Sunday Morning Children’s RE Spring 2012

The Religious Education Ministry theme for 2011-2012 is Social Justice. In the Spring we are
following a curriculum: We’re On Our Way An Anti-Oppression, Multi-Cultural Values Curriculum for 1st – 5th Grade Unitarian Universalists www.dmuuc.org/curriculum/onourway.html#axzz1lehUKxds

February 12 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

February 19 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

February 26 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

March 4 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

March 11 - Children’s Worship: children upstairs at 10:30 (Guest: Pastor Jef)

March 18 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

March 25 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

April 1 - Children’s Worship: children upstairs at 10:30

April 8 - Families sit together for the service

April 15 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

April 22 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

April 29 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

May 6 - Children’s Worship: children upstairs at 10:30

May 13 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

May 20 - RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

May 27 – Families sit together for the service

June 3 – RE Class : children start in the sanctuary then go upstairs for class

June 10 – RE Sunday: Families sit together for the service

June 17 – Families sit together for the service

Tracy Breneman new Coordinator, Religious Education

As the daughter of a United Methodist pastor, Tracy grew up witnessing the work involved in building and nurturing a faith community. She came to Unitarian Universalism with an interest in broadening her spiritual understanding and practices. She is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton and Ossining, where she has served as Chair of the Social Action Committee and interim Director of Religious Education.

Tracy has spent significant time living, studying and working abroad. Those experiences helped instill in her an appreciation for a core humanity that is shared across cultures, races and nationalities, but also a joy for celebrating the uniqueness that each of these foster. She believes in fostering intentional local community and finds her passion in social justice activism and teaching. She has volunteered with LGBT youth programs, immigrant communities, and youth gang violence prevention programs, and she founded community organizations focused on peace and conflict, Latin American studies, and anti-racism organizing.

Tracy holds advanced degrees in Political Science and Conflict Analysis & Resolution. For over fifteen years, she has been teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, building curriculum and coordinating programs. She has taught at Columbia University and George Mason University, and currently teaches about dispute and conflict resolution at CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

What is Unitarian Universalist religious education?

The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds irresistibly upon the young but to stir up their own.
~Rev. William Ellery Channing (1780-1842), father of American Unitarianism.

We see it as our task to nurture religious development. Our respect for the children teaches them respect -- for themselves, for others, and for this fragile interdependent web of which we are a part.

Who comes Here?

Diversity is a treasure that nourishes us all. Our congregation includes people from many religious and cultural backgrounds. We honor a variety of holidays, including Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Passover, Easter and Spring.

What will my child learn?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with Jewish-Christian roots. It has no creed. It affirms the worth of human beings, advocates freedom of belief and the search for truth. We affirm to provide a warm open, supportive community for people who believe that ethical living is the best witness of religion.

The four basic themes of our program are: UU Identity and Heritage, World Religions, Judeo-Christian Heritage, Social Justice and Multiculturalism. Our Religious Education committee chooses curricula from the Unitarian Universalist Association that cover each of these themes in an age appropriate manner. Classes may include stories, arts and crafts, games, music, long-term projects and the occasional field trip.

Children and Youth are also given the opportunity to participate in the UU "Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education" (OWL), written at age appropriate levels.

How are the classes organized?

Parents are welcome to have their babies with them during the service, or to make use of our Nursery just across the foyer. We offer care in our Nursery for babies and children up to 4 years old. Two caregivers are always available. Our program for children age 4 through 8th grade is led by our co-directors of Religious Education. Our classes are organized by age level: PreK to Grade 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8. Children through 5th grade begin each Sunday in the meeting room with their families. At 11:00 they go upstairs to the children’s Sanctuary for group Circle Time, and then to their classes. Parents are welcome to accompany their children, if they wish. Two members of the congregation co-teach each class. At 12:00 a snack in provided in the foyer.

What do you have for teenagers?

The Youth Group, for ages 13-19, meets most Sundays, 5:30 - 7:30 pm to discuss topics, participate in social action projects and have fun. They, and their adult advisers, may also attend district wide weekend retreats with other UU Youth.

UU Principles for Children

1. Each person is important
2. Be kind in all you do.
3. We are free to learn together,
4. and search for what is true.
5. All people need a voice.
6. Build a fair and peaceful world.
7. We care for the Earth's lifeboat.