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Religious Education Handbook
(First Draft)

Welcome to the Religious Education Program of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames.

Our program has been developed to aid families in their search for spiritual growth and development, and is offered for families with children from birth through the teenage years. The spiritual journey is a lifelong process. In the early years, family and the religious community can work together to help children build a solid base for further religious exploration.

In the following pages you will find this information:

• Mission statement and philosophy of the program
• Goals and structure of classes and other programs
• Rites of Passage
• Stewardship
• Familiar songs and words
• Further resources that can aid families in their search for spiritual growth.

Mission Statement

We provide a safe, nurturing environment to explore and share Unitarian Universalist values with our children.

Philosophy

Religious Education in the Unitarian Universalist tradition involves the purposeful journey toward discovery of personal meaningful religious beliefs and values. It also involves putting those ideas into action as we make choices in our lives.

Our religious education program involves exploration, social action, and personal development.

We also work toward developing these spiritual themes:

• Exploring personal gifts and talents.
• Developing respect and reverence for self and others.
• Finding the sacred in everyday things.
• Seeking answers to the mysteries of life.
• Learning to live fully in community with others.

The purposes and principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association are the guiding sources of our program. Through these principles we help children discover:

• Each and every person is important.
• We can be accepting of one another and learn together.
• Each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
• It is important that people have a vote on things that concern them.
• It is important to work toward a peaceful, fair, and free world.
• It is important to care for our planet Earth for we are all connected in the web of life.
• People need to be treated fairly and kindly.

Goals and Structure of Classes and Other Programs

We continually strive to help our children recognize their potential, both in cultivating their individuality and in shaping our world.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames (UUFA) Religious Education (RE) program has a variety of components ranging from Sunday morning programming to family get-togethers, rites of passage and leadership programs, social action projects and summer camp.

Our goals are to help our youth:

• Think fully and act responsibly.
• Develop strong inner resources of courage and hope.
• Become acquainted with universal religious questions and quests.
• Develop broad sympathies and deep compassion.

Our classes are designed to help individuals understand:

• Peace, social justice, service, and action.
• What it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.
• Our heritage from Jewish, Christian, and other world religions.

Classes are held each Sunday during the months of September through the first part of June. Class meeting times are coordinated to coincide with Sunday morning fellowship services: First session 9:00- 10:10am, second session 11:00am- 12:10pm.

Class sizes and divisions are determined according to enrollment figures for the current year. Nursery care and classes for early elementary grades are usually offered for both the 9:00 and 11:00 services. The upper grades, Jr. and Sr. High classes may only be available during one service.

Nursery Care

Childcare is provided for children under the age of 4, in the Fellowship nursery, during regular Sunday services. There is no set curriculum.

The nursery coordinator recruits and coordinates the activities of volunteers that staff the nursery. The atmosphere of the nursery is that of a loving, caring community coming together to support families with young children.

Religious Education Classes - Early Years

In the early years, classes for children are designed to provide a framework of ideas that children and families can use together to discuss and celebrate that which brings meaning, joy and purpose to their lives. Children in this age group begin to form their identities, and from there are able to move into meaningful relationships with parents, siblings and extended family members. Curricula in the early years focus on this developing identity and new- found relationships.

As the child grows, relationships expand to include peers and community. With the newly found relationships comes new understanding of belonging. It is during these stages that concepts of community building and social service can be very meaningful. At the same time, the children of this age are beginning to understand the values of freedom and responsibility. They are also just beginning to question the mysteries and wonder of life.

Religious Education Classes - Later Years

Curricula now expand to include the concepts of theology and relationships of self to the outside world. At this time, the youth are ready to explore the purpose and choices they have in the way they relate to the world. They are ready to begin to understand the values and ideals of Unitarian Universalism, of Jewish and Christian traditions, and of other world religions.

All of these concepts are explored more deeply as the youth continue on their path of discovery. As the relationships broaden and expand, so do the levels of interaction. The function of RE throughout this growth and development is to help youth organize and make sense of the relationships they are experiencing while at the same time encouraging them to use their mind, body, heart, and soul in bringing meaning and purpose to these new found relationships.

Rites of Passage In the UU Fellowship of Ames

Recognition and celebration of children and their spiritual growth are the key components in the Rites of Passage program. As children go through different developmental stages, they are given the opportunity
to invest time and energy in a series of Rites of Passage workshops. Participation involves learning the beliefs of our spiritual community and putting those ideas into action. Workshops are completely voluntary on the child's part, and are offered in addition to regular Sunday morning classes.

As children progress through the Rites of Passage illustrated below, they are expected to learn more about themselves, UUism, other religions, and personal responsibility as members of the community. The responsibilities of adults are to pay attention, to applaud, to facilitate, to mentor, and to respect the journey.

Child Dedication

We welcome new babies and older children into the Fellowship community by presenting them with a rose, chalice, and candle. The parents introduce the child to the community and are offered the opportunity to share their hopes and dreams for the child's future. The minister, director of religious education, chair of the RE committee, and Fellowship board members offer an official welcome. The congregation responds to the introduction with singing and/or a responsive reading that reflects their intention to honor and care for the children. A reception with refreshments may follow the dedication.

Chalice Children
(Transition from nursery to preschool)

This transition recognizes 4-year old children who are ready to be involved in the structured group experience of the preschool class. A graduation party is held in the nursery to celebrate those who will be making the transition in the fall. All new members of the preschool class are recognized in the fall of the year with a ceremony that includes balloons for the new class and teachers.

Flame Keepers
(For children Kindergarten - 3rd grade)

This program offers children an opportunity to learn more about the flaming chalice as a symbol of UUism, and about symbols in other religions. Participants will learn the Hans Duetsch story, sing chalice songs, and become familiar with chalice lighting words. Through songs, games, art and ritual, children will come to appreciate the symbolic meaning of the chalice. Participants will meet with the DYCM to explain their understanding of this program. Upon completion, they can light the chalice during a Sunday program and say a chalice lighting.The Fellowship will recognize this accomplishment by giving participants a chalice pin.

Coming of Age
(For youth 7th - 8th grades )

In this program, each youth is paired with an adult mentor who assists in completing program requirements. Over 9 months, the youth and mentor attend three overnight retreats. Youth are requested to explore personal relationships, learn about UUism in more depth, learn about other religions by attending monthly forums, perform a social action project, and form a personal theology statement. This statement may be in the form of an essay or an artistic demonstration.

Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education (OWL)
(For youth 7th - 8th grades)

OWL is based on the philosophy of comprehensive sexuality education, which helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, comprehensive sexuality education provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, social, and political aspects of sexuality as well.

The Unitarian Universalist component for OWL stresses development of religious community, spiritual depth, prophetic vision, and action for justice. It helps participants clarify their values and religious beliefs, and emphasizes the worth and dignity of each participant.

Bridging Ceremony
(graduating seniors)

Graduating Seniors are introduced to the congregation. Parents have an opportunity to publicly recognize their son or daughter and the DYCM presents seniors with a departing gift as they leave the RE program.

Stewardship

Stewardship suggests more than just financial responsibility to an organization. It implies that the congregation cares for and shows appreciation for its building, programs, staff, volunteers, and community. It implies an active and ongoing commitment to each other and to its stated mission and values.

The role of the Fellowship in the religious education of our children is a supportive one. Communication and involvement are key elements to the partnership of families and this religious community.

The RE program is the result of a cooperative effort by many individuals within the Fellowship. The Religious Education Committee is the policy making body of the RE program. It consists of 9 volunteer members, each serving 1-3 year staggered terms. The committee works closely with the Director of Youth and Children's Ministries (DYCM) and the Minister to respond to the needs of the Fellowship. There are 4 working groups with 2 members each within the RE committee. They are:

1. Childcare and safety
2. Social events
3. RE teacher recruitment and support
4. Social justice

Just as the RE committee is a volunteer effort, so are the other positions of leadership within the RE program. Whether involved as a teacher, mentor,classroom helper, snack provider, or other support person; the program needs capable, reliable and loving adults to maintain a quality religious education program. A form for specific parent involvement for the current year will be collected at time of registration.

There are various opportunities and responsibilities for families in the RE program:

• Bringing your family to Fellowship activities.
• Taking leadership roles in classes or special events.
• Discussing religious ideas at home.
• Sharing your beliefs with your child.
• Devoting time and energy to your family.
• Bringing your family on a consistent basis

Communication

Registration and Visitors

Registration provides current information on children and their families. It ensures that families receive mailings, provides parents with materials explaining the program's expectations and intent, alerts us to safety issues, and helps to make each child feel welcome.

Preregistration for children and RE classes begins in April. Parents of returning children can check last year's registration form for correct address, phone, etc. at the RE table in the Fireside room on Sundays in April. New registration forms are also available at this time. Registration forms are also available any time of the year from the Director, Lori Allen.

Visitors are always welcome. Please take the time to register all guests and include them in any RE activities. (If guests are planning to join an RE class for the day, introduce them to the teachers, and explain class routine to the visiting child.)

Behavior Guidelines

The goal of the religious education program is to provide a climate of physical and emotional safety, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual growth for each child. Our goals are to assist children in learning self-control, to teach them alternative ways of handling frustration, anger, and hurt, and to help them learn to take responsibility for their own behavior. It is expected that parents will support us in working toward a positive resolution to any problems that may occur.

Behaviors inconsistent with our goal of creating a climate of respect will be addressed as promptly as possible. Children will be reminded of an alternative, more appropriate behavior. If inappropriate behavior continues after verbal warnings, the child will be asked to leave the classroom or activity for a period of time. The child's attitude and severity of the behavior in question will determine whether or not the child will be given the opportunity to return to class that day.

Items that constitute inappropriate behaviors include: putdowns, ignoring someone who is talking to you, insults, destruction of property, hitting, complaining about activities, pushing, blaming others for your own behavior, tripping, kicking, refusing to participate in ways that make it difficult for others to participate, rude noises, violent toys or games, profanity, hurtful teasing, playing with toys that distract from what is happening in class.

Familiar Words and Songs

In the next few pages, we have compiled many of the poems, prayers, reflections, and songs that children throughout our program have enjoyed. We hope that these pages can serve as a resource for your family.

Chalice Lightings

Familiar Words

Reflections and thoughts for the close of day

Songs

Copied with permission

Copied with permission

Copied with permission

Copied with permission

Copied with permission

A Few Famous American Unitarians and Universalists

Bibliography and Resources

Books with an asterisk (*) next to them are available in the Dusty Berger Library at the Fellowship.

The main UU bookstore is Beacon Press in Boston. If you can't find these books locally, you can order them online.

Being a UU Parent, Makanah Morriss and David H. MacPherson.
Enhances the relationship between family life and Unitarian Universalism.

Hymns for the Celebration of Life, Beacon Press, Boston MA. 1964.
Contains music, responsive readings, prayers, affirmations, opening and closing words and offering words.

The New U, Jean Highsmith, Mary Neil McLaughlin, and Jack Schmidt.
Orients newcomers to the beliefs, practices, activities, and social life of their Unitarian Universalist congregation.

(*) Our Chosen Faith, F. Forrester Church and John A Buehrens.
Introduces participants to the tenets of our faith as well as the experiences that define a Unitarian Universalist.

(*) Raising Spiritual Children in a Material World, Phil Cataifo.
Focuses on modern parents's search for a family spiritual practice that draws on, but is not limited to, their own religious heritage.

(*) Rejoice Together, Helen R.Pickett.
A collection of prayers, meditations, and other readings for family, individual and small group worship.

The UU Kids Book, Brotman-Marshfield.
A book of puzzles, stories, games, projects, songs, and other activities that help children understand the ideas and people behind Unitarian Universalism.

(*) Hide-and-Seek-with-God. Mary Ann Moore
Portrayals of God in a variety of multicultural, non-sexist images as the mother and father of life, as love and peace, as a continual mystery and spiritual force. For 4 to 8 years.

Unitarian Universalism in the Home, Ellen Fay, Roberta Nelson, and Elizabeth B. Stevens.
Unitarian Universalism, our religious heritage, family, human development and celebrations which can be used with a congregation as well as in the home.

What Do You Really Want for Your Children?, Wayne Dyer

When Children Ask About God, Harold Kushner

Spiral Journey Pamphlet, Patricia Horrtdoerfer and Judith Frediai

7 Habits of Effective Families, Steven Covey

(*) 7 Habits of Effective Teens, Steven Covey

(*) Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting, Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn
Shows parents how to recognize who their children really are.

UU and Me: A Unitarian Universalist Magazine for Kids
Published four times each year by the Church of the Larger Fellowship. Subscription information: uumesubscribe@uua.org

(*) A Bucketful of Dreams: Contemporary Parables for all Ages, Christopher Buice
Learning values can be fun with these freshly told parables.Uses characters that bring to like the importance of diversity, justice, faith, and empowerment.

(*) Raising Peaceful Children in a Violent World, Nancy Lee Cecil with Patricia L. Roberts
An action book for parent and teachers who want to end violence and create a safe, peaceful environment for children.