RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
The Religious Exploration (RE) Program at First Universalist Church is a dynamic and creative program that strives to guide our children, youth and adults in the life-long process of developing their spiritual identities. William Ellery Channing, a noted 19th century Unitarian minister, once observed “that the great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds irresistibly upon the young, but to stir up their own...to touch inward springs…In a word, the great end is to awaken the soul, to excite and cherish spiritual life.”
Program Offerings for 2011/12
Here at First Universalist Church, we offer programming for children in pre-school on up through high school-aged youth, and then for adults as well.
The RE Program is planned and coordinated by our Director of Religious Education, although while she is on sabbatical this year, it will be coordinated by the Sabbatical Team under the guidance of the Minister. 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 children's/youth 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 and leaders 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. In addition to the adults who sign on to teaching teams, there may be times when other adults or youth are asked to serve as assistants throughout the year. |
