RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Explore and celebrate UU beliefs.
Unitarian Universalist (UU) children’s programs build resilience, and encourage children to connect with their own quest for purpose and meaning. Kids learn respect for others and respect for themselves. They experience spiritual practices and learn ways to center themselves, by taking a few deep breaths, giving thanks before they eat a meal, or looking up at the stars in wonder.
For all grade levels, our programs create peer connections and genuine friendships across differences. UUA’s different programs nurture children’s ethics, UU identify, knowledge of other religions, and include social justice projects. Parents and families are included.
UU 7 Principles
Youth Version
This coming school year the RE program will be going from one class to three!
World of Wonder (K-3rd grade)
“This program delves deep into our Unitarian Universalist seventh Principle. It instills respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part, and appreciation of its beauty, excitement, and mystery. It is founded on the premise that direct experience in nature is essential to children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development.”
Windows and Mirrors (4th-6th grade)
Classes are directed toward nurturing “children's ability to identify their own experiences and perspectives and to seek out, care about, and respect those of others. The sessions unpack topics that lend themselves to diverse experiences and perspectives—for example, faith heritage, public service, anti-racism and prayer. The program teaches that there are always multiple viewpoints and everyone's viewpoint matters.”
Our Whole Lives (OWL - Middle and Early High School)
“OWL curriculum has been developed by the UUA and UCC with the goal of helping participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, 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. It provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills and understand the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of sexuality.”
These curricula are provided by the Unitarian Universalist Association.
See what RE has been up to!
Decisions at UCN are made by a vote of all the members, in keeping with our Principle #5 to respect the democratic process in conducting church business.
We start with what we call “Barn Banter,” an open discussion in our 8-sided barn church sanctuary. All have a turn to speak while the rest of us listen, and all ideas are recorded. On some topics, members may be in strong agreement. On others, not so much, and more time is needed for a consensus to develop.
In searching for a new Director of Religious Education, a Barn Banter was held to gather opinions about the future of RE at UCN. Those opinions have been transcribed, and a Committee is now meeting to consider next steps.
We take turns sharing our opinions.
We listen to each other.
We record ideas all have shared.
Coming of Age
A STUDENT PROGRAM AT UCN
As part of our youth Religious Education program, high school students may choose to participate in the year-long Coming of Age program. This program enables youth to develop their personal beliefs and deepen their Unitarian Universalist faith through study and reflection, workshops, retreats 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. The program culminates in a special church service, where youth who choose to do so may share their spiritual journey with the congregation. At this point the Coming of Age youth may sign the church membership book and enjoy the voting privileges that membership confers.
