chalice with rainbow flame
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County
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Religious Education Program for Children

last updated June 10, 2012

Our Mission:

To provide a safe, emotionally supportive environment where children can begin the lifelong process of spiritual discovery. In keeping with the Unitarian Universalist principles, we encourage respect for various religious traditions, service to the community, care for the environment, and equitable treatment of all people. Children will develop an understanding of these principles through curricula and activities that encourage reflection, creativity and joy.

Overview

On one Sunday of every month (with a few exceptions) we have intergenerational worship in the church sanctuary which allows adults and children to form connections with each other and build friendships on spiritual foundations through intentional acts of liberal religious worship. These regular intergenerational services help the children to feel an integral part of the congregation and also introduce them to the rituals of our worship. Children are encouraged to participate in meaningful ways in the rituals of our worship service (i.e. by assisting the ushers, sharing a reading, or lighting the chalice) when they are comfortable doing so.

The Religious Education Program is a Cooperative:

Participants from the Congregation share their talents and skills in the classroom as teachers, or by organizing or assisting with a specific project. Each class has at least four teachers who teach on a coordinated rotating basis (usually two are present for any given class).

The Religious Education Committee facilitates communication and continuity by meeting to review the program on an ongoing basis and to plan for upcoming months.

Our Classroom Covenant