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
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.
SPIRIT PLAY
Time: 9:15 and 11:00
Ages: Grades K—3 (at 9:15) and Grades K—2 (at 11:00)
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 history.
SPIRIT SEMINARS
Time: 9:15 only
Ages: Grades 4 through 6
Location: Room 9
This new series of workshops or seminars will be offered to our older children during the 9:15 program as follows:
Fall: Heart Talk for Kids—This new UU curriculum follows Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication model. Children learn to make observations, get in touch with feelings, learn the difference between a universal need and a strategy (just because I can say I need chocolate doesn’t make it a ‘need’), and practicing clear requests. The class will incorporate movement, activities, crafts, songs, games, and time in nature.
Winter: Our Whole Lives, Grades 4-6— This UU sexuality program offers accurate, unbiased information from a faith perspective to assist preteens to make responsible decisions and stay healthy. Part of a comprehensive, faith-based sexuality program, this portion of the curricula helps participants learn about and discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
Spring: TBA A third workshop or seminar will be chosen, drawing on the experiences of the Fall and Winter, and the interests of teachers and children.
SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
Time: 11:00 only
Ages: Grades 3 through 5
Location: Room 9
This curriculum about Unitarian Universalism incorporates challenge and adventure to engage the active learner. Participants learn about our UU Principles through the themes of sports, medicine, food, winter holidays, science, building, exploring, the web of life, and the living examples of our UU predecessors. Projects offer the opportunity to develop leadership skills and contribute to the congregation.
THE QUESTING YEAR
Time: 11:00 only
Ages: Middle School, Grades 6 through 8
Location: Room 12
This curriculum leads participants on four quests covering faith development and social action:
à UU Quest: Explore Unitarian Universalism, outstanding UUs, “us and them,” how UUs help our world.
à Action Quest: Understanind UU social justice efforts, and conceiving a class social justice project
à Inner Quest: Discovery of self and the development of personal spiritual practice
à Mystery Quest: Spiritual and ritual exploration, and distinguishing religion, spirituality, and faith.
YOUTH GROUP
Time: 11:00 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.
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP
Children need to feel a part of the worship life of the congregation, so worship experiences are an essential part of the program:
Intergenerational Worship: The congregation holds at least five intergenerational 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, and other social gatherings to make and deepen connections. We welcome your assistance to make these events fun for all!
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 will deepen their understanding of the history and tradition of our faith, our congregation, worship, social justice, and their own religious and spiritual beliefs. The program includes mentoring, community service, community-building, field trips, and a culminating community-wide affirmation celebration.
Bridging: A program for graduating high-school seniors that concludes with a congregational celebration of this transition to young adulthood.
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 service. 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.
Parents of Teens Group: Coming soon to UUCB! TBA
