The children of Sunday Morning religious education are following the Spirit of Adventure curriculum. This program is geared to teach the foundations of Unitarian Universalism through experiential exploration.
In March, they will study Unitarian Universalist leaders and principles through the topic building; one class focuses on Frank Lloyd Wright. The theme for April is exploring with artist N.C. Wyeth and others.
We are proud to have a great team of volunteer leaders and nursery workers but there is always room for anyone who wishes to volunteer in the nursery or as a floater.
Every week, the children gather by lighting the chalice and saying, "We light this chalice, to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. This is the church of the open mind, of the loving hearts, and the helping hands. We take care of the earth and each other." We close each week by saying the same benediction as in the adult worship service. "The light does not go out. It is transferred to each of us to share and to hold and to bring with us when we next return." Through Sunday learning, the children are exploring great ideas and defining their own faith journey.
About our Religious Education Program:
Free childcare (with a caring adult and creative play) for infants and toddlers is provided in the nursery from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday.
Children ages five to 10 (give or take a year or two) are invited to join us in the Martin House for the Spirit of Adventure class. Come ready to play and explore!
On the second Sunday of each month, the children come to worship with the adults for the first 20 minutes. This is a great opportunity for multi-generational worship.
Teachers are in place. However, any adult who would like to experience some of these great Sunday morning activities should see religious education director Michele Grove and sign up to be a floater. We want the children to get to know you!
Calendar & Location
Our regular religious education classes begins in September and continues every Sunday morning, 10:45 a.m. to noon, through May. Religious Education classes are also offered during the summer months.
Both religious education classes for children and our adult worship services are held at 13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown, Maryland. Our church property is approximately one mile west of Interstate 81, exit 7B.
For more information about our religious education program for children, pick up an RE pamphlet from the rack on the sanctuary welcome table or talk with Religious Education director, Michele Grove.
Our Unitarian Universalist Principles
Although Unitarian Universalists profess no creed, we have over the years voted to affirm principles which guide us. The version of our principles below was written by religious educators for UU children; it is also the underlying theme of all our religious education (R.E.) classes.
We believe...
That each & every person is important
That all people should be treated fairly & kindly
That we should accept one another & keep on learning together
That each person must be free to search for what is true & right in life
That all persons should have a vote about the things that concern them
In working for a peaceful, fair & free world
In caring for our planet earth, the home we share with all living things.
How Can You Help Make Religious Education Meaningful?
Bring your child regularly.
Our religion does not use fear or guilt to compel members to church each Sunday. However, your child will benefit greatly if you can strive for regular attendance (at least several times a month.) Many of our lessons are sequential; the child who attends sporadically will miss key activities or stories. Even more importantly, irregular attendance means your child may find it harder to develop the friendships with other UU children that enrich the R.E. experience.
Dress your child for action.
As a parent, you know that children learn by doing-and many times, doing is a messy process. Our R.E. lessons always include an activity, from planting bulbs and painting murals to building a Tower of Babel.
Learn about our program.
You can reinforce what your child learns on Sunday by discussing the projects and handouts she or he brings home. Please visit the classroom during coffee hour and look at our curriculum materials.
Volunteer.
Additional religious education teachers are always needed. Our materials are fun and easy to use, even if you've never taught before. Each teacher agrees to work with a class for at least two weeks (although many people teach more!) If you can't devote that much time, volunteer a Sunday in the nursery with the little ones or as a classroom assistant. We can also always use help keeping the rooms tidy and well-supplied.
Tell others about our program.
Many of our R.E. activities would be more enjoyable for the children if the classes were larger. (It's hard to teach cooperation through a noncompetitive game with only one child!) If you have friends with a similar liberal religious philosophy, invite them and their children to church. If you need additional copies of this brochure to share, check the pamphlet rack at church or call the R.E. chair.
Please check the Calendar of Events for Adult Spiritual Enrichment opportunities.
