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Religious Education Program
for Children and Youth

Welcome!

The mission of our Religious Education (RE) program is to provide a structured, caring environment that nurtures each person and provides opportunities for religious discovery and personal growth. Our religion is not a fixed faith, defined by a particular set of beliefs. Our emphasis is on living a life of freedom controlled by responsible attitudes, rather than living by doctrines and rules. The six major goals of our program are:

• To affirm the dignity and worth of every human being
• To teach our young people about our Unitarian Universalist heritage and principles
• To acquaint our young people with the values, beliefs and history of other religions.
• To foster a feeling of community among our youth for our church and for the world at large.
• To respect the earth and the interdependence of its living systems.
• To study, reflect on, and celebrate life.

Current Children's Program

Our K-3 class will be held in Room B. Teachers David Bowden and Sam Vansen will be using a new curriculum, Wonderful Welcome. The 4-6 grade group will be using Love Connects Us under the guidance of Sharon Sutliff and Hilary Walker. The Jr. High will be doing Our Whole Lives, a comprehensive sexuality education program and will be going to Birmingham Unitarian Church to join with their youth this Fall. Our Sr. High youth will choose from a variety of services to our community or attend the worship service. 
 
Look for our Youth Programs brochure which describes our program in more detail.

How Our Program Works

Our Youth Programs Committee and Director of Religious Education meet once a month to plan and implement our program. The Director works 20 hours per week. Together, The Director and YP Committee set goals for religious growth and learning. They plan the curricula, recruit and support the teachers, plan special events and service projects. A teacher training workshop or grade level meetings are held each year to assist our volunteers with the job of teaching our children.

What We Offer

We provide childcare for babies, toddlers and pre-school age children from 9:50 a.m. to 11:35.

Kindergarten age through High School attend the first 20 minutes of the gathering service beginning at 10:00 a.m. This gives parents a wonderful opportunity to teach their children appropriate behavior for worship service. Children should be encouraged to learn to respect the quiet times of the service as well as participate during the appropriate times.

The Sunday school program begins at approximately 10:25 a.m. Teachers and children walk together from the sanctuary to their respective classrooms. Sunday groups end at 11:35 a.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child.

Click here for Fall 2011 through Spring 2012 curricula. (PDF) .

Why Your Participation Is Important

Regular attendance is important for your child to fully reap the benefits of our faith, and build long-lasting relationships. As a parent, you can participate either as a teacher or volunteer for various projects. If your children see you involved, their commitment will strengthen. It is also a good idea to talk to your children about what they have learned and provide your own feedback.

Our faith is an active faith - faith in action. Our program relies very heavily on the love, dedication and hard work of volunteers. We encourage you to participate in our program because for children, actions speak louder than words. Whether you teach, or help out with a special event, or serve on the Youth Programs Committee you are showing your children how important our program is to you.

Disciplinary Policy

We are always concerned about the safety and well-being of all of the children in our program. Therefore, if a child's behavior becomes too disruptive and interferes with the lesson, or a child acts in such a way as to possibly harm another child, we will handle it the following way: First, if a child's well-being is threatened, the teacher will do whatever is necessary to protect that child. Teachers are encouraged to speak to a child who is being disruptive and then seek out the Director, as needed, who will assist with the situation and, if necessary, contact the parent. While extreme situations rarely occur, this policy enables the class to run smoothly and ensures the safety of all children. We have two teachers assigned to every room.

Babies and Toddlers

We provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere. Presently our babies and toddlers share space in our large pre-school room. Caregivers are in the room at 9:50 a.m. to give parents time to get their children settled before going to the sanctuary. Please provide your own diapers, bottles, etc. as needed. A favorite toy or blanket may help your child feel more comfortable. A snack will be served. Toddlers are welcome to participate in the pre-school programming.

Youth Programs Committee:

Jan Price, Director of Religious Education
Beata Lamparski, Youth Programs Governor
Julie Stitt, Youth Programs Vice-Governor
David Bowden
Peggy Ewick
Barbara Stevenson
Linda Storey
Amy Vansen

Rev. Kimi Riegel, Minister

Curricula: We Use a 3-year Theme Rotation

• Exploring our Unitarian Universalist Faith. Click here for full 2011-2012 curricula. (PDF)
• Please note that a separate summer program will be offered.

• K-6: Judeo-Christian Heritage and UUism
• Jr. & Sr. Youth Groups: Expressions of our Faith

• Understanding Our Diverse World
  This will include appreciating diversity and cultural traditions around the world for younger children and Neighboring Faiths for our older youth.