Author: Eleanor VanDeusen

Eleanor is a Colorado native who grew up in a lay-led Unitarian Universalist congregation in western Colorado. Her Colorado childhood and her background in the performing arts have influenced her love of nature and the sacred human experience. She completed the Religious Education Credentialing Program of the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) in 2013 and is an active member of LREDA (The Liberal Religious Educators Association.)

As Director of Family Ministry, Eleanor is passionate about helping families connect at Foothills to experience mystery and awe, find community and purpose and manifest courageous love in their lives and in the world.

Responsible for: Family Ministry which includes children, youth, parents and families as well as our Comprehensive Sexuality Education programs.

Change Lives! Be a Kids’ Small Group Leader!

July 29, 2019 /

Did you know that the number one factor influencing the thriving of children and youth is a positive relationship with an adult who is not their parent?! You can be that person in the life of our kids here at Foothills! We are looking for small group leaders for our Sunday Small Groups for children and youth for the 2019/2020 year.

This past Sunday I got to hang out with a diverse and wonderful group of kiddos at church. We gathered in a circle to share our names and one word saying how we were feeling right in that moment. Ellie was “curious”, Senara was “tired”, Sky was “thoughtful”(she is 4 years old), Vicente was “excited” and several of us were “happy.” We also took turns dropping stones into a bowl of water as we shared our joys and sorrows – birthdays, camping trips, dogs who have died and fears and excitement for a new school year about to begin. Later that day I was at a restaurant and from across the room I heard, “Look! there’s Eleanor!” and saw two young friends from church. I crossed the room to say hello and I was filled with gratitude to be a person that they are glad to see, someone they know beyond the circle of their family, in a circle of care and trust at church who sees them as important and lovable.

You can be that person in the life of our kids! We provide training, ongoing support and great resources to help you guide our children and youth as they grow in body mind and spirit. You serve on a team and choose your Sundays. I promise that you will grow alongside them and you will be amazed and optimistic about the future as you spend time with our fantastic kids!

You can Sign Up Here

Still not sure? Reach out to me – Eleanor, the Director of Family Ministry eleanorv@foothillsuu.org. I can answer your questions and tell you more about it. I know that there is no more impactful way that you can join our mission of unleashing courageous love.Change Lives! Be a kid’s Small Group Leader!

Join us at the Buckhorn Retreat

July 1, 2019 /

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On a sunny afternoon on Labor Day weekend, a group of Foothills friends are gathered on a mountain
hillside at the Buckhorn Camp for nature journaling. We choose some colored pencils and wander to find a particular plant, pinecone or vista to draw. I can hear the distant laughter and shouts of kids playing at the gaga pit and I feel the sun and the air on my skin and breathe in the spicy smell of mountain sage.

I soak in the beauty of the view of the valley and the mountains that takes my breath away. Time slows and everything falls away except the particular wildflower that I have chosen to draw. Later that evening we gather in the lodge for a very silly game show that features the unique and varied stories of all of the people at the retreat – long time members, children, elders and brand new friends. These are some of the reasons that I love the Buckhorn Retreat. It offers a unique chance to gather with Foothills members and friends to rejuvinate, to grow in faith and to connect in shared stories and experience. So many people have told me that the Buckhorn Retreat was where they began to feel a deep sense of connection and belonging and where they “found their people” at Foothills!

The Buckhorn Retreat is coming up again on Labor Day weekend, Friday August 30th through Monday September 2nd. The Retreat is located at the beautiful Buckhorn camp, just a one hour drive away up Rist Canyon.

Registration for the retreat is now open! REGISTER HERE!

You can stay in rustic cabins or tent camp and three delicious meals per day are included in the retreat fee.The retreat includes a variety of fun and immersive experiences, all designed to deepen your relationships with other Foothills folks and to rest, rejuvenate and form deep relationships that matter. Foothills Ministers and Staff will be in attendance. The weekend includes workshops, small groups, spiritual practices, outdoor games, campfires, singing and beautiful outdoor worship services.  Judy Fjell will return as our retreat musician in residence. Judy has led music for numerous UU conferences, churches and retreats and has a well-earned reputation as a multi-level “Musical Activist,” having empowered thousands over her performing and teaching career to discover their own voices and play their own music.

Scholarships for the retreat are available – APPLY HERE

Deadline to complete the scholarship application is August 1st, 2019. After this deadline we will divide the available funds equally among the people requesting financial assistance. We will notify you about your scholarship by Monday, August 19th.

Questions about lodging or food? Contact Heidi Schaub, Retreat Registrar at buckhorn@foothillsuu.org
Questions about Scholarships or have an idea for a workshop or activity you could offer at the retreat? Contact Eleanor VanDeusen, Director of Family Ministry at eleanorv@foothillsuu.org

Come join us at the Foothills Buckhorn Retreat. Because relationships matter!

 

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