Congregational sharing

Our Religious Exploration program uses curricula based upon the Purposes and Principles of the UUA. Our children will explore in a three year repeating cycle these aspects of our UU heritage: Unitarian Universalist identity, our Judeo-Christian heritage, religions of the world, peace and justice, and our interdependence with nature.

Sunday Morning in R.E.

Sunday morning programs are offered for our children at each service with the exception of once monthly when we hold our meditation Sunday. Classes are grouped by age and use age-appropriate curricula incorporating the Unitarian Universalist Principles. Community worship is an important component of our religious experience. On most Sundays our children join the rest of the congregation for Sharing Services in the sanctuary which include a story for all ages before we sing them off to their five classrooms.

Current happenings!

The RE kids classes have been quite busy these past few months! A big welcome to the new families who have joined our classes.

The pre-school / kindergarten class has been focusing on families through the curriculum "We Are Many, We are One". They have been examining how families work together, kindness, and celebrating uniqueness.

Bible stories, and how they are relevant today, have been the focus of the 1st - 3rd graders. They have been discussing the Ten Commandments and 'The Jesse Tree.'

In the 4th - 6th grade group the children are receiving a variety of perspectives on various aspects of Native American culture and spiritual practices. They have been learning some of the many different ways of honoring Mother Earth.

In February the 7th to 9th graders joined with the 4th to 6th grade as they both explored Native American and Earth Based religions. One special class took place at Birch Grove Community Hall on February 14, when Jill Fanning and Beth Onko shared stories, drumming and dancing traditions from Northwestern tribes. These classes will finish the month of February and early March together exploring beliefs and ceremonies from Southeastern and Southwestern tribes.

The Middle School class will complete it's two year Neighboring Faiths curriculum with hosting a Muslim guest, learning about Hinduism, and finally exploring fundamentalism and cults. Also, look for this class at youth group events including the Oxfam dinner on March 6, and the Earth Day service.

Youth group continues to meet on alternate Wednesday evenings. All 6th-12th grade youth are welcome. Dinner is provided. For additional information please contact Janice Alexander or Sandy Anderson.

Curriculum for 2009-2010:

Each Classroom is named after a historical Unitarian Universalist:

Beatrix Potter Room: (age 0 to 2): This colorful room is available as a 'crying room' for our youngest attendees and their parent. This comfortable room is wired so that you may listen to the service while attending to your child if they need a break from sitting in service with you. A crib, and age appropriate toys and books are all waiting in the room for you.

Susan B. Anthony Room: (preschool -kindergarten class) This curriculum entitled "We Are Many, We Are One" celebrates the wondrous similarities and differences of the children themselves and expands outward to the world. Rachel Stevens is leading this group.

Thomas Jefferson Room: (1st to 3rd grade) The curriculum began last year continues. "Timeless Themes" is a well-known curriculum with the theme of teaching our biblical heritage to children. It is filled with fun group activities, drama, and music. A second curriculum begins this year. "Faithful Journeys" is a wonderful new UU curriculum making its debut. This class is active and busy! Erica Wirtala leads this group.

Henry David Thoreau Room: (4th to 6th grade) This class studies Native American Spirituality this year with the curriculum "Honoring Mother Earth". Drumming, dancing, story telling and crafts are just some of the fun! This class is led by Walter Weisenburger.

Emerson Alcove : (grades 6 to 9) We are in our second year of exploring the "Neighboring Faiths" Curriculum, last year focusing on Judeo-Christian religions, and this year exploring Islam, Buddhism, Earth-based religions, Hinduism, Fundamentalism and Cults. The classes will include guests and field trips to get to know people who used some of these faiths in their lives. Teens in this class are also involved in the twice monthly youth group.

Youth Group! Our Jr. and Sr. High members (6th-12th grade) are joining together with the United Church of Christ youth to do regular Wednesday evening youth dinner and youth group meeting. The group is led by Rev. Daryl Kistler the pastor of the local UCC church. This fall focuses on the OWL (Our Whole Lives) curriculum for the 7th-9th grade and the 10th-12th grade groups. This spring (January - May) youth group focuses back on traditional youth group activities with 6th graders officially joining youth group.

Check out the Community Congregational Church's youth page!

Your Role as a Parent or Guardian

The success of our cooperative program of Religious Exploration rests primarily with you--the parents and guardians of these wonderful children. What follows are a few suggestions for working with us and fulfilling that commitment:

Arrive on time and come regularly. Children develop a sense of belonging by attending regularly; they learn to value religious education by the importance you give it. The teachers appreciate knowing when a child might not attend as it can affect their lesson planning.
Introduce yourself to the teachers. Ask questions about the program. The R.E. Directors and R.E. Committee members want to hear from you, too. Come visit on Sunday mornings.
Help in the classrooms. You will get to know some wonderful adults, see your child in a group setting, and learn about the program. Be sure to sign up to bring a snack. Religious education is a cooperative effort.
Share your point of view. Let your children know your thoughts, opinions, and values. Be patient with them and with yourself as you struggle to understand one another.

Teachers

Teachers are parents and non-parents from all walks of life who enjoy interacting with children and working with the UUFC approved curriculum.

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