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: 9:15 am to 12:45 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.
WE ARE MANY, WE ARE ONE
Time: 9:30 only
Ages: Preschool and Kindergarten (ages 3 to 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 stories, games, and projects that encourage children to honor themselves, their religious community, nature, and cultures around the world.
SPIRIT PLAY
Time: 9:30 and 11:15
Ages: Grades 1—3 (at 9:30) ; 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 a Spirit Play classroom. 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 ethical values and justice.
MORAL TALES
Time: 11:15 only
Ages: Grades 3 through 5
Location: Room 9
This curriculum is designed to provide children with the spiritual and ethical tools they will need to make choices and take actions reflective of their UU beliefs and values in a complex world. Using stories, Moral Tales strives to inform children about moral choices through stories in which real and fictional heroes and heroines display moral courage and spiritual greatness. Each session also incorporates hands-on activities, ritual, and reflection.
TOOLBOX OF FAITH
Time: 9:30 only
Ages: Grades 4 through 6
Location: Room 9
Unpacking symbolic tools of our faith, children experience and
develop their relationship with key qualities that shape a UU identity, faith, and personal call to action. Imagine duct tape symbolizes flexibility; a magnifying glass—questioning; a compass—integrity; a hammer—power. Come equip your toolbox!
HEEDING THE CALL, and
AMAZING GRACE; EXPLORING RIGHT AND WRONG
Time: 11:15 only
Ages: Middle School, Grades 6 through 8
Location: Room 12 (downstairs)
These two curricula encourage youth to view themselves as agents of change in the world as they develop qualities crucial to justice work. They will explore ways in which their UU faith calls them to take responsibility for decisions and their consequences by examining right and wrong. The group will reflect on their own lives while making connections to the lives lived by others, building self-awareness while growing as leaders.
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, education and learning, and relationships across the lifespan.
Youth are encouraged to participate in congregational and district-wide activities, including youth conferences (cons), multi-generational worship, small group ministry, committees, adult programs, and the Youth Adult Committee.
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 six multi-generational worship services each year when the children join the adults for worship in multi-generational 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 affirmation worship service and 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 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.
Faith in Action: Our program provides monthly opportunities for children to make a difference in their congregation, local and global community. Watch the newsletter for details.
Middle School Fellowship Group — Watch for monthly gatherings of our middle school youth. Activities will include fun social events, service opportunities, and field trips.
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