I hope you are having a great week! Here’s some news about what’s coming up for Children & Youth RE in February 2026 and beyond. We will add to this post each week in February and start a new post next month, so stay tuned! If you have any questions about any upcoming events, or have any community or congregational events you’d like to share through the weekly CYRE email, please reach out anytime.
FEBRUARY 19, 2026
High School Movie Discussion, THIS SUNDAY at 12 noon
Ahead of our Youth Movie Night on 2/28, we’re meeting in Room 4 on 2/22 to discuss the film’s historical context, impact on LGBTQ+ community-building, and how the themes relate to UU values. Email Jessica at dmre@uusm.org if you plan to come! Permission forms are required for the film screening for all students under 18.
Volunteers Needed for Multigenerational Service, 3/15
On March 15th, we will be singing and dancing to the songs of the Shakers, a Christian movement of the 18th-19th century that had many values in common with UUs! We need help from kids and youth who would like to:
- Light the chalice
- Sing a song for the chalice lighting
- Help Jessica demonstrate Shaker dance (easy moves for all ages and abilities!)
- Hand out art supplies at the front door for our art-based meditation
If your family would like to help, please email me and let me know!
Easter Candy Donations Needed!
Our annual CYRE Easter Egg Hunt is coming up on Sunday, April 5th! We have lots of plastic eggs to reuse from last year, but we could use your help to fill them up. You can bring donations of candy or small prizes (like stickers, temporary tattoos, bracelets, etc.) to the Cottage from 2/22 through 3/29. Thank you for your help!
Side With Love Action of the Week
This week, Side With Love by signing up to be a poll worker! In California, high school students can serve, and will receive a small stipend – it’s a great way to learn more about the democratic process and help protect the integrity of our elections.
FEBRUARY 12, 2026
High School Movie Night, 2/28 at 11 pm
High School students are invited to join a Youth RE outing to The Rocky Horror Picture Show! We’ll meet before seeing the movie on Sunday, 2/22, at 12 pm to discuss the film’s historical context, impact on LGBTQ+ community building, and how the themes relate to UU values. Permission forms are required for all students under 18.
Gen Z Wellness Summit, 3/8 at UCLA
Both Gen Zers and their parents can sign up for free for the Gen Z Wellness Summit, a full day of hands-on experiences with preeminent neuroscience leaders from around the country! The event addresses tons of relevant mental health topics, and also includes performances by artists Frayne Vibez and Jenna Raine. Sign up soon, spots are filling up!
Multigenerational Service, 3/15
Our next kid-friendly multigenerational service is coming up on Sunday, March 15. We will be singing and dancing to the songs of the Shakers, a Christian movement of the 18th-19th century that had many values in common with UUs! If your family would like to help lead by lighting the chalice, doing a reading, or helping me teach our congregation some new dance moves, please email me and let me know!
Side With Love Action of the Week
This week, Side With Love by contacting your representatives about stopping the SAVE Act and protecting every citizen’s right to vote. Bonus action for trans youth, their parents, and trans adults: take part in The Woodlands, an online space for trans UUs of all ages to find community and emotional support. Feel free to share with anyone who might benefit from this affirming space!
FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Young Artists Needed for Earth Day Service!
This Sunday in RE we will be making art that will be displayed on screen at our multigenerational Earth Day service on April 12! If you won’t be there this week, or would like more time to spend on your art, we are looking for drawings of:
- Planet Earth
- The Sun, moon, and stars
- Birds, Fish, Mammals, and Reptiles
- Food or medicine that grows from the earth
- Trees
- Lightning and thunder
- Rain, oceans, and rivers
- Or anything else from nature that inspires you!
You can bring in your art to the Cottage to be photographed or scanned, we’ll give the original back to you. Thanks for contributing!
Side With Love Action of the Week
This week, Side With Love by checking out these resources and actions from UUs for Social Justice aimed at getting ICE OUT of our communities. Don’t stop fighting to keep our neighbors safe!
With Peace & Love,
Jessica TenHave-Place
she/her/hers
Director of Multigenerational Religious Education
dmre@uusm.org
