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Children
and Youth: Religious
Education Classes
& Other Opportunities
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Our 2007-2008
Religious Education Program
“There are only two lasting things we can give our children. One of these is roots and the other is wings.” ~ Anonymous
We
Believe:
1. That
each and every person is unique and to be respected.
2. That
all people should be treated equally.
3. That
our churches are places where everyone is accepted and where we
learn together.
4. That
every person is free to search for truth and meaning.
5. That
all people have the right to think for themselves and vote on
issues that concern them.
6. That
we must work for a world in which there is peace, fairness and
freedom.
7. That
we should respect and care for all parts of our planet Earth.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a
fire.”
~W.B.
Yeats
RE Committee
Staff Office Hours
Welcome from the DRE
Welcome from the Minister
Welcome from the RE Chair
General Information
Sunday Morning Routine
Student Pick-Up Policy
Intergenerational Services
Safety Policy
About Our Teachers
What We Ask of Parents
Resources for Parents
Class Descriptions
Nursery
Preschool
Kindergarten-2nd
3rd - 5th
6th - 8th
9th - 12th
Special Recognitions and Celebrations
Baby or Child Dedications
First Grade Recognition
Coming of Age Program and Ceremony
Bridging Ceremony
Youth Activism Club
RE Diversity Statement
Statement of Purpose
Opportunities to Help
Other RE Opportunities
Our Whole Lives
“Love and Help” and “Religion in Life”
Special Events, Service Projects, and Intergenerational Activities
RE Calendar 2006-2007
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Religious Education Committee
Chair
Amy French
Team Leaders
Angenette Shamo.......................................................
Nursery Director
Beth Misner............................................................................
Preschool
Kathy
Coder..............................................................
Kind—2nd Grade
Kathy Schroth...............................................................
3rd—5th Grade
Gale
Lockwood...........................................................
6th — 8th Grade
Greg & Christine
Reynolds........................................ 9th—12th
Grade
Staff
Michele Tomarelli..............................
Director of Religious Education
Hilary Landau
Krivchenia..........................................................
Minister
Staff office hours
Minister: Rev.
Hilary Landau Krivchenia
(765)
742-0460 or minister@uulafayette.org
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am to 1pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: by appointment
RE Director:
Michele Tomarelli
(765)
497-7792 or tomarelli@insightbb.com
Mondays and Thursdays: 10am to 2pm
Tuesdays off
Administrative
Assistant— Judi Best
(765)
742-0460 or uuc@uulafayette.org
Monday—Friday: 9am to 1pm
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Welcome from the DRE
Welcome! As a parent looking after
the spiritual life of your children, you may wonder what our church
programs have to offer your family, or what makes the Unitarian
Universalist Church different from other churches. We are not your
usual Sunday school.
We believe that each individual of
every age is on a journey to discover answers to ancient questions
about how to live and about the meaning of life. Our Religious
Education classes are thus a time for exploration and questioning.
On Sunday mornings, students and RE teachers come together to
examine values and beliefs, and to explore and enjoy the diversity
that is in our congregation and community. We do so through
discussion, projects, games, stories, music, art activities, and
field trips.
In our classrooms the teachers do
not offer a single, definitive explanation of the workings of the
universe, the existence of God(s), or of life after death: that is
the prerogative of parents. Instead, we offer information about the
religions of the world, our Jewish and Christian heritage, and the
events and values that have made us uniquely Unitarian Universalist.
Our children are taught not only to tolerate the perspectives of
others, but to appreciate and learn from them as well.
To understand modern Unitarian
Universalism, we need to know about our past. This year we will be
studying our Jewish and Christian heritage. The Unitarian
Universalist Church is descended from the adherents of two Christian
perspectives: the belief in the oneness of God, and in universal
salvation. One cannot understand the Unitarian Universalist story
without knowing about Judaism and Christianity as a whole.
Naturally, the material is adapted to the age of our students. The
smaller children are given the traditional stories of the Torah and
the Bible, the older children are given the context of the stories,
and the youth examine the controversies that have arisen over time.
On the front page of this brochure,
you can see the seven principles espoused by Unitarian Universalists.
Those principles are incorporated in our lessons and, we hope, in
our lives. Our RE classes emphasize being mindful of the principles
and teach us how each of us can use our gifts to make the world
better for everyone. In this way we hope to provide our children
with a moral compass to guide their steps, a rich background of
information, and the companionship of their classmates and the
congregation as they take their own spiritual journeys.
We are excited about the new RE
year, and we invite you to share in the activities we have planned.
You do not have to be a member of the church, and there is no charge
for most activities. (Contributions are always appreciated,
nonetheless!) Please read on for more information about specific
classes, general information about our program, and the special
events that occur during the year. A second pamphlet that
describes the Adult Religious Education Activities planned for this
year can be found on the bulletin board in the back of the
Sanctuary.
If you have any questions or
concerns, I will be happy to talk to you, or you can talk to Amy
French, head of the Religious Education Committee, Beth Misner, Past
Head of the Committee, or Hilary Landau Krivchenia, our minister.
Michele M. Tomarelli, Ph.D.
Director of Religious Education.
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Welcome from the Minister
Welcome to the New Year of the Religious Education program
of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lafayette. At our
church we are deeply committed to lifelong religious
education — we actively support the spiritual, religious,
intellectual, and emotional growth of all our members. Our
Religious Education Program for Children and Youth is
intended to encourage our young Unitarian Universalists to
challenge themselves, to ask questions, to explore the world
of ideas, and to have a sense of adventure and hope on their
own spiritual journeys.
We offer a three-year cycle that introduces our children and
young people to the Jewish and Christian traditions and to
the world’s other great traditions. This year’s Unitarian
Universalist classes will delve into the rich history of
Judaism and Christianity. Our classes will have the
opportunity to learn about the religions that were so
formative not only to the Unitarian Universalist Church, but
to the culture of the United States. It is essential that
we learn to esteem and understand the religions of the world
— important that our children grow to be truly fluent and
respectful citizens of a global religious landscape. It is
also important that they learn more about our living
tradition, the lives that shaped it, and the principles that
have informed our religious history. Learning these things
helps all of us understand more deeply what our unique
message is for our time.
Our children and young people are not a separate branch of
the church — they are held in the heart. We care deeply
about growing and strengthening new generations in a
thinking tradition — a tradition that treasures the
discoveries of the mind, heart, and spirit. Our volunteers
help to bring the programs alive and to nurture the growing
spirits entrusted to our care. Our whole congregation
enjoys the responsibility for our children and youth and
celebrates their milestones and achievements. As your
children engage in this Religious Education Program, not
only is our Director of Religious Education available to
answer your questions, welcome your children, and support
their development and flourishing — but I am available as
well. The minister is not simply the minister to the
grownups, but to the whole congregation. Together we work
to make the adventure of growing a family a more joyous one,
a supported one. We welcome you to this new and exciting
Religious Education year.
~Rev. Hilary Krivchenia
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Welcome from the RE-Chair
I wish
to welcome returning and new families to our RE program. Our RE
volunteers include parents, grandparents, and people who love to be
with the children. We enjoy learning with our children and being a
part of a community where questions are welcomed and everyone is
accepted.
Our RE
Committee constantly strives to improve our program. We believe the
children like coming to our classes because it is a place to meet
friends and enjoy activities together. Our RE program provides the
opportunity to expand their minds and nurture their spirits through
thoughtful discussions, music, games, drama, and service projects.
We hope your children will enjoy their RE experience!
If you
ever have suggestions, comments, questions, or concerns, please
call. We warmly welcome you!
~Amy
French
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General Information
Sunday Morning Routine
On most Sundays throughout the year, children and youth in the Butterfly class and older will join the congregation upstairs for the first part of the worship service. This portion of the service typically includes a hymn, the covenant, and the “Story for All Ages.” Approximately 15 minutes into the service, students and teachers will be dismissed to go to their classes, which last until 11:45. Children in the Nursery and Caterpillar rooms go
directly to their classes, which begin at the same time as the service. Childcare is available for all children during the Forum in the Nursery from 9:00 to 10:20.
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Student Pick-Up Policy
Parents of children in the Nursery, Caterpillar and Butterfly classes must go to the classrooms and pick up their children when class is over at 11:45. Parents are requested to be prompt in picking up their young children. Children and youth in all other classes will be allowed to leave their classrooms and find their parents within the church building when class is over. If someone other than a parent is to pick up a child after a church activity, please notify the teacher beforehand.
Children will not be allowed to wait outside the building for pick-up. Children must get parental permission before playing outside after class..
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Intergenerational Services
On occasion, the Sunday morning service is designed to be intergenerational. During such services, childcare will be available in the Nursery for nursery age children and the Caterpillar room will have class as usual. All other children and youth will participate in the full service with families and friends.
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Safety Policy
The safety and protection of the children and youth in our programs is a high priority. Our safety policies cover a number of areas, including field trips, fire and tornado procedures, the prohibition of alcohol and illegal drugs at RE events, classroom supervision, and required reporting of suspected child abuse. Teachers are required to complete a Screening Form and participate in a training and orientation session. In addition, the Nursery and Caterpillar classes always have two teachers
present.
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About our Teachers
Our
teachers come from all walks of life. Some are parents; some are
not. Some are professional teachers, but most have no teaching
experience before becoming RE teachers. All are volunteers (except
for the Director of Religious Education, Nursery Supervisor and
Nursery Assistants). Many teach because they love being with
children and youth and want to have a positive effect on their
growth and development. Many teach because they want to contribute
to the life of our community and to learn more about Unitarian
Universalism themselves.
What we
look for in a teacher is someone who has been with the congregation
for about a year, is comfortable with children or youth, and is
willing to make the necessary commitment of time and effort that our
high-quality program requires. We do not choose our teachers based
on educational level, marital status, gender, age, sexual
orientation, race, ethic background, or theological belief.
Each class
has a team of about fire teachers who take turns teaching during the
year, usually in a block of Sundays. Each team has a Team Leader
who coordinates the group and participates on the RE Committee. We
provide preparation and training in our annual Teacher Training
Session. Also, we ask each teacher to complete a screening form,
provide references, and attend training on the prevention of sexual
abuse in an ongoing effort to provide a safe environment for all our
students.
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What We Ask of Parents
Our
teachers come from all walks of life. Some are parents; some are
not. Some are professional teachers, but most have no teaching
experience before becoming RE teachers. All are volunteers (except
for the Director of Religious Education, Nursery Supervisor and
Nursery Assistants). Many teach because they love being with
children and youth and want to have a positive effect on their
growth and development. Many teach because they want to contribute
to the life of our community and to learn more about Unitarian
Universalism themselves.
What we
look for in a teacher is someone who has been with the congregation
for about a year, is comfortable with children or youth, and is
willing to make the necessary commitment of time and effort that our
high-quality program requires. We do not choose our teachers based
on educational level, marital status, gender, age, sexual
orientation, race, ethic background, or theological belief.
Each class
has a team of about fire teachers who take turns teaching during the
year, usually in a block of Sundays. Each team has a Team Leader
who coordinates the group and participates on the RE Committee. We
provide preparation and training in our annual Teacher Training
Session. Also, we ask each teacher to complete a screening form,
provide references, and attend training on the prevention of sexual
abuse in an ongoing effort to provide a safe environment for all our
students.
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Resources for Parents
Parents
are welcome to borrow items from the RE Library, which is housed
downstairs in Room 1. The collection contains books, magazines, and
other materials for all ages on various subjects, including
Unitarian Universalism, Religion, the Bible, Worship, Social
Responsibility, Youth, and Families. For assistance, please se the
Director of Religious Education. We encourage you to take advantage
of these resources
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Class Descriptions
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Nursery: Lambs |
Meets in Room #2 |
Our Sunday morning nursery is administered as part of the Religious
Education program. We believe the seeds of a faith
foundation are sown when children feel comfortable, cared
for, and at home in their church. Children learn these
lessons of love and acceptance as they are encouraged to
explore, form friendships, and to appreciate and affirm
themselves. Our goal is to provide a safe, enriching, and
stimulating environment with activities appropriate for each
age including songs, stories from the Torah and the New
Testament, and simple artwork. Our older nursery children
will have the opportunity to participate in theme-based
activities.
The Nursery class consists of infants and toddlers who were not yet three
years old on July 1, 2006, and who are not yet potty
trained. Care is provided continuously from the beginning of
Forum at 9:00 until the end of service at 11:45. Childcare
is available for older children in the Nursery before the
service during the Forum. The Nursery is staffed by the
Nursery Supervisor, a youth assistant, and volunteer adult
helpers as needed.
Nursery Supervisor: Angle Shamo
Assistants: Margaret Duvall, Grace Higginbottom, Hannah
Reisman, & Taylor Smith
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Preschool:
Cubs |
Meets in Room #3 |
This class is for preschoolers who were at least three years old on July
1, 2006. Three and four year olds are exploring their world
and have great curiosity and energy. Every experience can be
a lesson in spirituality and our faith. Through the classic
stories of the Old and New Testaments, children will learn
be encouraged to grow in their relationships with the
church, each other, and their world through a variety of
experiences as they begin to search for answers to their
growing curiosity. NOTE: Children in this class will not
participate in the first part of the service; class begins
at the same time as the service.
Team Leader: Beth Misner
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Kindergarten - 2nd Grade: Timeless Faith
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Meets in Room #4 |
This blended curriculum is based on Timeless Themes and Faith
Footsteps., two well-known UU curricula. Timeless
Faith introduces children to the traditional Jewish and
Christian rituals and their meanings. Through a variety of
activities, children go on a hands-on hunt for the meaning
of life. This year your child will discover "the importance
of each person, the power of feelings, the joy of
friendship, the excitement of the search for truth,
Unitarian Universalist heritage, the interdependence of
people, and the fragile harmony of nature." We hope your
will children will join us in this journey!
Team Leader: Kathy Coder
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3rd-5th
Grade: Explorers |
Meets in Red Cross |
Kathy Schroth is writing a revision and combination of two
UU curricula, Timeless Themes and Kingdom of
Equals, that is guided by the calendar year. In
addition to the classic stories and rituals of the Torah
and the Bible, The Timeless Kingdom will
present a view of Jesus as an itinerant Mediterranean
teacher who brings healing and hope to the powerless.
Unlike more traditional Christian curricula, this classic UU
perspective emphasizes the view of Hillel and Jesus' view
that all people -- regardless of age, gender, race, status
-- deserve justice and respect.
Team Leader: Kathy Schroth
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6th-8th
Grade: YUUT |
Meets in Red Cross |
The 6th through 8th graders
are going to be studying from a curriculum that acts upon
the Unitarian Universalist principles calling for a covenant
to affirm and promote encouragement to spiritual growth and
a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This
curriculum poses questions about Judaism and Christianity
commonly asked by our youth in a manner that will help them
find meaningful answers. It examines the relationship of
these religions to one another and to our own Unitarian
Universalist history and modern practice.
Team Leader: Gale Lockwood
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9th-12th
Grade: WUUT |
Meets in Red Cross |
The Wonderful UU Teens have a different sort of class. As with the rest
of our RE program this year, the content will be about the
Jewish and Christian Heritages, however, the first few class
meetings will be to vote on the class format and style. The
WUUTs have a covenant, a webring, and may meet at a later
hour than the rest of RE, depending on the outcome of their
discussions. They will also be working on their website.
Content for the course will be based on relevant novels,
games, history, cultural studies, and comparative religious
studies, as well as other sources.
Team Leaders: Christine and Greg Reynolds
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Special Recognitions and Celebrations
Throughout the year, we have several opportunities and
ceremonies that celebrate our children and youth. These are
our way of recognizing the spiritual and ethical growth of
the children in our church community as they journey toward
adolescence and adulthood
Baby or
Child Dedication Ceremonies
Baby or Child Dedication Ceremonies are
Unitarian Universalist celebrations for welcoming a baby or
child into our community. This is an opportunity to
dedicate ourselves and the child to a life of meaning and a
search for his or her truths on the path to a religious or
spiritual self. Please contact our Minister, Rev. Hilary
Landau Krivchenia, for more information on planning a
Dedication Ceremony.
First
Grade Recognition
This ceremony early in the fall celebrates the
entrance of our first graders into the world of books. As
children begin to read, their wolds are opened up to the
magic of learning and exploring. As we celebrate this
important transition in children’s lives, we celebrate the
gifts they bring and their individual mark on our
congregation and our world.
Coming
of Age Program and Ceremony
This year we will continue to take steps in
growing a comprehensive Coming of Age Program. Junior Youth
will have opportunities to join together in various projects
and special activities with a goal of developing and
exploring their own belief systems.
Bridging
Ceremony
Each
spring, we celebrate the passage of our seniors into
adulthood. As we build a “Bridge” between their role as
senior youth and their new identity as young adults, we
recognize the achievements and contributions each have made
to the world and our community and emphasize our ongoing
support of our seniors as they make their own way in our
complex world.
Youth
Activism Club
Soon
to be renamed, the Youth Activism Club is being created to
provide UU young people with opportunities to do good and to
have fun. For information contact Gary Fowler
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RE Diversity Statement
Our church is a Welcoming Congregation, a community that welcomes and accepts people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual; that strives to be a safe and affirming environment for those among us who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual; that ensures all areas of congregational life are open and inclusive; and that commits itself to work for the rights and dignity of gay, lesbian, or bisexual people in the larger community. In our Religious Education
program we wish to provide a welcoming environment to all children and youth and to their families. This involves openly affirming both traditional and non-traditional family structures in all of their variety. We strive to incorporate curriculum resources which help our children and youth value diversity and which strengthen them to stand against prejudice in its many forms.
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Statement of Purpose
The Purpose of our religious education program is to encourage and nurture the development of a faith foundation which is personally sustaining and communally harmonious. The nature of the faith foundation we seek to develop is spiritual, dynamic, questioning, rational, socially concerned, informed, and aware of the ambiguities of life.
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OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP
Our
RE program is a cooperative, volunteer venture. All adults
in the congregation are strongly encouraged to help. There
are many opportunities for short or long term involvement
including teaching, being a teacher’s helper or nursery
helper, helping with special projects or events, or helping
with special music. Only with your help can these things be
possible. Most adults find involvement in the RE program to
be enjoyable, stimulating, and rewarding. Contact the DRE
to explore ways you might be able to help
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Other RE Opportunities
Our
Whole Lives
Our
Whole Lives, a human
sexuality program, is being offered this fall at the
Unitarian Universalist Church for children in the
7th
through 9th
grades. OWL offers
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 provides
not only facts about anatomy and human development, but
helps participants to clarify their values, build
interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual,
emotional, and social aspects of sexuality. More
comprehensive than the abstinence-only sex ed offered at the
public schools,
Our
Whole Lives covers
topics and skills that both parents and students want to
have available but which schools are less likely to cover.
OWL for other age groups will be offered alternate years.
“Love
and Help” and “Religion in Life”
These
are independent study programs that help foster UU
identity. “Love and Help” is designed for boys and girls
ages 7-11, and “Religion in Life” is for junior high youth.
Girl Scouts who complete the program are eligible for the
applicable religious emblem. (The Boy Scouts do not
currently give a UU emblem). Parents will be asked to help
pay for some of the materials. Anyone who is interested
should see the DRE.
Special
Events, Service Projects, and Intergeneration Activities
Throughout the year, special events are planned that involve
all children and youth. Some examples include RE in the
Park in October, Mother’s Day flower distribution in the
spring, and the RE Service at the end of the year. In
addition, the entire RE program participates in several
service projects during the year, including trick-or-treat
for UNICEF in the fall, Guest at Your Table in the winter,
and raising money for Heifer Project International in the
summer. Intergenerational activities include special
Sundays together such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter,
and Peace Day.
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Religious
Education Calendar 2007-2008
August
27..................................................................................
RE Kick-off
September
10.................................................................
Teacher Training
October
1.......................................................................................
Fire Drill
October
15...........................................................................
RE in the Park
October 29............................... Day of the
Dead—Part Intergen Service
November
5........................................................................
Holiday Project
November
19...........................................................
Music Intergen/GAYT
December
17..............................................................
Christmas Pageant
December
24........................................................
No RE—childcare only
December
31........................................................
No RE—childcare only
January
21.............................................................
6th Grade Recognition
February
4.......................................................................
Valentine Activity
February
11..............................................................................
Darwin Day
April
22..........................................................................
Earth Day Intergen
April
29...........................................................................................
Fire Drill
May
13...................................................................................
Mother’s Day
May 20....................................................
RE Sunday & Senior Ceremony
May
27.................................................................
Party/Wrap-up/Clean-up
(At the
time of this posting, some events had not yet been schedule,
including our Annual Teacher Appreciation event. Also, from
time to time, scheduling changes may be necessary. Please
consult the church newsletter, “The Lighted Chalice”, for
the most up-to-date information.) |
Click
below to read the
Religious Education Statement
of Philosophy & Purpose
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