Religious Education for Children
Unitarian Universalism refer to their "Sunday school" program as Religious Education, because children learn about a large variety of topics, including other religions. We offer Sunday morning Religious Education for Preschool - High School on the following schedule:
- Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades 1-5 may attend classes at the 9:15 AM service
- Grades 1-5, Middle School and High School may attend RE classes at the 11:00 AM services.
- In the summer, childcare is offered for babies and young children.
The purpose of Religious Education at Unitarian Church North is to nurture and minister to the children of our church community and to provide opportunities for our children and youth to actively engage in the process of forming religious beliefs and values into action.
RE News
Learn about our Faithful Families initiative and our participation in Mittens & More starting October 8.
Director of Religious Education
Reverend Joyce Palmer is our Director of Religious Education. Rev. Palmer has extensive teaching experience and a natural gift for working with children.
Learn more about Rev. Palmer
Communications
We use email communication nearly exclusively to share information about upcoming events, special projects, class news, and volunteer scheduling. Please check your email regularly.
Registration Procedures
We require registration forms for all children and youth from Preschool through High school. Please complete the registration form with all requested information. We request a supply fee of $40.00 for each child with a maximum of $100/families with three or more children. The fee does not cover program expenses; it covers the cost of supplies for classroom and some special project expenses. If there is a special situation which makes it difficult to pay the full registration fee, please contact the Director of Religious Education so that arrangements can be made.
Volunteer Contributions
Ours is a cooperative program. The program depends on volunteer teachers, coordinators, and committee members to make it work. We are grateful to the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to the children and youth of this congregation.
Religious Education Course Descriptions
September 9, 2012 – May 19, 2013
World Religions
Unitarian Universalists draw on elements of many faith traditions. As our world seems to shrink every day, it is important to know about other religions and cultures in our community, country, and world. In this pillar the children learn about the beliefs and customs of religions around the world. We study these many faith traditions as Unitarian Universalist and reflect on both our similarities and differences.
The classes below are offered this year for children in Preschool – Senior High School.
All classes are at 9:15 unless otherwise noted.
Annual registration is required for all children and youth. If a child is not registered, we cannot guarantee placement. All parents and guardians must register children by the third week of attendance. The ideal class size is 8 – 12.
Nursery - Birth – 2 years
We have a professional caregiver provide childcare and supervised play for infants in the Nursery As interested and able children may participate in weekly stories, music, and simple craft activities.
We Are Many We Are One – Preschool
This year-long preschool curriculum offers children the grounding of a religious community and tradition, along with the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness. The underlying theme throughout is anti-bias and multicultural education, which celebrates diversity and interdependency Children will learn to affirm the uniqueness of others and value diversity.
Picture Book World Religions/A World of New Friends - Kindergarten – Second Grade
The goal of this curriculum is to introduce world religions through stories and allow young children to explore the differences and similarities to their own lives. The lessons are designed to build on a child’s curiosity flavored with stories, art, drama and song to introduce our youngest UUs to the many truths and many faiths that richly color our earth and enrich our lives.
Stories of the World – Third - Sixth Grade
The curriculum draws from the wisdom of the world’s religions, using stories, music, art, internet and media resources, spiritual practices, and participatory activities to provide deep appreciation for each religion’s major themes. The religions are explored in extended units, helping us understand a particular culture or religion and the connection to our own Unitarian Universalist faith.
Our Whole Lives Sexuality (OWL) – Seventh, Eighth, Ninth Grade
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
Coming of Age- Senior High (11:00 only)
This program enables youth to grow into their personal beliefs and deepen their Unitarian Universalist faith through workshops, retreats, group trips and social action/ community service projects. Each participant is paired with a mentor who helps guide his/her self-discovery over the course of the year. Youth share their faith statements during a worship service at the end of the program.
Stories of the World –Multi-age Group (11:00 only)
The curriculum draws from the wisdom of the world’s religions, using stories, music, art, internet and media resources, spiritual practices, and participatory activities to provide deep appreciation for each religion’s major themes. The religions are explored in extended units, helping us understand a particular culture or religion and the connection to our own Unitarian Universalist faith.
