A Word from the Minister
I am pleased to say to every member of our congregation “Welcome to the 2007-2008 Religious Education program year!” Our Children’s Religious Education program is an important part of the life of our congregation, not only for the children, parents, and teachers, but also for everyone among us! Children are an important part of this congregation and we are very pleased with the program we have put together for this year.
This congregation is committed to offering quality religious education for its children and youth. We are taking exciting new steps with our program, now in the capable hands of Lynn Garman, our Religious Educator. She and I are dedicated to shaping a program that enlivens, encourages, and inspires our children to learn and grow in faith and understanding.
As Unitarian Universalists, we are committed to truth and love. Our goal is so grand as to allow each child the opportunity to unfold their full humanity, to instill a love of learning and a holy curiosity. Yet, our goal is also so simple as to draw out of children that which is already there, to guide and encourage them in the process of discovery. William Ellery Channing wrote that “The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to stir up their own;...Not to give them a definite amount of knowledge, but to inspire a fervent love of truth.”
As the minister of UUCB, I am available to all the members of this community, young and old, and I welcome the chance to share some part of your religious journey with you.
Douglas Taylor, Minister
A Message from the Director of Religious Education
In all the great religious traditions, spiritual growth is understood as a journey. It is a path or a way along which each human being travels, not only in moments of ecstasy or enlightenment, but in the day-to-day struggle to come to terms with the world in which we live. For this reason, spiritual nurture, like parenting itself, is a creative process. It is a work of the imagination…We need only to be willing to accompany our child as he/she takes his/her first steps along the spiritual path. We see each child…as a unique creation whose worth is infinitely greater than the sum of his or her skills and knowledge…
Jean Grasso Fitzpatrick
Welcome to an exciting year of religious growth and exploration at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton!
Our Religious Education program is designed to companion children and youth on their spiritual journey, to foster independent thinking, encourage faith development and religious identity, and nurture spirituality. Our Unitarian Universalist beliefs provide the backdrop and context of our common journey this year. The children and youth will be learning more about their UU faith, its principles, sources, history and implications for living a just life.
This is a particularly exciting year as we introduce our new Spirit Play program to our younger elementary classes. In addition, we have added a class at 9:15 for our older children. UUCB is in the process of revising the curricular plan to reflect the aspirations voiced by many in our congregation last year. We have our Youth Adult Committee ready to oversee youth programming for the first time this year! Other initiatives include increased opportunities for community service, community building events, and a review of how we can best respond to our young people with special needs.
The minister, RE Committee, and I strive to create a faith community for our children and youth that is welcoming, comfortable, safe, and fun while also allowing for religious exploration and spiritual nurture. I welcome your input, value your participation, and encourage you to voice your concerns as we embark upon this shared journey with your child this year.
Lynn Garman, Director of Religious Education
