Happy New Year! Here’s hoping 2018 is filled with joy, love and peace.
We got a request to share a bit more about what the various folks in the RE program do and who to contact for various issues. We wish we could offer a simple list for you all, but there is a lot of overlap among staff and volunteer leaders when it comes to the Lifespan Religious Exploration program at First Parish. That said, here are a few points to note:
- Mark LaPointe is the chief administrator for RE. He manages the weekly RE programming, oversees the program budget, sets priorities and long term plans for the program, reviews curriculum, assists the minister in worship, and is the staff member on both the RE Committee and the Continuing Education Committee. He trains and supports RE program volunteers and manages RE related policies and practices.
- Alexis Capen is the Youth Program Coordinator and the Lifespan Religious Exploration Program Assistant. In the former role she oversees our Junior and Senior Youth Groups, working with teens, their parents and volunteers to deliver great programming. She is currently planning the service trip to New Orleans. In the latter role, Alexis assists in administrative oversight of the RE program (keeping attendance and registration records) and is responsible for specific programs such as the Children’s Worship Sundays and the Festival of Lights pageant.
- Others are involved in leadership for Religious Exploration. There are three committees – RE Committee, Youth Adult Committee, and the Continuing Education Committee – with responsibilities for programs that support these efforts. This includes things like the Lyceum, Youth Group fundraising (Soup Sundays), and the annual Family Karaoke night.
The bottom line is, we are all here to serve this same important mission and to uphold the importance of lifelong growth and learning built upon our seven principles and six sources. If you have questions or are unsure of where to go, contact Mark at dre@uuneedham.org.