Dear Congregation,
Love is not naïve optimism. It’s a practice.
That’s a distinction Unitarian Universalism has offered the world over and over: love is something we do, not something we wait for. It’s built through action, through care, through choosing to believe that what we do today matters tomorrow.
At East Shore Unitarian Church, we see love every time a child exclaims at observing a candle’s dancing flame, every time a family gathers in worship, every time a volunteer says “yes” to helping young people build a relationship with their inner world.
Two years ago, our faith made a conscious decision to name love as the value that holds all our whole faith together, holds all of us together. Not because the world is easy right now—but because it isn’t. Love reminds us why we invest in children, why we protect nature, why we keep showing up for community and for each other.
I can say with confidence: love is alive and well—carried in the singing voices, curious questions, holding hands, shared laughter, and the steady belief that nurturing love today shapes a more compassionate, more resilient tomorrow.
With gratitude for all the ways you practice love with us,
Amanda
February RE Programs
February 1 – Whole Church RE
We continue our all-ages program focusing on gender, sexuality, and allyship as we work together on the Progress Flag Mosaic. Adults can add their contributions during Coffee Hour.
February 8 – Winter Con at Quimper UU (Grades 8–12)
Middle and high school youth (8th–12th grade) travel to Port Townsend for Winter Con, Friday through Sunday. Younger children and elementary classes have a regular RE Sunday on campus and explore the traditions of Mardi Gras.
February 15 – Family Sunday
Celebrate Mardi Gras with our annual shoebox parade. All children are welcome to participate fully in worship on this Family Sunday. Worship bags and rug spaces will be available. Regular Religious Education classes do not take place on Family Sundays.
February 22 – Regular RE Classes
All programs meet. K–2 OWL continues, and other classes explore age-appropriate discussions of fairness, moral choices, and courage.
Stay connected—middle school and high school advisors continue to send emails directly to parents of enrolled youth. You can also reach out to our staff to make sure you are on the correct lists.