During the 2009-2010 church year, our religious education focus is on our Unitarian Universalist heritage. Because we believe that Religious Education is one of the most important components of a child’s development, we have created a program that is a balance of education and activity—and a whole lot of fun, too! Our RE program for 2009/2010 will run for 39 weeks beginning September 13, 2009 and ending June 13, 2010.

Preschool (Ages 3-5)

Our 3 and 4 year olds meet in room 110B during the regular worship services. This class includes opportunities for free play and a story time. Depending on the interest and engagement of the children, a discussion of values and or an activity based on the story may also be offered. This class is staffed by a paid caregiver in order to provide the consistency that is developmentally needed for the children to feel safe and comfortable in their church experience. Parents are expected to volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis so that there are two adults in the classroom each week.

Kindergarten - 6th Grade

The programming for elementary aged children involves three distinct aspects:

Classroom Sundays

On these Sundays, children divide into three age-based groups (K-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, and 4th-6th Grade) and participate in classroom lessons about this year’s guiding theme - UU Identity (2009-10). Volunteer teachers follow curriculum selected by the Religious Education staff to guide our young people in exploring their beliefs and values.

For more detailed descriptions of the curriculum materials currently in use at each grade level, please see our Religious Education Prospectus.

Worship Sundays

On the third Sunday of each month, children in Kindergarten through grade six meet in the Little Chapel for their own worship service. This year, each of these services is focused on a different Unitarian Universalist Principle and each class is taking a turn to plan and lead a worship experience for the other children of the church. A special part of these worship services is the children’s offering, during which we collect non-perishable foods for donation to Crossroads Urban Center.

Social Justice Sundays

On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Kindergarten through sixth grade children participate in social justice projects. This is an opportunity for our young people to put their faith into action, learn about service as a central aspect of our faith tradition, and understand the larger community and world beyond our church walls.