Heartland UU Church

RE Schedule

July/August

The Ocean Environment - All Ages

September

Primary Youth - (Ages 4-8)

4 -

Older Youth - (Ages 9-and up)

4 - Mentor facilitated discussion: Mentor Needed

Religious Exploration

Our current RE program is divided by age: Nursery, 4-8 year olds, and 9 and older.

Spirit Circles explore various topics with the intention of deepening understanding of UU principles and the children's connections with their church community, the wider community, and the world through stories, discussion, activities, crafts, and music. An important message is to stand up for what we believe in as opposed to defining ourselves by what we are against. At least once a quarter, children will merge their spirit circles for an all ages experience.

The intention of our What Do You Stand For? program is to empower youth to take action and make a positive difference in their communities and the world. An important message is to stand up for what we believe in as oppposed to defining ourselves by what we are against. Our children have been involved in a Reusable Bag Campaign, World Water Day and other causes close to their hearts. Our program emphasizes nurturing their spirits and listening to their hearts as they engage in positive action and make their voices heard!

Scrapbooking Project - The children are creating scrapbooks which reflect their values and will work on these intermittently throughout the year. These gatherings will take the format of a spirit circle.

We offered a successful OWL (Our Whole Lives) sexuality education program as an option in the fall of 2009 for 9-12 year olds. The class met once a week from Sept-Nov. If you have any questions about OWL, which is a lifespan program, please visit www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/ourwhole/ and feel free to contact us regarding future programs.

Intergenerational services are for all ages and children's RE is not offered on these dates although Nursery & Toddler Care is available.

Our RE program begins after the children's story in our service and ends by noon.

Our Nursery & Toddler Care is available from 10:15am - 11:30am

Teens are welcome to either join the adult service or join us in the RE program as mentors. Regionally, UUs support youth convocations for jr. high and sr. high youth. Please contact the RE Council (re@heartlanduuchurch.org) for further information.

Our children are honored members of our church and often participate in our services!

RE Mission Statement

Heartland Unitarian Universalist Church's Children's Religious Exploration program strives to create a safe, supportive, fun community that respects and celebrates life by promoting curiosity, empathy, and self confidence, while nurturing spiritual discovery and self-expression.