The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover: Religious Education for our Children

Religious Education for our Children

Director of Religious Education
Thea Shapiro

Sunday services and children's classes are held at:
10:30 AM from September to June.

Children and adults are together during the first 15-20 minutes of the worship service until children disperse to their programs. Nursery care is available. Coffee hour is held following the service for fellowship, snacks, and conversation. All are welcome. The schedule of Summer Sunday services begins on the fourth Sunday in June and ends on the Sunday before Labor Day in September. Worship begins at 9:30 AM. Religious Education classes and nursery care are not available. Please stop by the Welcome Table during coffee hour to sign our Visitor's Book.

Office Hours:
Tuesday and Wednesday 9 to 1
September through June.

Phone: (978) 475-4454
Address: 6 Locke Street

The goal of the Religious Education program at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover (UUCiA) is to provide the resources for developing a meaningful personal religious philosophy. We hope to encourage the development of faith within our children and youth and to nurture their curiosity about their world, their cultural heritage, their social concerns, and, as they mature, an awareness of other religious teachings. We feel that our children and youth are an integral part of our religious community, which is, reflected in our Religious Education program.

The Religious Education Committee selects age-appropriate curricula that encourage positive self-esteem, respect for each person's individuality, environmental respect and responsibility, an appreciation of our religious traditions, understanding and tolerance of the opinions and differences of other traditions, and the means to practice their faith through social action.

Program Overview
We operate on a two-year plan that covers five areas of study: UU Identity, Jewish-Christian Heritage, World Religions, Social Action/Social Justice and the Interdependent Web. In addition, each year all age groups participate in a traditional gift to our community, "The Winter Pageant," and other intergenerational worship experiences. The themes for the first year in this cycle for

Grade 1 - Grade 6: UU History and Identity, Jewish/Christian Heritage, and Social Action/Social Justice. During the second year the children will continue their study of UU History and Identity, along with World Religions and the Interdependent Web.
The Jr. High (beginning in Grade 6 the first year) follow a three-year plan: World Religions, Coming of Age, and Our Whole Lives (a study of human sexuality).

The Sr. High group, (9th grade and up) participate in group programming on Sunday mornings that they design with their adult leaders. In addition, we offer youth group programs for our Junior and Senior High Youth on Sunday evenings.
The preschool class (ages 3 1/2 in September- age 5) concentrate on one curriculum for the entire year with special activities and celebrations.
We provide loving care in our nursery for our babies and toddlers.

Ministry with Youth
We offer youth group programs for our Junior and Senior High age youth. YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) developed over the years from a rich history of Unitarian and Universalist youth organizations that date back as far s the 1890s. The group invites youth leadership and direction with advisor support through the YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) . A balanced youth program is developed through five areas of interest: Social Action, Worship, Activities and Fellowship, Learning and Leadership. The YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) is comprised of 5 youth members from both the Jr. and Sr. High groups, 2 adults from our community, and ex-officioinput from the Youth Advisor and the Director of Religious Education. The YAC meets every few months and the youth group gathers bi-monthly on Sunday evenings for programming and socialization.

Special Needs
We welcome all children and youth into our congregation. If you or your child have any special needs of which we need to be aware, please let us know. This could be food allergies, environmental concerns, physical and emotional limitations. Please speak with the Director of Religious Education.

Registration
Please complete a registration form for your child or young person. The information is critical so that we may provide the most "worthshipful," meaningful and safe place for your children. Registration forms are located on back table in worship hall.

ONE-Each person is important,
TWO-Be kind in all you do,
THREE-We're free to learn together,
FOUR-And search for what is true,
FIVE-All people need a vote,
SIX-Build a fair and peaceful world,
SEVEN-We care for Earth's lifeboat.
That will bring us back to me and UU…..(repeat)

Blessed Be.


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Religious Education for our Children

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