Religious Education

Religious Education is the heart of Unitarian Universalism. Asking questions, considering answers, learning from books, ideas and people, as well as our own experiences makes our faith a journey of lifelong learning. The Religious Education team comprised of Religious Education Director Mary Beth Dickey, parents and friends of children, and families selects curriculum materials shares teaching classes creates activities where learning is lived into experience. First Unitarian Church of South Bend supports learning for people of all ages. We celebrate holidays and Holy Days from major world religions. We learn about our own liberal religious heritage and values. I encourage you to continue shaping and clarifying your own religious beliefs and spiritual life. Involvement and regular participation will ensure your own continued learning. — Reverend Denise Tracy

Our Goals

• Create a supportive community within the classroom and our congregation in which each child feels like a respected and valued member of the group.
• Encourage children to reflect on their beliefs about God, religion, social issues, environmental responsibility and community.
• Introduce the beliefs and practices of Unitarian Universalism and other religious traditions and cultures.
• Recognize and celebrate the diversity among us.
• Help children become principled, ethical people who act upon their values.
• Nourish a sense of wonder.
• Have fun!

— William Ellery Channing

2007-2008 Curricula

Primary ~ 1^st – 3^rd Grade

Intermediate ~ 4^th – 6^th Grade

Teens ~ 7^th – 12^th Grade

Child Care & Nursery

Notes to Parents

• We miss children who miss RE! Please come regularly.
• Please register your child for the RE program so we can keep in touch with you.
• RE classes are held concurrently with the morning service, but children join their parents for the first part of the worship service before going to class.
• Family Sundays, when children join their parents for the entire service, will be announced in the newsletter.
• Four times a year, children 5 years old up join together for chapel, featuring music, special visitors and projects.
• Most of the younger children’s classes include an arts and crafts component. Clothing should be washable.
• Please remind your child that good behavior is expected in our classroom and worship settings. If problems arise, parents may be called to help.
• From time to time, you may be asked to volunteer in the classroom. Parental involvement is important to the success of our RE program.
• When a given curriculum contains sexually-sensitive materials, parents will be advised.
• In accordance with our Board policy, all volunteers working with our children read and sign the UUA Sexual Ethics statement. In addition, paid RE employees submit references and agree to a background check. A copy of this policy is available through the church office.
• Please remember to watch your children on our playground before and after church as no adult supervision is provided.

Unaccompanied Child Policy

All children and youth (under age 18) attending Sunday School at First Unitarian Church, South Bend, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or designated adult. When the accompanying adult is not a parent or guardian, the classroom teacher should be informed. When possible the minister and chair of the Religious Education committee should also be informed.