WHAT DO WE DO IN R.E.?

A typical Sunday at church (during the school year) begins with young children being dropped off early with their teachers and children and youth in Kindergarten-8th grade attending the beginning of the service where they can participate in stories or songs, hear the choir and experience our intergenerational community. At 9:15 and 11:15 the kids go to their class groups and usually begin the day with a morning sharing time and candle lighting. They may sing a song or read something interesting that connects with the topic.

Lessons include topics around peace, social justice, character building, learning about world religions, other cultures, the environment and much more!  A story, movement activities and crafts all connect to the lesson theme. Free play time is also offered. The main focus of the program is to build deep connections between the children/youth and the UU community and to provide a safe place for young people to explore their beliefs and just be themselves.

We also have programs beyond Sunday classes:

• OUR WHOLE LIVES
Offered to a different age group every year. Mandatory parent/guardian and youth information meetings are held prior to each series. The 28 session program begins with an orientation. It offers a safe environment for youth to explore questions they may not feel comfortable asking in other situations. This is a UUA faith-based sexuality program, and is offered at other times for adults, teens and elementary aged children. 7-8th grade OWL is offered every other year opposite the Coming of Age program. Coming of Age will run from October 2007 through May 2008. 7-9th grade OWL will be offered again the Fall of 2008. If enough interest, we will offer Sr. High OWL the 2007-2008 church year for 10-12th graders.

• SECRET PALS
We match an adult with a kid or teen and they write notes to each other for 2 months. Giving each other clues about who they are. It all culminates in a big get-to-know-you-party. A great way for kids and adults to connect in our community. Secret Pals begin in January 2008.

• SUMMER DAY CAMPS
5 day Summer day camps are offered each summer for registered children entering 1st grade through 6th grade in the Fall. In the past, K-1 grade Our Whole Lives, 4-5th grade Our Whole Lives, and the UU School of Wisdom and Wizardry have been offered as Summer day camps. Registration forms and information will be available in May 2008.

• SPECIAL PARTIES
Class groups will hold special parties occasionally in the evenings and on weekends for kids and parents to connect. Sleepovers for older kids and teens, pizza gatherings, movie nights and the quarterly RE Family Outing and Birthday celebration are all offered throughout the year for UU connection and fun.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM CONTACTS

The Children and Youth Religious Education Committee works closely with the Director of Religious Education (DRE), Candee Cole, to plan and implement the religious education program for children and youth in our congregation. Committee members research and develop curriculum for weekly RE classes, provide backup and support to the DRE during worship services and RE class time, and organize numerous community-building RE activities during the church year.

Director of Religious Education: Candee Cole has been working with the congregation since 1991. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, and is a storyteller and "big group games" leader. With the help and support of the Religious Education Committee and a cadre of congregational volunteers, Candee organizes and develops the weekly classes and groups for children and youth from Infants through High School. She also is the advisor for the Young Adult groups. Candee and the RE Committee also create a full roster of additional community building activities for children, youth and adults. DRE REPORTS