We are so proud of our wonderful RE volunteers!  Their expertise, energy and enthusiasm are the lifeblood of our programs. This week, we are pleased to highlight a valued and committed volunteer, Jamie Kegerise! Jamie took the time to let us get to know him better.  Here’s what he had to say:

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania.

What brings you to Mill Creek?

My son, Ben, had interests in nature-based spirituality as a teenager, so we visited Mill Creek  and liked it so much that we stayed.

What class/classes do you teach at Mill Creek? 

I haven’t been doing much direct teaching this year, so I’ve been able to help with all the children’s and youth RE classes which has been a lot of fun.  I am very excited in that I’ve just completed OWL (Our Whole Lives) teacher training for middle and high-school aged kids.  So I will be one of the facilitators for our secular/comprehensive sexuality education program for our middle schoolers beginning this fall.  I think this is one of the UUA’s most important programs, and this information is so vital for our young people especially given today’s social and political climate.

What do you love most about Religious Exploration at Mill Creek?

It’s a real joy to see children and young people grow and mature, and it’s such a pleasure to get into deep and interesting conversations.  Many of them bring surprising perspectives.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about volunteering in R.E. at Mill Creek?

This is low-risk/ high reward proposition.  If you come to Mill Creek for connection, why not try connecting to someone from a different generation?  And if you come to Mill Creek to grow spiritually, why not spend some time with the very people who are learning and growing their personal spirituality?

Anything interesting you’d like us to know about you?

I’m competing in the Transplant Games of America this August in Salt Lake City.  I will be swimming and running.

Thanks so much, Jamie!  We are so lucky to have you and Brian to help guide our youth!

Mill Creek RE Volunteers are special, loved and appreciated.  If you are interested in volunteering to serve in our welcoming Religious Exploration Program, contact our DRE at dre@uusmc.org.  There’s a place for you in our circle of safety, love and learning.

​Check us out!!! You’d be surprised to see all of the meaningful activity and learning that occurs during the RE hour!