Religious Education for Children and Youth 2007 – 2008

“Promise me, I’ll promise you, with things I think and say and do. Take my hand, let’s keep our promises”

...from the closing song of the children’s worship service

___________________________

Registration Form for 2007-2008 religious education program
Print the form, fill it out and sign it. Then return the completed form to the office.

Dear Friends,

Whether you are new to the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, or a long-time member, welcome to the 2007-2008 religious education program year! As we stretch our understanding of life’s big questions, we will continue to explore not only Unitarian Universalism, but other faith traditions of the world, as well as social justice issues.

During the Sunday morning 11:00 a.m. worship service, nursery care and religious education classes are offered through the eighth grade.

As you complete the registration form (see link above), please note that the religious education program is currently available only during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. We ask that you send the form with a donation of $15 per child, a maximum of $25 per family. If this is a burden, please let me know.

I so look forward to getting to know you better, and hope you will stop by my office or call, if we don’t have a chance to visit on Sundays. I am usually at church Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10:00 – 3:00, or we can get together at another time that’s more convenient for you.

For further information, take home a copy of the new RE Handbook next time you’re at church, and do let me, Rosanne, or a member of the RE Committee know if you have questions or concerns. We’re excited about this year!

Warm blessings,

Millie

Rev. Millie Rochester

Associate Minister

E-mail Millie here

Welcome to the 2007-08 religious education program for children and youth of the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater! Here’s what we have planned for this year.

Children’s classes are grouped according to age and developmental needs. Teachers and class assistants volunteer in a block schedule, to provide consistency that enables children and adults to get to know one another.

Babies and toddlers (up to 2 years old) are cared for in the Nursery, with the loving care of an experienced staff “nanny” and volunteers. Rocking chairs, a changing table, appropriate books, and toys are provided. Please introduce yourself and your child to our caregivers, and take time to help your child feel at home. You are welcome to remain in the nursery until both you and your child feel comfortable being apart, and you can hear the service via our sound system.

Two and three year olds hear stories and enjoy free play, as they grow ever more comfortable in their church home.

Pre-k/kindergartners learn about themselves, their religious community, nature, and cultures from around the world with the UU program We Are Many, We Are One. Through a rich array of games, songs and projects, relationships develop between church and home.

The kindergarten through second grade, and grades three to five explore the ways specific aspects of nature relate to the rest of life, using Experiences With the Web of Life. Direct discovery, experience and ritual reinforce the human spiritual connection with all living things through developmentally appropriate activities.

The third through fifth grades learn about the origins and meanings of religious festivities, through Holidays and Holy Days. With ceremony, solemnity and ritual, traditions are woven with song, food, dance and excitement, teaching with reverence rather than cultural appropriation that celebrating is a part of the universal response to life.

Junior Youth (sixth through eighth grades) seek the essence of beloved community. Activities include creating masks that depict social issues such as prejudice, politics, class, and eco-issues; participating in UUC life as greeters, in the sound booth, and hospitality; in the community through beach clean-up, food bank, and gay pride events; in worship through chalice lightings, music, readings, meditation, and reflection; as well as frequent social events.

We plan to offer Our Whole Lives for seventh through ninth grade, on Sunday afternoons in 2008. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, the course equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in health, relationships, sexual behavior, personal skills, society, and culture. Values of self-worth, responsibility, justice and inclusivity are incorporated in the program. A parents’ meeting, mandatory for youth participation, will be announced.