Church School: Preschoolers through Seventh Graders

Church School classes meet from early September through Mother’s Day and are offered for children ages 4-14. There is a separate Youth Group for senior high youth.

Our religious education program strives to build a respectful, loving, accepting community that nurtures the spiritual growth of our members. It supports the search for religious meaning and encourages responsibility. Together we celebrate the many joys of living in this world and of being a part of this church community.

Children are given the opportunity to explore the great variety of world religious beliefs, to learn about Unitarian Universalism, and to discover, question, and discuss their own spiritual feelings and beliefs. We strive to provide a feeling of belonging, an experience of beauty, and a sense of joy for our children.

The specific goals of the Church School program are to inspire:
* a feeling of personal worth
* a capacity for love
* respect for others and their beliefs
* ongoing spiritual growth
* curiosity about life
* the courage to think and act independently
* a responsible attitude toward our environment
* the development of personal morals and ethics
* knowledge of our religious heritage and the religious experiences of humankind

Our lessons and activities are designed to accomplish these goals. In addition, the children participate in their own worship services and in a yearly Sunday morning pageant.

Joyful Journey, a six-week program that celebrates and honors the beginning of a child’s conscious spiritual journey, is offered each year to third- and fourth-graders. A Coming of Age program and the UUA’s sexuality education program, Our Whole Lives, are offered in alternate years for junior high youth.

Classes are taught by volunteer parents and church members who demonstrate a loving, caring attitude toward our children and model the behaviors described above.

Church School Curriculum 2007-08

Children in Preschool through Second Grades: Spirit Play
Spirit Play helps children find meaning in their lives in the context of Unitarian Universalism and find their own religious language for wondering about bigger ideas. Using many Montessori teaching methods, Spirit Play presents stories of our faith and church using simple, beautiful materials, and then gives children a chance to tell the stories themselves through play. Subject matter includes the Flaming Chalice, UU history, Judeo-Christian stories, and beginnings and endings such as the Universe Story and the mystery that some people call God. Questions to be wondered about include: where did we come from, what is our purpose, how do we choose to live our lives, and what are our gifts and how do we use them.

Spirit Play creates a spiritual community of children, supports multiple learning styles and creates a strong UU identity for children. Among the Montessori elements used are the idea of teacher as guide rather than leader and an emphasis on art, nature and beauty in Spirit Play materials.

Third through Seventh Grades: Bibleodeon and Timeless Themes
This year, we are presenting two exciting, fun and interactive programs about Bible stories: Bibleodeon, whose name and design are derived from Nickelodeon, for fifth through seventh graders, and Timeless Themes for grades three and four.

Both programs are fast-paced, hands-on and dynamic! They’re packed full of interesting stories of ancient times - funny, sad, scary, exciting stories with devils and angels, snakes, crimes and mysteries!

We’re focusing on the Bible because of:
* the Bible’s profound impact on our culture and the religious movements which shaped Unitarian Universalism.
* the importance of the Bible’s core beliefs and values.
* the Bible’s use as a window into myth, religious thought and world views.
* the great value gained in learning about the life and teachings of Jesus.
Children will learn about the Bible by:
* acting out stories with costumes and props
* investigating and reporting “TV news”
* making things like masks and towers
* listening to music and playing games
We’ll cover the Old and New Testament, and then talk about how Unitarian Universalists can connect with the Bible and respond to living in a Christian culture.


Youth Group: Eighth through Twelfth Graders

Our Youth Group welcomes teens in eighth through twelfth grades and is focused on fellowship, learning and spiritual growth. The group does fun activities and helps at church by taking part in services and special projects. Weekend retreats, fundraisers and social action projects may be planned. On Sunday mornings high school students are encouraged to attend regular services or help out in a classroom. For information, please call youth advisers Dave Dreyer, (815) 338-7459, or Scott Brix, (815) 568-2606.


Cost

Most of the R.E. program’s financial support comes from pledge contributions. We request an additional contribution of $40 per child, with a maximum of $100 per family, to help cover the costs of supplies and materials. If this contribution will cause a hardship for your family, please speak with Sue McCowin or Pam Lopatin about assistance. We want all children to be able to attend church school.


Nursery

Nursery care is provided for infant through three-year-old children starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Our goal is to make children as comfortable and happy as possible during the church service! There is no charge for nursery services.