Religious Education Program for Children and Youth

Religious education for the children and youth of the First Unitarian Church is a high priority in our parish. In today's complex world, filled with competing values and stresses, we hope to give our children and youth a firm foundation from which to develop their own religious beliefs and values. We want them all to know that they have a special place here, and that they are valued.
The Religious Education Program brochure, which you will find in the back of this packet, describes in detail the goals and values of our program and the yearly course and activity offerings. The R.E. Program is developed and run by the Religious Education Committee and the Director of Religious Education, DRE Diane Mirick. Childcare for our very youngest children (under three) is provided by paid staff every Sunday morning. Sunday School classes are held every Sunday from early September through early June for all children and youth. The program is a cooperative, with teams of volunteer adults teaching these classes. The curriculum is chosen to meet the goals set forth in the brochure, and is well tested and age-appropriate. The curriculum subjects include such things as Unitarian Universalist identity, world religions, God images, discussions on birth and death, decision-making, the celebration of holidays, the life and teachings of Jesus, Old Testament themes, and living in the interdependent web of life.

In addition to Sunday School classes, a wide variety of extra-curricular events are held each year. Many of these events are intergenerational - people of all ages are invited to participate. These events include the Mt. Wachusett climb, the Coffee Hour Carnival for UNICEF, the Christmas Pageant, Valentine Making, the 3rd - 5th grade bowling party, and the swim and pizza party. The children's choir rehearses and performs for the Christmas Pageant and for other services throughout the year.

For youth, in addition to Sunday School classes, we have two youth groups, BYKOTA for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and YRU2 for senior high. Both youth groups have teams of adult advisors who work with them. New in 2000 was the Affirmation Program for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who want to go deeper into an understanding of Unitarian Universalism and their own beliefs.

Registration for children occurs every September, with newcomers registering whenever they arrive. Parents are invited to visit or sit in on their children's classes at any time. While parents new to the congregation will not be asked to teach Sunday School during their first year at the church, they will be asked to participate in the future.

Questions about the Religious Education program may be addressed to the DRE or the Chairperson of the RE Committee, and are, of course, welcome at any time.

First Unitarian Church
90 Main Street
Worcester, Massachusetts USA
508.757.2708

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