Letter from the DRE
The Durham Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has a long tradition of providing meaningful and rewarding experiences for children and youth. Situated as we are in a redesigned residential home, the Fellowship provides unique meeting spaces for our young people. We have over 25 participants in our program, ranging from toddlers to Senior High youth. Some have been associated with the Fellowship all their lives; others are new this year. All are welcome.
We strive to provide balanced programming, recognizing the importance of sharing and social interaction as well as activities that help our children and youth understand and grow in our faith. Recognizing the importance of strong ties among all who enter our doors, we provide opportunities for our young people to participate in all-ages activities, at the beginning of each Sunday morning service as well as periodic intergenerational services and other activities. If you have questions or would like to know more about our programs for children and youth, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In faith,
Thomas
Thomas Pistole
Director of Religious Exploration
About the DRE
I have been associated with the Religious Exploration program at the Fellowship for 17 years. I began coordinating the program in 1990 and, following a two-year absence, returned in 2007.
I have completed all nine of the currently available Renaissance modules, which are 15-hour programs for in-depth training and experience in religious education, and currently serve as a trainer for three of them. I was on the staff of Star Island Religious Education Week for eight years, including two years as Children's Dean and one year as Conference Dean. I have served on the staff of Ferry Beach Religious Education Week for four years, including one year as Conference Coordinator. I have been a member of the Liberal Religious Educators Association for over ten years, serving on the board of the North Atlantic Chapter and, currently, on the Nominating Committee of continental LREDA. I was a Board member of the Unitarian Sunday School Society for five years. I also served on the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire/Vermont District of Unitarian Universalist Societies for six years: four as vice president and two as president.
I am a Credentialed Religious Educator, one of about 40 nationwide, in our faith, and serve as mentor to individuals who are currently in the credentialing program. I have been on the faculty at the University of New Hampshire for 36 years.
I have been privileged to be involved with so many wonderful colleagues during this time and continue to be excited about the wonderful work being done in religious education/exploration.