Happy September, friends!

As you may know, I entered the role of Director of Religious Exploration on August 16th, and these first three weeks as DRE have been beautiful. I am grateful to the DRE Search Committee, the Board, the members and friends, the childcare staff, and the children for this warm welcome I continue to receive from the community here at UUCT. 

Did August bring you such a distinct period of endings and beginnings as it did me? After eight years of living in North Carolina, we (my partner, our dog, and I) embarked on this brand new adventure to Tallahassee. After five years of teaching high school and leading educators, I have entered a new season of learning and growing, of empowering and nurturing. As I attune to this season and role, I am eager to commune with you. This is my first priority as DRE: to learn more about our community and our needs. 

From here, moving forward with equal parts excitement and care, I am working to build consistent and child-centered Sunday programming for our youth members and friends, as well as to build and mobilize a robust network of RE volunteers to support our Sunday offerings.

The first Sunday service in September, we’ll honor our children (as well as learners and teachers of all ages) with a Blessing of the Backpacks during the Time for All Ages. To participate, all you need is an open heart and a backpack, device bag, or notebook. Digital participants are also invited to receive this blessing! If you are in need of a backpack or school supplies, or if you have any questions, please contact me. 

That first Sunday, 9/3, also marks the official start of weekly Middle & High School Youth Group as opposed to every other week.

On 9/17, weekly programming for Elementary-aged children will begin! You can learn more about the Fall 2023 expectations and goals for Youth Religious Exploration here. 

Caregivers of children who will engage in RE at UUCT, please complete this Registration Form for each of your children who may participate. 

Members and friends who are interested in volunteering on a regular, semi-regular, or once-in-a-blue-moon basis can sign up for volunteer information here. 

Thank you again for the warm welcome. In the spirit of gratitude and reciprocity, I aspire to return your gifts of welcome with my own gifts. 

May we support and nurture each other,

Alessandra Nysether-Santos
she/her/hers