WCUC’s first ever Instrument Exploration event was a success! Children (and adults!) were treated to fascinating demonstrations of unique and engaging instruments and plenty of time to explore the wide variety of sounds and playing techniques. Have you ever seen a shruti box or psaltery? Have you ever played a hurdy-gurdy? We did, and it was impossible to pick a favorite! A very special thanks to Jim Barkovic and Nan Gibbons, our new Young People’s Music Director, for sharing their instruments and their musical gifts with us.

Album for the Young, Op. 68, No. 30 by Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Dr. Pierson Wetzel, piano

We had a great crowd for our second Service Sunday and achieved a great deal, including:
– 30 backpacks packed for those released from incarceration with Concord Prison Outreach
– 52 bags of kid-friendly food packed in decorated bags for Open Table
– 120 pounds of additional miscellaneous groceries collected for Open Table
– 51 rocks painted to share with neighbors at the Healing Garden and our Welcome Garden
– Many cards of care for members and friends written
– 1 accessible planter constructed
– Cooperation and relationship building achieved between all ages and abilities
– Cheerful adjustments made as we realized that we had a good problem: too many people to keep busy with the tasks we had planned!

Take a look! Thanks to all who participated and supported this effort!

The year is off to a great start for the Youth Group. We opened with a fun game night/pizza party to kick off the new church year. We then welcomed new and returning students to Sunday morning classes in September and October, and ventured out to the Davis Farmland Mega Maze to enjoy an evening of lawn games, live music, a giant corn maze, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. The spirit is alive and well in this creative, energetic, and kind group of young people.