The First Unitarian Universalist Society of MariettaThe
Liberal Religious Voice of the Mid-Ohio Valley
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Religious Education
We seek to provide a diverse program, consisting of structured learning activities, hands on opportunities to express creativity and ample time for socialization among peers. Our goals for children:
• An understanding of principles and purposes in keeping with UU tradition
• Personal development as thinking, caring, compassionate, responsible human beings
• Behavior patterns which encourage careful thought, social responsibility and awareness
• A sense of belonging to a wider community of people
• The development of spiritual identity and individual values
• An understanding of a variety of religious traditions and experiences from around the world
We strive to provide resources and support necessary to maintain a dynamic religious education (RE) program and nourish the spiritual development of our children based on their needs. We believe our children are our greatest gift and our hope for tomorrow.
Our RE Mission
Our mission is: Expose children to a wide range of spiritually based materials originating from our UU heritage and many traditions around the world. We encourage children to feel free to ask questions and formulate their own ideas as an aid to development of their own spirituality. We strive to provide them with knowledge that will assist them as they continue their spiritual quests as adults.
During participation in our program throughout childhood, children will have had the opportunity to attend classes pertaining to a variety of subjects (UUism, Christian & Hebrew faiths as well as other World Religions, Bible and other religious literary works, community action, peace/social justice issues, and recognizing/handling teen stress issues).
Interested youth will have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular programs, as well. Our Whole Lives (OWL) is based on a curriculum geared to provide age-appropriate education in the area of human sexuality. We offer programs for Grades 7-9 and Grades 10-12. The Coming of Age program is directed at senior high youth and involves study in a variety of areas, such as ethics and UU history. Curriculums used vary depending on the facilitators’ preferences. This course culminates in a trip to Boston to the UUA headquarters.
Program Plans for 2006-07 Church Year
Classes are held in the Religious Education Building next door. Please refer to the map displayed on the Religious Education Information table to the right of the front foyer showing classroom locations. Copies of this map are also on the wall next door and downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Level A (Age 5-7): We Are Many, We Are One
This curriculum encourages children to discover and express their uniqueness as they learn about their religious tradition and community. They will use their emotions, minds and bodies as they develop a sense of self-esteem and identity within the UU community and the world. It is based on the concept that children learn about religion through relationships. Primary goal: Children are invited to learn and grow religiously.
Level B (Age 8-10): Spirit of Adventure
A UU curriculum approached from a new angle, it is written especially for active 2nd through 5th graders. Its unique themes include food, architecture, medicine and science and uses active play, such as treasure hunting, an obstacle course and circus arts. Some of the things that are covered are helping each other stay safe, taking care of and nurturing others, being curious and creative, loving animals, exploring and living simply.
Level C (Age 11-13): A Stepping Stone Year
This curriculum is based on ideas that people find answers to important life questions through religion and that Unitarian Universalists find these for themselves. It helps kids understand and articulate their ideas as they begin to take structured steps toward forming their own religious concepts and identities. It draws on UU tradition, myth, science and other spiritual and secular sources to assist children in their inquiries.
Teen Level (Age 14-18): Sacred Threads:
An Asian Religious Curriculum for High School Youth
A curriculum designed to help youth understand the basic concepts of major Asian religions. They will identify and compare these religions to each other and Unitarian Universalism, and explore how these beliefs may relate to their own spiritual journeys. This program helps youth gain an understanding of what “being religious” means, especially in Asian cultures, as well as covering ideas shared by people of various religious persuasions.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
The OWL sexual education curriculum, developed by the UUA and United Church of Christ, is offered to junior and senior high school age children by three certified teachers in our congregation.
Adult RE
Currently there are two regularly scheduled opportunities for adults interested in furthering their religious education. A group meets every Sunday at 9:15 am, prior to the worship service, to discuss issues of the day. Topics typically are obtained from articles published in the New York Review of Books. A second group meets every Sunday evening at 7:00pm to discuss spiritual issues of import to the participants.
Other classes with structured curricula are held throughout the year. These are often facilitated by the Minister (though anyone so motivated is welcome to facilitate.