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CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
at First Universalist Unitarian Church
~ Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire ~
At First Universalist Unitarian Church, we provide each child with the opportunity to:
- Explore world religions,
ethics and interpersonal relationships,
and the process of discovering a personal theology... - Relate to other generations in the church community,
- Have fun!
What ages participate?
Nursery through high school.
When?
Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
What if my child is hesitant about attending Sunday
School?
Sometimes children are not ready to go to a class until
they have spent some time at the church in the company of their
parents. Children are certainly welcome to remain in the sanctuary
until they are more comfortable here. Parents may also accompany
their child to class for several sessions.
Who runs the program?
We have a Director of Religious Education,
volunteers, including teachers, a committee who oversee the program,
and many other congregation members who provide support for special
activities. Our Director of Religious Education,
Samantha Masterton, is
happy to assist parents with any questions.
How do I register my child?
If you are new to the program, please arrange a time
where parent(s) and child(ren) can meet the minister in person (weekdays
or Sunday before or after the service). New and returning families
should provide the following information each year:
Parents' full names, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address. Each child's full name, birth date, and grade in school. Click here and register now!
How can I help?
Our program is a cooperative effort. We appreciate the
ideas, energy, time, and financial support of parents and all
church members. Please let the church know if you can teach classes regularly or as a
substitute, assist with periodic projects, provide snacks, or
help maintain or decorate the library or other resources.
What else can I do?
Parents and other adult family members have a substantial
impact on the attitudes, values and religious beliefs of the
children growing up in your household. In order to help your
children get the most out of their Sunday school experience,
you can:
Encourage or Require Regular Attendance
While we understand that in today's busy world there are competing interests for your time, even on Sunday mornings, we hope that you will make a sincere effort to bring your children to worship services and Sunday school as often as possible. Children benefit from having predictable rhythms and structures in their lives and they will certainly get a better understanding of the curriculum by being in the classroom on a regular basis.At the same time, we'd like you to know that all children -- whether in shared custody arrangements, or who are otherwise unable to attend "regularly" -- are welcome in our classes.
Show an Interest
Ask your child about Sunday school and/or their worship experience. Encourage them to share their opinions about topics that seem especially interesting to them. Participate with your youngster in church or classroom service projects. Sit near them during services and help them follow the order of service. Encourage them to sing the hymns.Stay Informed
Our newsletter (The Circuit Writer) is our primary means of communication. Contact Kathy Schmirler to get on our mailing list. Read the newsletter carefully for important announcements and updates!Share Your Beliefs With Your Child
Sunday school is only one hour per week. So, like it or not, you are your child's primary religious educator. Let your child know about your religious beliefs.Share your evolving views about religious topics - what they were when you were a child...and what they are now. Help your child to see that religion is an ongoing process of learning. Let your child know why you chose Unitarian Universalism, and what it means to you. Talk about how you act on your beliefs about fairness, respect, caring for the earth, etc., and provide your children with opportunities to act on their beliefs.
Volunteer to Help
Our Sunday school program needs your help--you can join a teaching team, lead or help out with one or more group activities, help to organize an intergenerational activity, lend a hand in social action projects, or respond to calls for help in the newsletter. Your commitment to the RE program will show your child that you believe that Unitarian Universalism is worth preserving.
We Want Your Feedback!
Let us know how we're doing. We welcome your ideas and
suggestions. We all want what is best for our children...and
this, of course, includes the RE program at First UU.
