We're Minnesotans (though I'm newly so), and I've learned that means we're not big on tooting our own horn. But here's the thing: First Universalist is home to the third largest Unitarian Universalist religious education program in the country.* I'm not suggesting we deserve a parade. I'm a Minnesotan, after all.

But we are leaders in UU ministry with children and youth. And we have a message for the world: Raising children with love and hope works. Encouraging them to have open minds yields awe, discovery, and a thirst for truth. Religious education rooted in a welcoming, affirming community and based on UU theology and principles builds compassionate kids who are hungry for justice. We see it here in our classrooms every Sunday.

We have something special happening, worthy of some horn-tootin'. Let's acknowledge that we are in a position to make a real difference in the future of our faith, and be good stewards of our success with UU religious education. Let's keep the dream alive, being generous with our time, talent and treasure. Let's do it for our children and youth, and for people everywhere who long to hear.