Children & Youth Religious Education
Preparatory Class (Pre K-Grade 1)
The Picture Book of Bible Tales is based on the best picture books for teaching young children about Bible Stories with a U.U. perspective. There is an introductory session to begin the class. Children will be able to make their own picture book as part of the class sessions. Each session includes a picture book story from the Hebrew or Christian scriptures followed by some reflection and wondering questions and an activity that explores and expands the message or theme of the story.
Primary Class (Grades 2-4)
Timeless Themes introduces children to religious literature that is central to North American culture and to Unitarian Universalist heritage. The Bible stories are taught from the perspective of UU values. The violence in the stories is not completely avoided, but recognized and used selectively to guide participants toward an understanding of non-violent ways to resolve conflicts.
Children become familiar with their cultural heritage, and to the human issues that inspired these scriptures--the timeless themes of transcendent power, human responsibility, love of freedom, speaking out against injustice, respect for the beliefs of others, love of one's neighbor, and forgiveness. God is referred to as "God," not "he." The stories, drawn from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, are gender-inclusive.
Secondary Class (Grades 5-8)
Jesus and his Kingdom of Equals introduces students in grades 5 to 8 to an interpretation of the historical Jesus based on contemporary biblical research, principally from the Jesus Seminar. Students experience an unfolding narrative of a Jewish reformer who saw through the hypocrisy and elitism of first-century Roman Palestine. This itinerant sage brought a message of affirmation and egalitarianism to oppressed and powerless Galileans and described a kingdom of love, not in the future but already present in the hearts of people. Drama, simulations, crafts including clay and weaving, songs, social service initiatives, and other creative hands-on activities reinforce values concerning such teachings as respect for all, sharing worldly goods, conflict resolution, friendship, and forgiveness.
Youth Group
Youth Group meets on alternating Sundays following discussion. Youth who have graduated our Coming of Age class, or are in the 9th -12th grade, meet with advisors for varied and thought provoking conversation and activities. Youth group is youth-led, helps teens build relationships, gives participants a greater sense of belonging, supports them during their spiritual journeys and develop leadership skills.
The Picture Book of Bible Tales is based on the best picture books for teaching young children about Bible Stories with a U.U. perspective. There is an introductory session to begin the class. Children will be able to make their own picture book as part of the class sessions. Each session includes a picture book story from the Hebrew or Christian scriptures followed by some reflection and wondering questions and an activity that explores and expands the message or theme of the story.
Primary Class (Grades 2-4)
Timeless Themes introduces children to religious literature that is central to North American culture and to Unitarian Universalist heritage. The Bible stories are taught from the perspective of UU values. The violence in the stories is not completely avoided, but recognized and used selectively to guide participants toward an understanding of non-violent ways to resolve conflicts.
Children become familiar with their cultural heritage, and to the human issues that inspired these scriptures--the timeless themes of transcendent power, human responsibility, love of freedom, speaking out against injustice, respect for the beliefs of others, love of one's neighbor, and forgiveness. God is referred to as "God," not "he." The stories, drawn from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, are gender-inclusive.
Secondary Class (Grades 5-8)
Jesus and his Kingdom of Equals introduces students in grades 5 to 8 to an interpretation of the historical Jesus based on contemporary biblical research, principally from the Jesus Seminar. Students experience an unfolding narrative of a Jewish reformer who saw through the hypocrisy and elitism of first-century Roman Palestine. This itinerant sage brought a message of affirmation and egalitarianism to oppressed and powerless Galileans and described a kingdom of love, not in the future but already present in the hearts of people. Drama, simulations, crafts including clay and weaving, songs, social service initiatives, and other creative hands-on activities reinforce values concerning such teachings as respect for all, sharing worldly goods, conflict resolution, friendship, and forgiveness.
Youth Group
Youth Group meets on alternating Sundays following discussion. Youth who have graduated our Coming of Age class, or are in the 9th -12th grade, meet with advisors for varied and thought provoking conversation and activities. Youth group is youth-led, helps teens build relationships, gives participants a greater sense of belonging, supports them during their spiritual journeys and develop leadership skills.