REgeneration

This year in Children’s Religious Education, we begin to explore "religious pluralism" and consider ways that people of different religions do and can act together in the world. It has been said that many Unitarian Universalist congregations approach the material of world religions as one might select appetizers from an á la carte menu, picking only those items that are safely palatable.  It would be simple for us to present world religious thought without the gravitas of how it informs our own path-finding.  We could offer a flavorful smattering of Judeo-Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Native American, Pagan, Buddhist, etc., narrative tapas to our kids, but to what end?  Assuredly, we would have worldlier and more culturally informed youth.  

However, we strive for this year’s “pillar” in our curriculum map to serve as a foundation for next year’s “pillar” of UU Values in Action.  While the dominant stories about religion in the world showcase conflict and disagreement, we offer our kids an understanding of religious pluralism as a new story focused on interfaith cooperation, which is also the goal of this program.  Our kids will explore their own ideas about the role of religion in the world and discover why it might be important for people of different faiths to work together.  And thus, like a well-constructed finishing sauce made of carefully chosen ingredients (the universal truths), the entrées of our spiritual lives are made sublime.

Budding in Buddhism (preK-2nd grade)

Led by Cathy Snow, a student of Zen Buddhism and an active member of the Religious Education Committee, our youngest children will be graced with an introduction to various types of Buddhist thought.  Each class begins with chalice lighting, a lesson or story of the day, a short meditation and an activity.  The Zen Shorts series by Jon J. Muth will feature prominently in this curriculum.

Timeless Themes (3rd & 4th grades)

Developed by the UUA, this curriculum has a long history of success in many congregations across the nation.  Long-time member Joy Purcell leads our children in these well-known biblical stories.  The purpose in presenting these stories is to offer our children both the cultural literacy that comes from their hearing these stories from schoolmates as well as the sheer benefit of any personal religious meanings or truths derived from them.  Long-time member Joy Purcell leads our children in these well-known biblical stories. She brings her love of children and her extensive experience teaching in service this year.  For more information on this curriculum, consider a Google search.

Neighboring Faiths (5th – 7th grades)  

To reflect on the unique and universal of religious experience is the main goal of this program.  It’s an exciting curriculum for our oldest kids because they will study different faith systems and then field trip to visit various faith communities.  This curriculum was formerly known as “Church in My Backyard” but has undergone updates and revisions.  Diane St. Pierre provides leadership for 5th through 7th graders.  Diane St. Pierre has been a member of UUCFM since the early 90’s. Diane has served on many committees in our church community including RE, the Board of Trustees, CUUPS, a search committee and the nominating committee to name a few.

CURRICULUM MAP – A GUIDING FRAMEWORK for Religious Education Planning

Our Religous Education curriculum map rotates on a four year cycle, allowing our children to revisit the same “pillars of ultimate concern” as they develop cognitively, emotionally and physically. The result is a system that allows siblings within families to have similar Unitarian Universalist experiences, which helps to reinforce an inner Unitarian Universalist identity.