Children's RE Program

Religious Education

Austen Petersen, Acting Director of Religious Education

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Children and Youth Curriculum
2010-2011

Our children’s covenant is: “We are Unitarian Universalists. We are the Fellowship of the open mind, loving heart, and helping hands. Together we care for the Earth and work to bring peace and justice into the world.”

Our children and youth start out in our sanctuary with their parents at 9:00 am. Classes start at approximately 9:20 am after the Time for all Ages . On Chalice Chapel Sundays, our children start out in their classes at 9:00 am and go to the Terrace Room for worship with their teachers.

Nursery -Our nursery is open for children through three years of age. We employ a paid child care provider and members of our congregation volunteer every week. Our Nursery is open at 9:00 am through 12:00 noon.

Preschool (3 year olds) – Chalice Children
Chalice Children nurtures preschoolers spiritual growth, creativity and a sense of community through imaginative activities and rituals such as rhymes and finger plays.

Preschool Kindergarten (4 and 5 year olds) – Stories About God
In Stories About God, children will learn through stories, discussions and art that there are many different understandings of God; will learn a language in which to speak about God; and will learn to express their own feelings and thoughts about God.

Grade 1 through 6 – Building Blocks - Our Building Blocks curriculum is based on a two-year rotation model. This year we are offering three units: UU Identity & Heritage; World Religions; and Interdependent Web.

Jr. High for Grades 7 and 8 – FaithQuest
The Jr High youth will learn about their UU faith, go on a FaithQuest at Stokes Forest where they sit alone on the land and contemplate their personal beliefs, work with a mentor to develop & write a belief statement which they will share with the congregation at a Coming of Age Worship Service.

Sr. High for Grades 9 – 12 - Our Sr. High youth meet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. 2 Sundays per month where they discuss a variety of issues related to our values in a safe and trusting environment. They meet one Sunday evening per month to socialize and plan various social justice projects which they will be involved in throughout the year. Sr High youth are also encouraged to attend District Conferences & Leadership Training with other Sr High UUs from other congregations.

Our Whole Lives- Our congregation is a supporter of Our Whole Lives — a comprehensive sexuality curriculum that spans a lifetime, from Grade 1 through adult.

For further information about children and youth programming, please contact Austen Petersen, MUF’s Acting Director of Religious Education, at (973) 540-1177 ext. 205.

Page last updated September 22, 2011