and gifts. Young and old alike gather in Fletcher Hall on the first Saturday
in December to have fun, be creative and join together in the spirit of the holidays.
Then the crafts end and the lunch of soup and bread begins. Be sure to
take part in this heart-warming seasonal event.
UNDOING RACISM DAY (JANUARY 28, 2007)
Though the RE Program works on dismantling racism, homophobia and all forms
of oppression in a variety of ways, we devote the last Sunday in January to undoing
racism. Volunteers create programs that awaken children and youth to the
bias inherent in our culture. The children and youth acquire the tools that will
help them fight oppression and stand up for justice. Together we work for a
peaceful, fair, and free world.
FOCUS MONTH: PEACE (FEBRUARY 25, 2007)
At the end of February we have an intergenerational service where our whole community focuses together on the same theme. Our Parish Minister chooses a different theme each year. Children and youth remain in the sanctuary with the adults for the whole service and often take part in presenting the service.
This year the focus month theme is Peace. We have decided to use this theme and this month to kick off a new RE Program: Social Justice Month, this time to be held over the entire month of February. The children will devote a month to age-appropriate study, field trips, and social service projects around the topic of “peace”: inner, community, national and international. We are in the process of developing a curriculum to guide the classes through this exciting new initiative.
BLUE JEAN SUNDAY (APRIL 29, 2007 - tentative)
After both church services the congregation, young and old, helps care for our
building and grounds by working on a list of chores the Buildings and Grounds
Committees and our Facilities Manager have compiled. The list usually includes
raking leaves, trimming bushes, painting and planting. It includes lunch at noon.
Sign up during Coffee Hour a few weeks before the event to volunteer to work
on a chore or to bring a dish for lunch.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN DAY PARADE (JUNE 2, 2007)
The town of Montclair organizes this parade to be held on the first Saturday in
June. Our Undoing Racism Committee takes an active role and the RE families are
invited. Some ride bikes others walk and carry our church banner while waving to
well-wishers. An uplifting community spirit fills the air.
ALL-CHURCH PICNIC (JUNE 17, 2007)
We close the program year with an all-church picnic. It is a time to relax and
enjoy the company of family and friends as we bid each other farewell for the
summer. The food is good, the company is great, and the activities are fun.
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