RE Curricula 2016-2017

CUUC Lifespan Religious Education fosters a diverse community of all ages where people are accepted and loved for who they are. Our community supports an open exploration of beliefs, guided by Unitarian Universalist Principles. We inspire spiritual growth and strive to make a difference in the world.

The curricula used in our Religious Education Ministry are chosen to best facilitate the child’s natural progression into awareness of self, others and the world of which we are all a part.

Nursery & Pre-K: Chalice Children strives not just to teach about our faith, but also to provide experiences around the strength of community, the wonder and awe that transcend everyday understanding, and life issues we all share. Early childhood is filled with curiosity and wonder. In a group setting, with loving adult guides, young children can engage in spiritual seeking, develop their openness to sharing, and experience the benefit of a supportive community.

K-1st grade: The Discovery Year nurtures children’s spiritual and religious growth through connections to an ever-widening environment. It offers discovery and celebration as children explore their own and other kinds of families, the congregation, nature, and religious and cultural days.

2nd-3rd grade: Free to Believe and Love Will Guide Us explore UU Principles and Sources while nurturing the social, emotional and spiritual lives of children. With an emphasis on love, the curricula help children consider life’s “big questions” through hands-on activities, stories, games, songs and discussions. Children learn that asking questions is valued, even as they begin to shape their own answers.

4th-5th grade: Toolbox of Faith invites participants to reflect on the qualities of our UU faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith.

Sing to the Power affirms our UU heritage of confronting "powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love." Participants experience their own power, and understand how it can help them to be leaders.

6th-7th grade: Riddle and Mystery assists children in their own search for understanding. Each session introduces and processes a Big Question that can be found on almost anyone’s list of basic life inquiries.

Heeding the Call explores linked oppressions in our society and also encourages personal growth in values that counteract the marginalization of others. Youth learn that as people of faith we are all called to love justice, with our words and also with our deeds.

8th-9th grade: Our Whole Lives is a sexuality education program for youth that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It is a holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it comprehensively addresses sexuality and relationship topics.

10th-12th grade: Youth Group is a flexible but structured program for our youth. The group determines the exact content of sessions, engaging in activities here at CUUC as well as in the community. Youth Group leads a worship service for the congregation and also hosts a Pancake Brunch.

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Our Whole Lives Lifespan Comprehensive Sexuality Education Series is an age-appropriate education program that promotes sexual and relationship health. The series provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information, increases self-esteem, develops interpersonal skills, and teaches responsibility for personal health and safety. Parents are required to attend an orientation and sign a permission form in order for their children to participate.