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PurposeThe Purpose of the Religious Education (RE) program at First Unitarian Church is to provide a spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundation on which our young people can build their own faith.
We implement this, first, through our curricula which includes a study of Unitarianism, Universalism, religions around the world, Judeo-Christian traditions, and personal values (see RE Prospectus). Secondly, we welcome diversity and gear our lessons to the varied needs and abilities of our students. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our teacher focus is on the students themselves and strengthening their sense of belonging and self-worth. |
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Sunday RE ScheduleFirst Unitarian Church has 2 identical services each Sunday throughout the church year. The first service is at 9:00am and the second is at 11:00am. Religious Education is provided for all children, 5th grade and younger, during both services. Youth, 6th grade and older, only participate in religious education during the second service.
**Congregants mingle during coffee hour in the great room**
WorshipA typical Sunday for our youth begins in the spirit of fellowship. Our children begin in the sanctuary with adults for a hymn, chalice lighting, and a story with the Minister or Director of Religious Education. Occasionally we also have Youth Worship, which is a mini-service including the sharing of joys and sorrows, chalice lighting, an offertory and a story. Youth Worship is led by the Director of Religious Education in our Imagination Room. Religious Education ClassesThe content of the RE Program is contained in the Children's RE Prospectus. Care for all children and youth, except Jr. High, is provided by paid staff. Our Jr. High and classroom assistants are staffed by amazing volunteers. Intergenerational ServicesSeveral times throughout the year, typically around the holidays, there will be a service for all ages. One of these is Youth Sunday, which is planned and performed by our very own Senior High class. For these services, childcare for infants is provided as usual, as well as for any youth who are restless. RegistrationYouth are considered registered in the program once a parent or guardian completes the registration form provided by the Director of Religious Education (DRE). Registration is important because it provides emergency contact information, helps the DRE track class size, and informs us of any special needs your child may have. Because we are so well supported by our congregation, there is no registration fee for our Sunday program. We do ask that families support the RE program by serving as teachers, assistants, or members of the RE committee once they feel that First Church is their home.
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Overview of Classroom PoliciesCOMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY After every Sunday school class, our teachers make an effort to sterilize their classroom. However, when children congregate, there is always the chance that bacteria and viruses will spread. In a collaborative effort to stem the spread of communicable diseases in our classrooms, we ask that parents do not bring their child to Sunday school if: one, their child has a fever, or, two, their child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease. Thank you for your continued effort! CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT POLICY Our goal, as religious educators, is to have each student participate, learn, and grow in our program. However, in some cases, that goal is disrupted. In those instances, it is important that you know about our classroom management policy which involves 4 simple steps:
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