Religious Education Overview
Life becomes religious whenever we make it so: when some new light is seen, when some deeper appreciation is felt, when some larger outlook is gained, when some nobler purpose is formed, when some task is well done. - Sophia Lyon Fahs, Unitarian Religious Educator
2021-2022 Program Schedule
This year the RE program will be divided into 3 unique, 12-week offerings with multi-platform options consisting of in-person and virtual experiences from September 12, 2021 - May 22, 2022. This model will allow the program to have the flexibility to be responsive to COVID community transmission and the needs of our community. These trimesters will consist of:
RE at the Park (Sept. 12-Nov.28), RE at the Park is an outdoor, in-person program for PreK - 8th graders on Sunday mornings at Emma McCarthy Lee Park each week from 9:15-10:30 am. Students will be reconnecting with each other while engaging with nature, learning about environmental stewardship, and having fun exploring the great outdoors!
RE at the Movies (Dec. 5 – Mar. 27), RE at the Movies is a hybrid program for kindergarten - 12th grade students on Sunday mornings. Students will explore Unitarian Universalist values through film, activities, and discussion. Students K-6 grade will be meeting online via Zoom on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Students 7-12th grade will be meeting in-person at the UUFA at 11am in Channing-Barton.
RE in Action (Apr. 3 – May 22), RE returns to in-person classes at Emma McCarthy Lee park this spring! On Sunday mornings, students PreK-12th grade will meet 11am-12pm to connect with nature and learn about climate justice action and education.
For more information about Religious Education programming, contact Janelle Carlson, consulting religious educator.
A Child-Focused, Safe Community
Our congregation strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all. We value safety measures, while creating a supportive space for learning, creativity, and growth; especially for our children and youth. Together, we can teach our children not only to live by Unitarian Universalist values, but also to live in a community that gives to, cares for, and affirms all of its members. To that end, we require that:
- All children must be registered to participate in Religious Education programming. Regular attendees and visiting families are asked to fill out an information form, and to keep the UUFA office informed of any changes as they occur. Providing UUFA staff and volunteer teachers with information about allergies, medical alerts, and photo permissions for each child keeps our Religious Education program safe and in compliance with the UUFA Safety Policy.
- Two adult teachers/volunteers will be present in classrooms at all times. (Teens who have completed our teen childcare orientation may count for 1 adult.)
- State of Iowa Department of Human Services background checks be completed annually on all paid UUFA staff and volunteer teachers.
- The Minister & Religious Educator serve as mandatory reporters of any suspected child abuse or neglect.
The RE Safety Guidelines outline more specifically the rights and responsibilities of parents, children, and our organization as a whole, as we maintain a safe space for all.
Visitors
- Visitors are encouraged to check in online at least 10 minutes before the Religious Education class or activity begins so that the Religious Educator or a UUFA volunteer can help orient them.
- Any parent or designated responsible adult is welcome to attend and observe classes with their children on Sunday mornings. Please notify the meeting host if you are there to observe.
Volunteering
Families are encouraged to participate in the Religious Education program through multiple volunteer opportunities. Contact the UUFA Religious Educator (releducator@uufames.org or 515-292-5960) for more information on participation or volunteering.
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| UUFA trip consent and authorization form - fillable.pdf | 829.07 KB |