Here at First Universalist Church, we offer programming for children in pre-school on up to Youth Group activities for Junior and Senior High youth. The RE Program is planned and coordinated by our Director of Religious Education with help from the RE Council. The success of this unique and engaging program is due, in large part, to the support provided by the congregation as well as the day-to-day assistance provided by our many volunteers.
Each class is led by adult volunteers from the congregation who work in teaching teams for one of several different age groups. While teams commit to teach throughout the school year (Sept.-June), teachers rotate so that they teach some Sundays but have other Sundays to participate in the adult worship service or are free to take the day off. In keeping with our church’s Safe Congregation Policy, two adults (or, on occasion, one adult and one youth) oversee each class every Sunday. Therefore, in addition to the adults who sign on to teaching teams, other adults and youth serve as assistants throughout the year.
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Our program is designed to follow the calendar year with seven themes, or “pillars” that are project-based and focus on cooperative learning. Each pillar has a distinct focus that is meaningful in our church setting and is based on Unitarian Universalist principles and traditions. These pillars allow for long-term planning and organization. Additionally, they provide an overall sense of flow and continuity within a particular year and from one year to the next. While the content may vary from year-to-year, the pillars remain the same.
For example, the World Religions pillar rotates from western religions (the focus this year) to earth-based traditions (next year) to eastern religions (the following year). This year, each RE class will explore a different western religion (i.e., Judaism, Christianity, etc.) specifically designed to meet age and developmental needs. Over time, children and youth will be exposed to several different western religions as well as eastern religions and earth-centered traditions. This provides them with a foundation for their Coming of Age year where they might choose to explore several religious traditions in greater depth.
Rich with ideas and a wide range of subjects, UU curriculum will be used as a core resource throughout the year while tailor-made lesson plans will be provided to teaching teams. These plans will address a variety of issues and needs including age-appropriateness, interest, etc. We believe that this approach provides much needed structure, while allowing maximum flexibility to respond to and inspire the creativity of those involved.
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