Religious Education Program
for Children and Youth
2009 - 2010 School Year
Lifespan faith development is the foundation of our religious community. To that end, religious education for the children will develop an in-depth understanding of Unitarian Universalist identity, values, and history along with a sense of belonging related to each other, the congregation, and the wider community. The religious education program provides a welcoming place where children can build a strong sense of self, equipped with the spiritual and social tools needed to carry them forward into the world.
Registration for all religious education
programs is open for the fall. We always welcome
visitors.
Ages under two
Nursery
Care for infants is available at all times as
needed, with adult care provided.
Preschool (ages 2 – 4)
UU Alphabet
This preschool curriculum offers an introduction
to UUism through stories. It develops an awareness
in children of their UU congregation as a good
place to be. Lessons are arranged by the first
letter, A to Z, of each topic, which usually deals
with a famous UU individual. Through the year,
preschoolers will learn that church is a safe,
supportive place; they will begin to learn about
the UU Principles and begin to develop a UU
identity through an introduction to UU history and
heritage.
Grades K – 3
Picture Book UU
This program is brand new, published in April
2009. It teaches UU identity through stories,
similar to the program for the preschool, but with
age-appropriate books, discussions, and
activities.
Grades 4 – 7
Traditions With a Wink
Traditions with a Wink! is a comprehensive UU
identity course, with lessons using diverse sources
such as the Internet, the UU hymnbook Singing the
Living Tradition, the Bible, UU history, and UU
rituals including the Flower Communion.
Participants will develop a UU identity which goes
beyond “we can believe anything we
want;” learn about Unitarian and Universalist
history, including Jewish and Christian roots, our
Principles and Sources, including the use of
science and reason; learn about a diversity of UU
communities by Internet and/or “real
life” visits; use UU rituals and hymns to
delve more deeply into Unitarian Universalism; and
learn about our traditions of good works.
Grades 8 – 12
Deepening Ties Within Your Congregation (Coming of Age)
This Coming of Age (COA) curriculum was
developed by the Unitarian Universalist Church of
Greater Lansing to celebrate the transition from
childhood to youth - the time when people come of
age. The teenage years are a time of tremendous
growth and change. Throughout history, many
cultures marked this human passage with rituals,
learning, testing, and celebration. Today, some
religions honor coming of age with bar/bat mitzvahs
or confirmations. This curriculum uses the four
elements mentioned above - rituals, learning,
testing, and celebration. The youth will develop
their own creedo or “This I Believe”
statement to present to the congregation in the
spring. Youth will have mentors and will take an
active part in the life of the congregation. The
school year culminates with a chaperoned trip to
Boston to learn more about our rich Unitarian
Universalist heritage.
General Information
In addition to our formal curriculums, our children join the adults at least once/month for part of the service. There will also be several special programs and youth-led services throughout the year for youth and their families. For further information or to register your child in our program, please contact Sybil Argintar.
