Religious Education

The philosophy of the Fellowship's Religious Education program for children is to develop spirituality in a community that understands and appreciates ourselves, others, and life's wonders. We encourage the children by nourishing a sense of community, valuing oneself and others, appreciating the beliefs of other religions, understanding Unitarian Universalism, fostering an awareness of our responsibility to our world and its inhabitants, and encouraging the experience of wonder.

Our curricula and classes are also based on the Children's Version of the UUA Principles. We believe:

• That each and every person is important;
• That all people should be treated fairly;
• That our churches are places where all people are accepted and where we keep on learning together;
• That each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life;
• That everyone should have a vote about the things that concern them;
• In working for a peaceful, fair and free world;
• In caring for our planet earth.

The religious education program is designed to provide an opportunity to learn, grow and experience new feelings and ideas by:

• exposing children to beliefs, values and ideas
• stimulating their sense of discovery and wonder about the world
• helping them explore the possibilities of their own inner lives.

The curricula has been chosen to fulfill the goal of nurturing spirituality in our children by:

• nourishing a sense of community
• appreciating the beliefs of other religious traditions
• understanding the history and values of Unitarian Universalism
• valuing oneself and others
• fostering an awareness of our responsibility to the world and its inhabitants
• affirming that everyone should have a vote about the things that concern them;

Religious Education Programs for 2008

The religious education program for children from Kindergarten through eighth grade is held concurrently with the Sunday Worship Service. The children attend approximately the first 15 minutes of the Worship Service with their parents and then leave for their classes. Once a month, the children hold their own Chapel Service instead of attending the regular service. The religious education theme this year is social justice.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) - This program provides sexuality education for grades 8 and 9. This includes discussion of AIDS, sexual abuse, and the wide range of gender and sexual orientation.

Coming of Age - This program is for 7th and 8th graders, transitioning into teenage years.