Vaya Bien to our Delegation to El Salvador

Safe travels and good wishes to our delegation who will be traveling tomorrow to El Rodeo, our sister community in El Salvador.   A special shout-out to Justin Taft-Morales, who grew up in the WES Sunday School, went through our Coming of Age program, and is now in El Rodeo, doing the advance work for the delegation.  He's been doing an incredible job.  In addition to Justin, 10 people are going, including 3 other teens.  They will return on July 5th.  Vaya bien!

Joy, Humor and Love for Family

On this very difficult week of such loss at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, we took the time this morning to honor and remember and celebrate those lost. Downstairs with the children, though small in numbers this Father's Day and first full weekend of summer, we continued to explore the theme of Joy and Humor.

The preschool class spent time exploring nature. The Kindergarten through 2nd grade class made cards for the children of El Rodeo and for their fathers or grandfathers.

The 3rd through 6th grade theme exploration class flew the mini kites they made last week in class. I held my breath to see if these homemade tiny kites would fly, but fly they did!

I asked the class if they felt joyous and had fun with this project and they said, "Yes it was a lot of fun - and sweaty!" Ah yes, sweaty it was!

And to all the fathers out there or to anyone who has taken on a parenting role in a child's life, wishing you a great day!

This Thursday--Help Support Action on Behalf of Those Facing Deportation

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Social Justice National Capital Region, WES is being asked to stand in solidarity with those coming to DC to fast for an end to deportations.  Especially needed are dishes for a light break-the-fast supper this Thursday.  Dishes may be brought to WES.  For details, please visit the UUSJ site.

Join WES in the Capitol Pride Parade

This Saturday, June 13th, is the 40th annual Capitol Pride Parade, and WES will once again have a contingent, along with the Unitarian Universalist congregations.  The parade begins at 22nd and P Streets, NW at 4:30.  To get all the details about time and meeting place for our contingent, please contact Melissa Sinclair, melissas@ethicalsociety.org, by Friday and she will fill you in.  We hope for a big turnout! 

Expressing Joy!

This past Sunday we started our new theme for the month, Joy and Humor. Oh, what a glorious theme to work with as we head into summer after a very harsh winter! And, what better way to show joy and humor than in photos! I'm pretty sure most people won't be able to suppress a smile after viewing these shots! (You can click on any photo to make them bigger.)

For Sunday School we took the theme quite literally with making it a fun day for the Kindergarten through 2nd graders. We went out to play in the playground which was especially nice after experiencing a very wet, cold and miserable school week. We had hula hoops, bubbles, bean bag tosses, giant frisbees, sandbox play, and sidewalk chalk. I would say it was a joyous time had by all!

Reminder--This Sunday's Potluck and Membership Meeting

We hope you can join us this Sunday, June 7 at 6:00,  for our annual potluck and business meeting.  We'll be electing a Board of Trustees, approving the budget, considering an Ends Statement, and taking care of other important issues.  Come enjoy the camaraderie and good food, and do your part to contribute to our community's decision making.  Along with a dish to share, we appreciate if folks can bring their own plates and cutlery.  See you there!

Join us Saturday Afternoon June 6 for Volunteer Training to Assist Immigrant Youth

What: The UUSJ Immigration Task Group (WES is a member) invites you to a DACA training by CASA. You will learn how to assist undocumented youth who may qualify. We could even hold clinics at WES!

Why: The UUSJ Immigration Steering Committee  believes that empowering member congregations to assist youth applying for DACA or renewing their DACA deferrals (they were granted for two years) is an excellent action during this difficult period of policy advocacy.

When: June 6. DACA Training 1-4 pm. O.k. to come only for the training, or also come for the UUSJ Immigration Task Force Meeting 10am - noon. Noon to 1 pm, bring your own lunch and beverages will be provided. 

Where: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville in the Founders Hall.

Who: People with the passion to help young people eager to live normal lives. This training is not aimed at attorneys, (although they are most welcome). CASA conducts are typically operated by lay volunteers, backed up by legal experts.  Spanish is not required.