Update from Tammy Martens

 June and July Happenings

           We wrapped up our Sunday morning programming for children and youth on the weekend of June 3^rd with lots of joy, laughter, and gratitude. The Pizza and Improv night was a huge success and we witnessed so many of our kids, youth, and adults who have incredible improv talent! I laughed and smiled so hard and often that my cheeks and tummy were sore.

          On Sunday, June 5^th we celebrated high school seniors, said thanks to our teachers and leaders, celebrated Pentecost, and enjoyed Tru Function High School seniors who sang their last song for us. Then I was surprised and blessed with a song by Tru Function and you all gifting me one-by-one with a flower. I was overwhelmed and humbled by your words, hugs, and tenderness.

          I am now finishing up the details for our Service-Mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama July 23-30. We have 23 youth and 5 chaperones participating. We have a full week of activities that include worshipping at First Congregational Church in Memphis, TN and then touring the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel. From there we will drive to Birmingham, Alabama where we will stay for the week and serve with the organization Christian Service Mission, a non-profit in Birmingham. During the week we will visit the 16^th Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham and tour the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery.

Pastoral Transition

           At this point we have not been able to fill the position of Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families. I am happy to share, however, that we have been able secure leadership to carry on the work of children and youth programming. Julie Mazer, our Children’s Music Director, will begin as Interim Education Coordinator starting in July. She will coordinate and oversee the Sunday morning programming for children and youth. This includes supporting Sunday School teachers, preparing Sunday School classrooms, reviewing curricula, making curricula decisions, and communicating with parents and the wider church. She will continue as the Children’s Music Director.

           I am thrilled that Julie has wholeheartedly agreed to take on this role. She is incredibly gifted and because she has been with us for over 10 years, Julie has a very good understanding of what we do on Sunday mornings. She also has a very keen interest in the spiritual formation and Christian education of our children and youth and she has positive and supportive relationships with parents.

           Second, Kristin Muckian, member of ORUCC has enthusiastically agreed to be the point person/leader for the Youth Mission trip (2023). Kristin has been a chaperone on the youth mission trips for the last six years and will go again this year. She also has been a Sunday School teacher, Youth Faith Formation team member and chair, and OWL (Our Whole Lives) teacher. Kristin is extremely capable to lead this effort. She is an absolute joy to be with, has wonderful relationships with our youth and families, and has a deep commitment to our Youth Mission trip program.

What to watch for next month

           In my July update, Julia and I will share the specifics of my future relationship with ORUCC after I complete my time as your Associate Pastor. Also, in early July I will send out an invitation for gatherings “Chit Chats with Tammy” as a way for me to hear from you—ideas, longings, hopes you have for the Christian Education/Spiritual Formation programming for children and youth, and any other things you have on your mind/heart. So, watch for the dates/times of these gatherings in an all church email to go out the week of July 5^th.

          Summer Blessings!