Our Lifespan Religious Education Council oversees our programming. The chair of the council is elected annually by the congregation.

LRE Annual Report for 2023-2024

Lifespan Religious Education
Annual Report 2024
Presented by Elizabeth McCreless, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

Key Program Highlights
● Offered Our Whole Lives programs for grades K-1 and 5-6, providing participants with
developmentally appropriate sexuality education that is comprehensive, honest, and accurate.
● Kicked off Open Spark Youth with a series of 3 Friday evenings of fun and community building
for teens ages 13-18.
● Introduced new ongoing adult learning opportunities including the minister’s monthly Good Life
Seminar, our Engaged Buddhism Practice Group led by Linda Cherney, and piloting a drop-in
virtual Journey Group

Thank you! to Daughon Langner and Barbara Randolph for their continued service in the Religious
Education Council including supporting this year’s hiring processes for RE staff, and to our dedicated
OWL leaders, Virginia Pace, Daughon Langner, and Laura Mulkoff.

Opportunities

This summer we are looking to grow our children and youth RE team with people who can:
● support one of our staff teachers in the Spirit Space (grades 2-6) or Chalice Children (grades
preK-1) classroom on an occasional basis
● pair up with a friend to give our dedicated nursery staff a Sunday off
● take the lead on a special event like apple picking, Easter Egg decorating, Game Nights, etc.
● put your education or facilitation expertise to work by getting trained to lead Our Whole Lives

Adult members who get involved in children and youth ministries promote community and
intergenerational learning, support their own continued spiritual, social, and ethical growth, and most
importantly show our young people the love of the congregation and their belonging here. Plus they
have fun! Speak with Liz to learn about how to get involved.

Contact:
Liz McCreless, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
dlre@firstuchicago.org or 773-324-4100 x112