Charitable Giving

A Letter about RMCT

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Newsletter from Reverend Kathy Tew Rickey on July 30, 2023

The Power of Story

One of UUFBR’s Sharex Partners is Anthony Hubert who is the Artistic Director for RMCT, a children’s summer theater camp and Conservatory Classes. Last month, working in my office, I listened to the sounds of children rehearsing under the direction of Anthony Huber’s booming voice. The first production in June was The Lion King.

When it came time for the first performance, I decided to attend. I was curious and wanted to support Anthony. As I sat in the back row, waiting for the show to begin, I observed the parents of the fledgling actors as they filed into the sanctuary. It made me think about my own parenting days filled with similar activities. As I watched, I realized these parents could be my children and the children on stage, my grandchildren. And it hit me, what a different experience these parents must be having from my own. Unlike me, these parents have been raising their children under the duress of pandemic times, facing an uncertain future with climate change, coping with a sharp rise in the cost of living, and fearing the escalating violence in our society that threatens the safety of their children who would be forever marked by these conditions. It seemed to me this current generation of children stood to lose their innocence too quickly which could disrupt their sense of meaning and value in life.

But then as I watched these grade school kids perform, reciting their lines and belting out songs, my worry receded. Two thoughts came to me: first, The Lion King represents a timeless story of good vs. evil, hope vs. despair, love vs. fear, and courage in the face of uncertainty. It is a classic tale that instructs us that with life comes change, sometimes big change that causes suffering. But life is also full of great joy and in a larger sense endures through the generations. My second thought was that these children were not passively watching this story in the form of a Disney animation, but rather they were embodying what the story has to teach – that life, no matter how challenging, is worth living and living well – and because they embodied these values, these children would not forget them. This theater camp was building anchor points for these kids that would equip them for what lies ahead. These thoughts filled me with hope.

I think Anthony Hubert is doing very important work. I encourage you to support his efforts by attending a performance in July. There is an afternoon and an evening performance, Thursday through Saturday. You can check out the schedule which appears in the weekly Eblasts.

I also want to recognize that Hubert Arts Foundation is a Sharex Partner that embodies our goals of providing space for non-profits doing good works or groups that provide life-saving services to people who need the support of a caring community. Betty and John Tilton do a super job of managing Sharex partners – be sure to thank them when you see them. They are the ones who bring in meaningful partnerships that help build beloved community within our walls.

See you in Soon!

In faith and love,

Rev. Kathy, UUFBR in Boca Raton, FL

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WE SUPPORT