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The Great End in Religious Instruction Religious Education Program for Children and Youth September 2007 - June 2008 During the coming Religious Education Program
year, the following plans have been made for the different classes: The Primary Class (age 4 - K) will be using the curriculum Celebrating
Me and My World. This year long program encourages young
children to feel good about themselves and the church they are a part
of. This is achieved through the stories, creative activities and songs
provided. The Early Elementary Class (grades 1 – 3) will be using Stories About
God. It provides a variety of experiences with that which people
call God; the ultimate reality, values, and mystery that underlie all the physical,
mental and spiritual dimensions of life. The end result being the
understanding that God can take many forms and is called by many names. The Elementary Class (grades 4-6) will be learning about bible stories and
myths using the curriculum Timeless Themes. Timeless Themes
introduces the children to some of the well-known stories in biblical
literature. It looks at our Judeo-Christian heritage through myth,
legend, history, and poetry. The Junior High Youth Group (grades 7-8) will be using the Neighboring Faiths
curriculum for all or part of the year. Neighboring Faiths
invites the junior youth to learn about other faiths and to visit other
places of worship. The Senior High Youth Group (grades 9-12) will be talking about issues relating to
the teen years and doing another service project. All Souls Church
Religious Education Committee: Kay Curtis, Summer Price, Joyce
Reischuck, David Shallenberger and Molly Stoner Philosophy of the Religious Education Program for
Children and Youth at All Souls Church Unitarian Universalism is an active faith
built on the foundation of 7 principles listed in the covenant of the Unitarian Universalist
Association. The Religious Education Program for Children
and Youth at All Souls Church provides children with an opportunity to explore,
understand, and act on the 7 principles in their daily lives. A strong Religious Education Program empowers
our children with a moral, ethical and spiritual identity which can be
carried into adulthood. Goals of the All Souls Church Religious Education Program
for Children and Youth Nursery: Infants and toddlers enjoy a high level of care and safety. Toddlers
know the name of our Nursery Care Provider and the other children in the
Nursery. Primary: Children know the name of their church and denomination. They are
familiar with the different spaces and rooms at the church. They know the
names of the Minister, the D.R.E., their teachers and classmates. They are
familiar with Sunday morning services and Children’s Chapel. Early Elementary: Children know the names of the Minister, the D.R.E.,
teachers and classmates as well as names of some of the Church leaders. They
have an area of responsibility at Church. Before they graduate to the
Elementary Group, they know the 7 Unitarian Universalist
Principles. Elementary: Children learn to articulate the 7 UU
Principles and to give examples
of how they apply in their lives. They have developed an understanding of UU
heritage and history. They take on responsibilities and participate in church
and community events in meaningful ways. Junior Youth Group: Junior Youth can articulate their own emerging beliefs
and values. They learn about All Souls Church, and they contribute to Church
Life in meaningful ways. They coordinate a service or group ceremony. Before they graduate to the Senior Youth Group,
they can express knowledge about other faiths. Senior Youth Group: Senior Youth engage in adult-level R.E. discussions.
Each senior takes on an adult area of responsibility within the church.
Possibility exists of being youth delegates to the Board and serving on a
Church committee. Youth engage in community service and gains experience with
social action on a wider scale. Volunteer Opportunities in the Religious Education Program for
Children and Youth There are many opportunities by which members
and friends of All Souls Church can support the Religious Education Program for
Children and Youth. If you are interested in any of the following, please
send an email to allsouls@sover.net with "RE Support" in the subject line. Forms
for signing up will be available at Church and in the August 2007 West
Village Voice newsletter. Serve on the R.E. Committee: 5 - 7
individuals who work closely with the D.R.E., the Religious Education
Committee and Teacher Teams. Join a Teaching Team in the Religious
Education Program for Children and Youth: The age groups are: Nursery
(Assist our Nursery Care Provider) Primary
Group: 4 and 5 Year Olds Early
Elementary: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Graders Elementary:
4th, 5th and 6th Graders Join the Team of Youth Advisors: Junior
Youth: 7th and 8th Graders Senior
Youth: 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Graders In addition, the following activities need
volunteer support: Take the Our Whole Life (human sexuality curriculum)
training provided by the U.U.A. to teach OWL at All Souls. Chaperone for the Overlook Farm (Heifer
International) field trip on September 23, 2007. Help with the Elves Workshop during the
Holiday Bazaar on December 1, 2007. Help with the Un-Birthday Celebration for all
ages during coffee hour on January 27, 2008. Help with the Egg Dyeing Workshop on Good
Friday, March 21, 2008 Be available for other special activities or
projects not yet on the calendar. Provide arts or crafts activities at church
when there are no formal R.E. classes. Host a field trip at my sugar house, farm,
art studio, workshop or home. RETURN
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