Adult Education

RE Calendar

Classes & Curricula

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Messages from Minister & Director

A Word from the Minister

Welcome to the 2011-2012 Religious Education program year. Our Religious Education program for children and youth 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. We have a wonderful Religious Educator, Lynn Garman, along with a dedicated Religious Education Committee, and an outstanding team of teachers. Lynn 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 go about “religious education” a little differently than many other faith communities. Rather than giving our children a set of truths and teachings, we encourage them in the process of discovery. Our goal on Sunday mornings is to allow each child the opportunity to unfold their full humanity, to instill a love of learning and a holy curiosity. Our congregation is shifting into a “Lifespan” perspective when talking about religious education and faith development. This means the same goals we have for our children’s Sunday morning experience translates for everyone of any age in our community.
 
As the parish 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

Religious education is the whole community
religiously educating the world to engage
in ministry toward the world. Maria Harris

Every day our children go forth into a complex world where they are often faced with difficult decisions and situations. This year, our focus on Ethics and Social Justice aims to equip our children with the spiritual and ethical tools they will need to make choices and take actions which reflect their Unitarian Universalist faith. Many of our classes will be offering curriculum from the UUA Tapestry of Faith program, a new series of programs and resources for all ages that nurture Unitarian Universalist identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love. Again this year, we are excited to include monthly “Faith in Action” projects as a regular part of our Sunday morning program, allowing our children and youth to live their faith through service to their congregation and larger community. In addition, we continue prior initiatives, including Spirit Play, the Youth Adult Committee which oversees youth programming, and a class for our youngest children at the earlier service.
 
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 curriculum plan provides for rotating year-long study of three themes: Unitarian Universalism, Wisdom Traditions of the World, and Ethics and Social Justice. In addition, our Lifespan Visioning Team is striving to develop an integrated plan for faith development for all ages throughout the lifespan, and the initiatives of our Threshold Team aim to build a more vibrant community—these are exciting times for us at UUCB!
 
The minister, RE Committee, and I strive to create a faith com-munity 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