RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
(All grade levels are as of September 2010)
IF YOUR CHILDREN/TEENS WERE NOT REGISTERED LAST YEAR WE ASK THE FOLLOWING:
Click here to obtain forms or phone or email the R.E. office to request that they be mailed to you. Simply complete the forms and return them today so that we may have nametags, materials and supplies ready and waiting.
Class Descriptions
Fall 2010 Through Spring 2011
Our Nurseries
Warmly Welcome Infants Through Children
Not Yet Three Years Old
On September 1st of the Current Program Year
8:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Trained and carefully screened Caregivers and parent volunteers work together to staff our inviting, well-equipped nurseries.
Parents of children in the nursery may request a silent pager to wear during the worship service so that they can stay in touch, if they desire.
Parents are asked to assist in the nursery on a rotating basis. Helping in the nursery is a great way to get to know our caregivers and the other families with young children.
The nursery is open every Sunday including those when families worship together in the Sanctuary.
Classes For 3- & 4-Year-Olds
Chalice Children
9:15 - 10:30 A.M. Or 11:30 A.M. - 12:45 P.M.
Young children in this class will spend the year learning about their church home. Dedicated and caring teachers will guide the children through sessions based upon the philosophy that the spiritual development of each person, whether child or adult, is related to their direct experience of the people and world around them.
Through the year, children will learn about their religious community, the importance of sharing with others, and develop a sense of belonging to a caring community.
Along with their friends, children will grow to understand their connection to nature and the universe by engaging in opportunities for self expression and honing cooperative skills as they learn and grow.
Classes For 5- & 6-Year-Olds (as of Sept. 1, 2010)
CREATING HOME & WONDERFUL WELCOME
9:15 -10:30 A.M. Or 11:30 A.M. - 12:45 P.M.
Children in Kindergarten and first grade will explore the concept of “home,” which they already understand as a place where families gather, share love, and take care of one another. Guided by their teachers, they will expand the concept of “home” to help them understand their “faith home” in Unitarian Universalism.
As they delve into the topic of “welcome,” children will develop a sense of trust, of loving community, as well as responsibility and stewardship. Learning about our faith ancestors, traditions and the blessings of family and friends are a few of the subjects that are explored.. Children will come to understand and put into practice values such as friendship, hospitality, and fairness.
Classes For 2nd & 3rd Graders
Moral Tales and Faithful Journey
9:15 - 10:30 A.M. Or 11:30 A.M. - 12:45 P.M.
As children hear moral tales, stories from folk and faith traditions, and share stories from their own lives, they’ll be encouraged to articulate and apply their own spiritual compass to find moral direction. They will have opportunities to lift up behavior that reflects positive moral choices and identify behaviors that are good and just.
As they move along on their faithful journey entering the second semester, our children will learn that our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes are not a dogma, but a credo that they can affirm through a variety of actions. They’ll discover a unity of faith in the many different ways people of all ages can act on our beliefs.
Classes for 4th & 5th Graders
Windows and Mirrors & Toolbox of Faith
9:15 - 10:30 A.M. OR 11:30 A.M. - 12:45 P.M.
Fourth and fifth graders often find themselves engaged in conversations about religion with their peers. This is a wonderful time for them to gather the tools to better understand and explain their faith.
“Windows and Mirrors” is designed to nurture children's ability to identify their own perspectives and to seek out, care about and respect those of others. The sessions unpack topics such as—faith heritage, public service, anti-racism and prayer.
“Toolbox of Faith” invites fourth and fifth grade participants to reflect on qualities of Unitarian Universalism such as integrity, courage and love as tools they can use in living their own lives and building their own UU faith. Each session uses an actual tool as a metaphor for a quality of our faith, including a hammer (for justice), and a mirror (for reflection).
Classes For 6th, 7th & 8th* Graders
Compass Points
9:15 - 10:30 A.M. Or 11:30 A.M. - 12:45 P.M.
*open to 8th graders not enrolled in the Our Whole Lives program.
Sixth- and seventh-graders in these classes will learn that religious liberty is a hard-won legacy that continues to need protection as they engage in creating their own “moral compass”
Youth will discover what they believe about the nature of humanity and God, beliefs about death and faith and other of life’s big questions.
Learning to think independently, assuming responsibility, making decisions, clarifying values and adopting the practice of radical hospitality are paramount in this class.
Working with the Director of Religious Education, parents of sixth- and seventh-graders will plan and provide opportunities for fellowship outside of Sunday mornings throughout the year.
Class For 8th Graders
Our Whole Lives (“OWL” - Human Sexuality)
9:15 Only
Youth who participate in this class will end the year equipped with accurate, age-appropriate information about human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view, comprehensive sexuality education helps class members clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, social, and political aspects of sexuality.
Participants in this class must covenant to attend on a regular basis. Parent participation at the orientation sessions and signed parent-permission forms are required in order to enroll 8th-graders in this course. Should an 8th-grader choose not to participate in OWL, or should they register for classes after October 1st, they may join the class for 6th, 7th and 8th graders that meets at 9:15 or 11:30.
Class For 9th Graders
Coming Of Age
11:15 Only
Crossing the bridge from childhood to young adulthood is a milestone worthy of our attention as a faith-community.
During this important year, youth are provided opportunities to explore their maturing religious identity as they learn more about the history of our faith, begin to clarify their personal religious positions, and are invited to join the Church.
The year culminates in a ceremony of congregational recognition of Coming of Age, affirming the work that they have done on their journey of faith development.
Participants will also enjoy a Heritage Trip to Boston in the early summer. Parents and students are asked to attend special meetings regarding orientation, fundraising and planning throughout the year.
Youth Group for 10th through 12th Graders
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)
10:30 only
The six pillars of YRUU (worship, fellowship, social action/community service, intellectual growth, youth/adult relations, and leadership development) are central to time spent together on Sunday mornings.
With guidance from the Youth-Adult Committee, youth determine topics for worship and discussion, and plan social events throughout the year. Caring and dedicated advisors assist the youth as they explore together what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. In addition to time spent together on Sunday mornings, members of YRUU participate in several community service projects. Each Spring, the youth also present a worship service to the larger congregation. They broaden their understanding of leadership in the areas of social justice and community service during their annual end-of-year Service Trip in June. |
