Religious Education
Religious Education for Children and Youth
with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley
Our Unitarian Universalist Principles
Children's Version
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm
and promote
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
We believe that each and every person is important.
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
We believe that all people should be treated fairly and kindly.
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
We believe that we should accept one another and keep on learning together.
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations
and in society at large
We believe that all persons should have a vote about the things that concern them.
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
We believe in working for a peaceful, fair and free world.
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
We believe in caring for our planet earth, the home we share with all living
things.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
CHILDREN BIRTH TO THREE:
A paid child care provider supervises infants and toddlers
in a
safe and engaging environment that supports the Unitarian Universalist principles through
materials that reflect the worth and dignity of all persons, caring for our planet earth,
and practices of fairness and kindness.
PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY (Ages 3 - Grade 2):
A paid Religious Education Leader will be
employed
to provide an active learning curriculum that includes stories, discussions, cooperative
activities, projects, and songs that support the Unitarian Universalist principles. The
curriculum for the 2007-2008 year is based on Celebrating Me and My World from the Unitarian
Universalist Association with additional sessions planned to support the study of life
transitions that will be followed in the congregation services. Goals of the curriculum
include: feeling safe, accepted and at home in the church, engaging in the joy of sharing
and living in a group, developing awareness and appreciation of our interconnectedness with
nature, developing cooperative skills, and self-expression.
ELEMENTARY(Grades 3-5) & YOUTH:
While formal programming is not currently planned for
elementary children and youth, a number of options are available for their religious
education:
* Attending services with the congregation
* Using a variety of resources, complete an independent comparative faiths study that
includes Unitarian Universalism, and religions and faith communities of the world
* Choosing from a variety of "workshops" to learn about Unitarian Universalism, other
religions and faith communities, cultures and arts
* Working towards a Boy Scout (ages 12-18) or Girl Scout (Junior, Cadette, and Senior)
Religion in Life badge by learning about UU history, beliefs, traditions, values, programs
and organization.
* Using the Backpacker's Notebook to explore their own spirituality and connection to
Unitarian Universalism in preparation for being an active member in their adult years
(Youth)
* Assisting with carrying out programming for younger children
GREEN SANCTUARY
Support in the Children and Youth Programs for our Green Sanctuary include:
Earth awareness materials - globe; atlas; world map; solar system puzzle; earth and
universe books
Animal awareness materials: stuffed animal and puppets; pictures; puzzles; games; books
Plant awareness: caring for plants; planting seeds
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle materials and activities: play recycling truck; recycling
puzzle; box for paper recycling; books on practices to reduce, reuse and recycle; books
on global warming
Creative materials: recycled paper; use both sides of paper; projects made from reused
paper bags, boxes cardboard, cardboard tubes, gift wrap, ribbon, wallpaper books, etc.
Classroom storage containers: natural material baskets; cloth bins; reusable boxes
Reusable cups and pitchers for snacks
Earth Day Activities
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Rockton Food Pantry: Everyone, including children and youth, is encouraged to donate
non-perishable food items (particularly canned meats and other protein foods, peanut butter,
and canned fruits) and personal care products by placing them in the basket in the entryway.
In 2006-2007 the Children and Youth led a successful project to raise money for the
humanitarian organization Heifer International. Heifer International helps families
throughout the world become self-reliant by providing livestock or tree seedlings along
with the training needed to ensure that the animals and plants stay healthy and productive.
The animals and plants provide not only nutrition but also income to the families to help
them buy needed medicine, clothing and supplies, and to send their children to school. The
gift multiplies as one or more offspring from each animal is passed on to other families.
The project was introduced using a children's book, Beatrice's Goat by Page McBrier along
with literature from Heifer International. Children made their own donations, collected
donations from the congregation, and counted and graphed the donations until enough money
was collected to purchase the goat.
A new Community Service project will be investigated for the 2007-2008 year.
THE GREAT END IN RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to
stir up their own;
Not to make them see with our eyes, but to look inquiringly and steadily with their
own;
Not to give them a definite amount of knowledge, but to inspire a fervent love of truth...
William Ellery Channing
"The Sunday School"
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