Message from Dawn Star Sarahs-Borchelt LISTENING AND LEARNING “The spiral keeps on turning – We’re listening and learning Together, the journey is home.” --Mary Grigolia Do you know what a labyrinth is? A labyrinth is different from a maze because in a labyrinth there are no wrong turns, and no dead ends. Once you enter the labyrinth, if you keep moving forward, eventually you will reach the center. Once you’re there, if you turn around and go back, eventually you will reach the entrance again. A spiral is a simple labyrinth with a smoothly turning path. In more complex labyrinths, the path may include twists and sharp U-turns. You may have to move towards the outside in order to come closer to the center. Life is sometimes like a spiral; more often it is like a more complex labyrinth. We walk forward into the changes and transitions each season, each year, each choice brings. We try to trust that we will get “there” eventually, wherever “there” is. Walking a labyrinth in life or on a floor, we listen to our inner voices; to the wisdom of others; to the messages the world around us sends our way. We learn from our own experiences, from chosen mentors and teachers, from partners and friends, and about people, places, things, ideas, beliefs, possibilities. One thing I believe a religious education program is for is to provide a safe place—a home—for people of all ages to listen and learn as they walk through the labyrinths of life. Although I’m writing this on only my second Sunday here, and I haven’t met with the RE Board yet (that happens tomorrow night), I can already tell that many of the plans and structures that make RE that kind of safe place are already in place here at BuxMont! There is a real vibe of working together that I’m enthusiastic about being part of and I can only imagine that it gets other people excited, too. I can tell that RE classes are a place where people listen to each other; a place where people learn both about themselves and about our faith tradition. I’ve begun connecting with teachers and families, and making plans for how to use the curricula the RE Board has chosen for this fall and beyond (there’s a new brochure describing those curricula available at the fellowship!) As I get to know you better, I’ll have things to tell you, things I think you might profit by learning. As you get to know me, you’ll have things to tell me, and things you think I need to learn. We are entering a labyrinth – together. I’m sure we will encounter smooth paths and twisting ones, gentle turns and hairpin curves. I am looking forward to our journey “home” together. Dawn