RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULA
Classes are held concurrently with our worship services. Each Sunday the children spend 15 - 20 minutes either in the sanctuary or in children's chapel. About six times per year we worship together as a congregational family; the children join the adults for full intergenerational services on ingathering Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter services, a flower communion service, and our year-end children's service.
NURSERY
Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Ages: Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Location: Room 1
Our Nursery is open each Sunday through both worship services. Our Nursery provides a safe, child friendly, supervised environment while parents are involved in other church activities. Toys, books, games, simple crafts, age appropriate activities, and an opportunity for free play are provided . Our Nursery is staffed by experienced child care providers. Children must be signed in and out of the Nursery by their parents. Childcare is provided upon request for events and meetings outside of Sunday morning.
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WE ARE MANY, WE ARE ONE
Time: 11:15 only
Ages: Preschool (ages 3-5)
Location: Room 7
Following the premise that children learn best through direct experience, this curriculum nurtures spiritual growth, creativity, and connection to our UU community through imaginative activities and hands-on rituals. Young ones are introduced to the UU chalice, explore the great forces of nature, and consider how to make choices and overcome difficulties.
SPIRIT PLAY
Time: 9:30 and 11:15
Ages: Grades K—3 (at 9:30 and Grades K—2 (at 11:15)
Location: Room 5
Based on the Montessori method, and drawing on a “morning-as-worship” model, Spirit Play embraces multi-age grouping, self-directed learning, creative expression, multiple learning styles, cooperation and respect within a classroom community. The sacred mystery of life, and a commitment to freedom in spiritual exploration are vital aspects of Spirit Play. Through story, wondering, and creative art response, children make meaning of the language of our faith and life’s questions. This year’s program will focus on stories of our Unitarian Universalist faith, and stories from diverse faith traditions, including the Bible.
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BIBLELODEON
Time: 11:15 only
Ages: Grades 3 through 5
Location: Room 9
This curriculum explores the best-known Hebrew and Christian stories in a fun, interactive format. Children examine connections between Biblical events and Unitarian Universalist Principles, between Biblical ideas and their own lives. Each session also incorporates hands-on activities, ritual, and reflection.
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TRADITIONS WITH A WINK
Time: 9:30 only
Ages: Grades 4 through 6
Location: Room 9
This curriculum teaches an understanding of our UU faith through an exploration of the diverse sources of our beliefs, including our Purposes and Principles, Judeo-Christian roots, the place of science and reason, earth-centered traditions, our tradition of good works, and the varied ways in which we celebrate. Designed to be fun and engaging, this class also encourages personal reflection and integration of the material.
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NEIGHBORING FAITHS
Time: 11:15 only
Ages: Middle School, Grades 6 through 8
Location: Room 12 (downstairs)
This curriculum explores the different faith traditions, from their historical origins to their presence in today’s multi-religious reality,
reflecting and affirming the racial, cultural, and religious pluralism in our world today. Each unit includes a study of a religious tradition, a visit to a local place of worship, and follow-up discussion. Participants will reflect on the unique and universal aspects of religious experience, explore their own values, and become more aware of the connections between Unitarian Universalism and other faith traditions.
OUR WHOLE LIVES, Grades 4 - 6
Time: 9:30, Eight weeks beginning February 7
Advance registration and Parent orientation required
This UU sexuality program offers accurate, unbiased faith-based information to promote responsible decisions, family relationships, and health. Part of a comprehensive faith-based sexuality program, this curricula helps participants learn about and discuss the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.
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YOUTH GROUP
Time: 11:15 only
Ages: Grades 9 through 12
Location: Room 8
Our program for youth has a flexible format to respond to the needs and interests of the group. The youth, with the guidance of their advisors, will determine the shape and focus of their meetings and activities for the year. The group incorporates the following six aspects of youth programming: youth leadership development, worship, social justice and social action, fellowship and fun, and education and learning.
Youth are encouraged to participate in congregational and district-wide activities, including youth conferences (cons), intergenerational worship, small group ministry, committees, and the Youth Adult Committee.
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WORSHIP
Children need to feel a part of the worship life of the congregation, so worship experiences are an essential part of the program:
- Multi-generational Worship: The congregation holds at least five multi-generational worship services each year when the children join the adults for worship in multigenerational community.
- Children’s Chapel: The children meet for worship in the Children’s Chapel in Room 3 on a regular basis. Chapel services are intended to foster a spirit of quiet worship in a child-friendly format and environment. Chapel themes vary and may reflect the season, curriculum, or other theme.
- Two Sundays per month the children begin their morning in the sanctuary with their families and the larger church community to hear a story before proceeding to their religious education class
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Child Dedications: This ceremony honors the covenant of love and support between the congregation “church family,” and infants, children and families. To learn more, contact our minister.
Being a UU Parent: This five-session program assists parents in exploring their UU faith, and bringing it home, offering a blend of theology and child-rearing. TBA
Community Building Events: Throughout the year, we sponsor multigenerational holiday celebrations such as a Holiday Craft Workshop, UU Pals, St. Lucia Celebration, family camping, and other social gatherings to make and deepen connections.
Coming of Age Program: This year-long program of study and activities for youth during their 13th year aims to mark the passage from childhood to adolescence. Participants deepen their understanding of the history and tradition of our faith, our congregation, worship, social justice, and their own religious and spiritual beliefs through mentoring, community service, field trips, and a culminating community-wide affirmation celebration.
Jumpin’ January: During the month of January, we hold a series of special, intergenerational workshops. This winter intersession allows folks of all ages to learn and have fun together. Our two-service schedule allows everyone the opportunity to attend both a service and the workshop of your choice.
Summer RE: We offer a multi-age class and nursery care during the summer lay-led services. Watch for details in the spring.
Small Group Ministry for Parents: Part of our congregation’s small group[ ministry program, this group meets to specifically discuss issues and concerns particular to UU parents.
Faith in Action: This year we will continue to offer regular opportunities for children to make a difference in their congregation, local and global community. Watch the newsletter for details.
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