Annual Report 2005–2006
Report from the
Religious Exploration Committee
2005/2006 has proved to be another successful year for the Religious Exploration Program. We had over 130 youth registered, from Pre-K through Senior Youth.
The 2055/2006 Religious Exploration Committee consisted of Dan Chaimowitz, Amy Breau, Tory Dietel-Hopps, and Ann Nye. (Jenn McAdoo, the DRE, was also in attendance at all meetings). The committee recognized early on that Jenn had been taking on too many of the RE program’s responsibilities and that our primary objective this year was to make the committee more vital and alleviate some of Jenn’s workload. With that goal in mind, the RE Committee decided to reorganize into a “Council” model. The Council is made up of a chair and one member from each of a number of subgroups. Each subgroup has a specific responsibility. The subgroups are:
Curriculum – works with the DRE to develop programming by reviewing curriculum, developing lesson plans and planning community service opportunities as needed.
Leadership – recruits teachers, leaders, nursery caregivers and other program volunteers and works with the DRE to provide resources and develop training as needed.
Administration – oversees RE registration process, attendance, phone trees and mechanisms to support the RE Program and helps with Sunday morning set-up.
Special Events – plans intergenerational, community-building events and celebrations throughout the year including RE Volunteer Appreciation Sunday.
The Chair is responsible for managing the work of the Council and each group leader is responsible for managing the work within each specific subgroup. While more efficient and role specific, the new model will continue to make our children’s learning experience its priority.
There has already been a successful effort to get more people involved in meaningful ways. Including, Dan Chaimowitz agreeing to Chair the Council for the next 2 years. Amy Breau, Patrick Civiello, Ann Nye, and Tammy Bevins have each agreed to lead a subgroup.
The highlight of the year, however, must be the 17 enthusiastic Coming of Age youth, who most recently mesmerized and inspired the congregation with their personal credo service. It was a clear reminder as to why the Religious Exploration Program is so vital to our community.
Dan Chaimowitz, Chair
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