On Saturday, March 5, from 9:00 – 3:00 the leadership of TPUUF will spend the day with our Central East Region Faith Development Specialist, Patricia Infante. This is a full day workshop that guides the DRE, the minister, and congregational leadership through an articulation of their vision of RE, and understanding of how the ministry of RE is shared and affirmed. This event is open to everyone who would like to take an active role in leading our religious education program for both youth and adults. The purpose of the workshop is to celebrate this important transition in the life of the congregation and, it is hoped, affirms the commitment of the congregation to quality religious education for all ages. Practically speaking, the religious educator start up workshop is intended to facilitate a healthy conversation between the religious educator, the minister or supervisor, and the lay leadership about the role of the religious educator, how responsibility is shared among staff and volunteers, and the process for negotiating the inevitable differences in expectations and priorities. It usually occurs during the first year of a new religious educator’s tenure. The Central East Region offers start up workshop facilitation at no cost to the congregation regardless of whether it is led by a regional staff member or adjunct staff. The only costs incurred by the congregation are for food and supplies. For more information, please contact Jess Bors at [email protected] or Carol Collier [email protected].