Classes and Curricula for the 2009-2010 Church Year

Our Jewish and Christian Heritage at 9:30 a.m.

 These classes center on our Jewish and Christian heritage, examining the strong relationships of these traditions to our faith and our culture.  We will investigate our Jewish and Christian roots in the context of Unitarian Universalism through study of biblical stories, figures, and events in both the Jewish and Christian scriptures. 

 Discovery (ages 3-5 years)                      9:30 a.m.

“We Are Many, We are One” offers children the grounding of religious community and tradition, along with the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness.  Stories, games, and projects encourage children to honor themselves, their religious community, nature, and cultures from around the world.  Some sessions focus on holidays from Christian and Jewish traditions.

 Wumps (1st - 2nd grade)                         9:30 a.m.

“Super Heroes:  Bible People” introduces people from the Bible who acted with courage and wisdom in their attempt to make the world a better place.  Children will hear stories about Moses, Solomon, Joesph, Jesus, and others.  The goals of this class are to show how these people’s lives affirm the Principles of Unitarian Universalism and to encourage children to recognize and use their own “superpowers” for good.

 Explorers (3^rd -5^th grade)                        9:30 a.m.

We’ll explore “Timeless Themes.”  This class introduces children to some of the best known stories in biblical literature, stories that are central to our culture and to our heritage as Unitarian Universalists.  Human issues, beliefs, and universal values are emphasized.  Themes such as jealousy, forgiveness, and healing are as important today as they were when these stories were written.

 Jr. Youth (6^th -8^th grade)                            9:30 a.m.

“Kingdom of Equals” draws on the New Testament, enlightened by twentieth-century findings and interpretations.  Lessons deal with central messages of Jesus’ teachings and themes relating to our Principles and Purposes, such as tolerance, forgiveness, and reverence for life.  Stories which youth might encounter in the culture at large, such as the birth and Easter stories, are presented in the context of Unitarian Universalist perspectives.

 Sr. Youth (9^th -12^th grade)                       9:30 a.m.

The Youth Group works with adult advisors to plan programs which include personal sharing, discussion of religious and ethical issues, guest speakers from other religions and from the community, service projects, participation in district youth conferences, and worship. Curriculum this year will focus on deepening our understanding of Jewish and Christian sacred texts.

Faith Foundations at 11 a.m.

 Based on the Montessori method, and drawing on a “morning as worship” model, these classes embrace self-directed learning, multiple learning styles, cooperation, and respect within a classroom community.  Through story, wondering, and creative response, children make meaning of the language of faith and life’s questions.  This year’s program will focus on what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist and the essential elements of our faith. 

 Spirit Play (ages 3-7 years)                    11:00 a.m.

We will explore our “Promises and Principles”.  This class will focus on the building blocks of Unitarian Universalism.  Our seven principles are a covenant we make with one another.  These promises form the foundation of our faith.  This class will also explore the traditions and rituals of our religious community.

 Creativity Club (ages 7-12 years)               11:00 a.m.

“Toolbox of Faith” invites participants to reflect on qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools we can use in living our own lives and building our own faith.  Each session uses an actual too as a metaphor for a quality of our faith.  These tools include a hammer (for justice), duct tape (for flexibility), and a mirror (for reflection).  Participants will also engage in a lego robot challenge this year and other projects designed to encourage the use of the tools of faith.

 OWL “Our Whole Lives” (grades 7-9)    11:00 a.m.

Back by popular demand!  Starting in October, this program offers a realistic sexuality curriculum for early teens that deals with both the physical aspects of sexual development as well as the emotional and social aspects as well.  From body image, to sex in the media, to relationships, Our Whole Lives presents these subjects in a safe, confidential environment where youth can get real information from trained facilitators.  If you are interested in having your youth participate, please plan to attend the Parents’ Meeting on Sunday, September 13^th at 11am in the Meeting Room.

 Nursery Care at 9:30 and 11

 Nursery (ages 0-3½ years)                       9:30 and 11 a.m.

Faith development starts at a subliminal, pre-language level as our youngest children are encouraged to feel safe and happy in their church home.  Here in the sunny nursery, children progress through the steps of short time separation from parents to establishing friendships.  They are encouraged to reach out, to explore, to appreciate and to affirm themselves.  Lessons of faith, trust, and love are given and received every Sunday, in actions as well as words.