WHAT IS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)?
A place for families to grow together ◦ An accepting place for all children: from all kinds of families, from all cultures, genders, and backgrounds ◦ A place to learn about ourselves and our world ◦ A safe place for youth to explore their identities and share their lives ◦ A place full of music, stories, songs, and laughter ◦ A place to make friends ◦ A place to be introduced to new ideas and to share excitement! ◦ A place to make art ◦ A place where children of all abilities are welcome ◦ A place to practice reconciliation ◦ A place to play ◦A place to get involved. ◦
What happens on Sunday Mornings?
All children in grades Kindergarten through High School start the morning in the sanctuary. Young children are seated with their parents/caregivers. The beginning of the worship service is created to be friendly to folks of all ages. It includes music, lighting our chalice, celebrations of special events in the church and the story-based Time for All Ages, after which the children and youth are invited to their religious education classes.
The Preschool children typically begin the morning in their classroom.
We have monthly opportunities for All-Ages Worship experiences throughout the year. They are publicized in the weekly newletter, E-nUUs, and on the website. These worship services are carefully crafted to be engaging for children and adults. On these Sundays, children, youth and grown-ups worship together and there are no RE classes. However, nursery care is always available on these Sundays – Preschool may or may not be in session.
Our classes are staffed by volunteer teachers and leaders who receive training and support. All are dedicated to the faith development of our children and youth.
Between services, the Religious Education Committee sponsors a supervised art activity in the fellowship hall. No other supervision or program is offered during social hour and parents/caregivers are responsible for the care, safety and happiness of their children and youth at that time.
Nursery Care (Infants- 3 Yrs Old) :
Tender loving Nursery childcare is offered for our youngest ones by Michelle Bores, our Nursery Staff and adult volunteers. The nursery is available during both the 9:45 am and 11:30 am worship services. Michelle is an experienced and educated childcare provider who holds certification in CPR and First Aid. We recognize that separation between parent and child, even for a brief time, is a milestone in the lives of both parents and children. Every effort is made to make it a comfortable transition for everyone. There is reserved seating in the last row at the back of the sanctuary. Sitting there will assure that parents/guardians can be readily called if needed. The audio of the service is piped into nearby Founders’ Lounge.
Explore | Create | Discover | Celebrate | Play
2019-2020 Religious Education Classes for Children and Youth
For the 2019-2020 church year, all religious education classes will be exploring monthly themes together. This year’s themes are
Sept: Expectation Oct: Belonging Nov: Attention Dec: Awe Jan: Integrity Feb: Resilience Mar: Wisdom Apr: Liberation May: Thresholds June: Play
Classes held during our 9:45 AM Service
Nursery
Preschool & Kindergarten
Grades 1st – 3rd
Grades 4th-6th
Classes held during our 11:30 AM Service
Nursery
Middle School Youth Group (grades 6, 7 and 8)
High School Youth Group (grades 9-12)
Additional information is available on:
Religious Education Committee and Staff
Childcare – Arranging and Reserving
Other Programs:
On Monday evenings, our 7th, 8th and 9th graders are participating in Junior High level Our Whole Lives (OWL), a sexuality education program that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. A holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world. Unlike many other sexuality curricula currently available, this program is comprehensive and progressive. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it addresses sensitive topics that are typically excluded.