I love having the children in worship and have implemented the “pray ground” (stolen from the Lutherans) at UUCC, UUFG, and UU Asheville. The children sit up front for the welcome, prelude, invocation, chalice lighting, first hymn and the story for all ages.
I’ve used my skill as a baker to bond with the youth by teaching bread and bagel making classes. With a strong DRE, I have found that the youth program has been active and successful. There has been a vibrant youth and teen program at UUCC for many years.
When I first arrived at UUCC, it was my job to analyze the system and discover all that was going well. The DRE was half-time and overworked and underpaid. I suggested that we raise her to ¾ time and give her a salary increase. After much anxiety, it was agreed that this would be our goal for the stewardship campaign. Not only did they raise more money than they asked for, but we also had a special collection to replace the 60+-year-old carpet in the RE space and paint the entire downstairs. Since then, the sanctuary, social hall, kitchen, and offices have had new carpet as well.
Bagel classes and Sourdough Waffle Brunches are”HOT” items at UUFG’s Auction were opportunities for relationship building and cultivating joy.
Small Group ministry is an important part of congregational life. We made it a requirement for new members. UUCC has a forum on Sunday mornings that is educational and appeals to the older humanists in the church.
Other adult offerings have been Harvest the Power, Evensong, a course on Karen Armstrong’s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and offerings from the UUA Lifespan Curriculum. I have taught classes on bereavement and compassionate care, restorative justice, bread and bagel classes, a Bible for Skeptics class, “White Fragility,” “Serving With Grace,” Evensong, and more.
I love getting to know members of the church by learning together outside of Sunday morning.
Rev. Dr. Cathy Harrington 