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As our congregation enters another season of transition, we want to share some staffing changes within our Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) program.

Rachael has concluded her role as Director of Religious Education. Rachael and her family will be relocating to Manitoba in the near future, and we send them with our gratitude and best wishes as they begin this new chapter. During her time with Calgary Unitarians, Rachael brought care, creativity, and commitment to our children, youth, families, and volunteers. We are grateful for the many ways she helped nurture our CYRE program and support the spiritual growth of young people in our community.

We also extend our thanks to Elliot, who has concluded his role as Religious Education Assistant after accepting a position with the Centre for Sexuality. Elliot's warmth, flexibility, and willingness to help wherever needed have been greatly appreciated. His contributions helped create a welcoming and supportive environment for children, youth, families, and volunteers alike.

For our children, youth, parents, and caregivers, these changes may feel particularly significant. Over the past several years, our Religious Education program has experienced a number of staffing transitions. While each change brings new possibilities, we know that continuity, trust, and relationships matter deeply. Children flourish when they know the adults around them, and families deserve to feel confident that their children are held in a community of care.

Please know that Calgary Unitarians remains deeply committed to our children, youth, and families. The CYRE Committee, volunteers, staff, and Board continue to invest time, energy, and heart into creating a program where young people are welcomed, nurtured, and encouraged to explore life's big questions. The ministry of religious education is not carried by any one person alone. It is a shared ministry that belongs to all of us, and one that we will continue to tend with care.

As we look ahead, the congregation has begun the search for both a new Director of Religious Education and a Religious Education Assistant. We’ll share more information with you in the next issue of the e-News.

In the meantime, we hold gratitude for Rachael and Elliot and all they have contributed to our community. We wish them every blessing in the journeys ahead and trust that the relationships they have formed here will remain part of the fabric of our congregation.