East Shore Our Whole Lives (ESUC-OWL) offers local programs in the nationally recognized Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexuality curriculum. Our programs are offered by trained volunteers and staff who:
Attend a 2.5-day training in OWL facilitation, online or in person. For more information about the curriculum, please see the UUA page, uua.org/re/owl.
Participate in a thorough background check
Facilitate one session of developmentally appropriate classes for kids in K-1st, 4th& 5th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th grades or adults ages 18-35, 35-50, or 50+. Time commitments vary by age group; see schedules on our web page for current dates and times. esuc.org/owl
The OWL facilitator training online is $350. In person trainings run higher to training (include travel, room, and board). These fees can be covered by the congregation or member and are considered an investment in both the trainer and host congregation. The congregation provides a copy of the OWL curriculum for all facilitators.
Good facilitator candidates are:
Committed to values-based, comprehensive sexuality education.
Comfortable with their own sexuality.
Comfortable with the specific age group they plan to facilitate and its developmental needs.
Anti-bias aware and willing to continue educating themselves.
Advocates for sexual health and safety.
Dedicated team members and facilitators.
Interested in learning more?
For more information about the East Shore OWL program, please contact our Director of Religious Education at [email protected].
Invest in our youth and gain personal rewards by participating in our ever-important Religious Education Program this year. Welcome the littlest of Uu’s in our nursery with play and exploration. Get to know Unitarian Universalist ideas and values through stories, song, games and interactive lessons in the K-5 classes. Build community with middle and high school age youth through conversation and fun. All you need is a loving heart, a willingness to share our values and a desire to learn from each other to find an interesting niche for yourself. And you will have lots of support built in to make your part doable and fun. To Register as a volunteer in any capacity click here.
OPTIONS:
Be part of a team of lead teachers, assistants, and substitutes for the nursery, grades K-2, or 3-5, class that meets during the worship service;
Be part of a team of youth advisors to mentor middle and high school age activities, discussions, and service learning projects that meet after the worship service;
Be a parent volunteer be a safe second adult in the classroom to help as needed;
Be a Class Parent to welcome new families and help them connect with other parents and the congregation;
Be an RE greeter and staff the check in table at the start of each RE Sunday;
Be a liaison with a participating ministry team, (e.g. Grounds, Porchlight, Auction, Indigenous Connections, Welcoming Congregations, Giving Tree, etc.);
Be a Sex Ed Teacher with the Our Whole Lives program;
Help plan and implement seasonal events for families;
Care for young children in the nursery during congregational events;
Admin and Library weekday help;
And/Or, contact me for short, 1-3 hour opportunities!
SUPPORT for TEACHERS and FACILITATORS:
Amanda will provide a choice of two training sessions, one Sunday, September 6 from 12:30-2:30 PM and another Saturday, September 12 from 9:30-11:30 AM and ongoing coaching for those working with our children.
A separate team of other volunteers will assist Amanda to provide the needed lesson plans, activity guides, resources, and supplies.
Volunteer teams will set up their rotation and communication systems to ensure coverage and allow members to attend worship on a regular schedule.
The Children and Youth RE Ministry Team will encourage related ministry teams and other interested adults to participate in RE in their areas of expertise.
Please contact Amanda Uluhan, Director of Religious Education, at [email protected] or LeAnne Struble, RE Coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions you may have. Thank you, and I look forward to a dynamic and exciting year!
You are welcome to speak to the Religious Education Ministry Team members at any time. They are: Carrie Bowman, Adam Kennedy, Martin Cox, and Doug Strombom and can be reached at [email protected]
by Amanda Alice Uluhan, Director of Religious Education
Many of you may remember our amazing navy blue ESUC t-shirts that said “My Faith is Love,” “My Faith is Community” or “My Faith is Justice.” Due to production issues, the shirts were on hiatus last year, but they are back! Unisex shirts available in XS to 4XL and Ladies Relaxed Fit in XS to 3XL. (Unisex 5XL-6XL and Youth sizes coming soon). We also have a new offering, ESUC hoodies! Available in multiple colors in both pullover or zip up, these cozy shirts are great for outreach either at an event or even while running errands. You can get yours at shop.tempusfugitt.com/collections/esuc-gear. Thank you to Katherine Fugitt for designing the shirts and hoodies (with ESUC logo created by Wenda Collins) and opening a new store so we can once again get some great East Shore gear!
by Nicole Duff, Director of Membership Development
Art & Community Summer Camp 2026 invites children into a collaborative space centered on art, nature, and creativity. Summer is a time to play, imagine, build, and be together—and this camp offers space for children to grow in a supportive environment. Campers work on individual and shared projects and spend time together building friendships. We try out new ideas and learn from one another through a variety of activities, both in the classroom and outdoors. Families may register for both back-to-back weeks or choose just one week.
Week 1: Building a New World: July 27–31, 2026 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
This week is all about imagining and building together. Campers will create a new world using LEGO, cardboard, birdhouses, fabric, recycled materials, and other open-ended supplies. We’ll build, problem-solve, tell stories, and work collaboratively as we think about earth systems, how communities are made, and what we need to thrive.
Week 2: Around the World in 8 Desserts: August 3–7, 2026 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Campers explore desserts and sweet traditions from different cultures. We’ll spend time in the kitchen learning basic cooking skills, food safety, and where ingredients come from, while making and sharing desserts along the way. We’ll also take a field trip to the Mercer Slough blueberry farm to pick blueberries together.
Who Can Attend
Campers: Children entering grades K–6 in Fall 2026
Counselors in Training (CITs): Youth entering grades 6–7 in Fall 2026
Teen Camp Counselors: Teens entering grades 8–12 in Fall 2026
Cost
Campers (Grades K–6): $300 per week
CITs & Teen Camp Counselors (Grades 6–12): $40 per week
Scholarships and tuition discounts or waivers are available. No one will be turned away for financial reasons.
Camp Counselor Training (Required for CITs and Teen Counselors): July 20–21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Youth entering grades 6–12 who wish to serve as Counselors in Training or Teen Camp Counselors must attend this mandatory two-day training. Training focuses on working with younger campers, safety and supervision, leadership skills, and how to help create a camp environment that is fun, inclusive, and supportive. Teens who are unable to attend the training may participate in camp as campers.
Imagine everyone in the congregation reflecting on our mission: practice love, build community, explore spirituality, and promote justice. Really ponder the meaning of the light of truth, the warmth of community, the fire of commitment and the power of transformation. Imagine everyone truly taking these values to heart.
For sure, serving our community is a way to make new friends, contribute your labor and time, and learn new things. Sometimes volunteering means greeting newcomers, teaching children, making coffee or serving meals; these roles are profoundly important. Alternatively, you might prefer serving on the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Committee or another committee.
Here’s how: you can nominate yourself for the Board or Nominating Committee. You can nominate another member. Or you can encourage others to nominate themselves and others.
Go to the website for Job descriptions, Self-nominating form or Nominating someone. We are seeking candidates for Board VP, Board Treasurer, 2 Board Trustees-at-Large and 2 Nominating Committee members.
Deadline for your submissions is February 28. The congregation will vote in June 2026. If you have questions, please contact anyone from the Nominating Committee: Mark Norelius, Grace Colton, Karin Pierce, Mike Stunes or Caroline Haessly.
Drop off in the Sanctuary Foyer January-February 8
Please join the Outreach Team in creating care packages to send to young, emerging adults who are a part of East Shore and our extended family. We will be packing boxes on Sunday, February 8 and would love your help!
If you would like to donate any items for the package, contact Nicole Duff or fill out this Sign Up Genius to let us know what you are getting. We want a variety of items. Here are items requested by some of our young adults:
Reese’s Pieces
M&Ms (peanut, caramel, etc.)
Jelly Beans
Twix
Twizzlers
Jolly Ranchers
Chips
Kale Chips
Fruit Strips/Leather
Granola or Protein Bar (mini)
Popcorn
Gum or mints (Extra, Orbit, Altoids Smalls)
Condoms
Fidget Toys
Lip balm (unflavored or mild mint)
Hand sanitizer (mini)
Bandages
Stickers / Pins
Keychains
Also, keep an eye out for note cards on February 1 you can sign to send your love and support to this important ESUC demographic!
Do you have a young adult in your life? Send us their name and address and we’ll do just that! Email [email protected].
by Nicole Duff, Director of Membership Development
