Children's Religious Education

Our growing and vibrant Religion Education Department is led by RE Director Ann Scott and staffed by volunteer teachers. Sunday morning classes for toddlers through high school youth are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided in the toddler room for those too young or just not in the mood for preschool, and for those not up to an intergenerational service.

The whole church community meets together for the first 15 minutes of each service before the children go to their classes. Children light the chalice and collect the monthly HOPE offering. Once a month there is a children's story. Services throughout the year, especially the holiday services, are planned to include the children.

A well coordinated Unitarian Universalist curriculum is used in the classrooms based upon a unified theme decided upon each year by staff and parents. For further information, please contact the Director of Religious Education. This year's (2002/3) program by age group includes:

Nursery Care for infants through 2 1/2 year olds is the time to start building trust in Atkinson as a safe and trustworthy place full of caring and friendly people.

The Preschool Group, ages 3 & 4, are busy throughout the year making friends with peers and adults getting a taste of ritual from Chalice Children.

The Kindergarten Group: Treasure Hunting uses the theme of collecting treasures as a concrete way of involving children in the excitement of the search for the meaning of life. It addresses issues that children face daily, explores the meaning of Unitarian Universalist principles and values, and emphasizes an accepting and caring community.

The First and Second Grade Groups are increasing their understanding of Unitarian Universalism through We Believe. They meet separately at the beginning of each session and then often have joint activities.

The 3 & 4 Grade Groups learn about the origins and meanings of Holiday and Holy Days celebrations. Holidays are the natural, age-old vehicle of religious socialization. A holiday is not something to talk about . . . it's something to DO through decorations, costumes, dances, songs, foods, festivity, pageantry, solemnity, ceremony, and ritual.

The Fifth & Sixth Grade Group experiences their own creativity, as they discover they are part of the creative force in the world with You the Creator.

The Junior Youth Group (seventh & eighth grades) is taking a look at Traditions With A Wink. There is lots of fun and many chances to learn about UUism and themselves. The Coming of Age Program will be part of it in the spring. (Right: Wizard of Oz sleepover, February 2003, kicked off the Coming of Age program.

The YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalist) Senior Youth Group includes five components in its programming: worship; youth leadership development; fellowship; social justice and action; and learning. They meet Sunday mornings and other times for special activities like indoor rock climbing and bowling.

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