Religious Education
Lifespan Religious Education
The purpose of Lifespan Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango is to nurture and affirm each individual's sense of identity, self-esteem and tolerance. To do this, we incorporate the study of our cultural and religious heritage, world religions, moral values, and social responsibility. Programming, as described below, is available for all ages.
Children's Sunday Religious Education Classes
2012-2013 School Year
“Bunnies” (ages 0-5): Childcare provided from 10am-12pm.
“Eagles” (grades K-5): Class from 10:15-11:30 with childcare available from 11:30-12:00.
Curriculum: "Human Rights for Children"
To promote peace and human dignity in our society, we need to help children develop an awareness of their own human rights and the rights of others. The "Human Rights for Children" curriculum teaches universal rights, and encourages the development of self-worth and multicultural awareness in children. The theme of human rights is grounded in the Buddhist lovingkindness meditation and in the second UU principle: the inherent worth and dignity of all people, including immigrants. Children will explore their own family stories while learning about immigration in the US. The program is a lively journey of justice and compassion that culminates in a Family Night, where children share what they have discovered.
The program is based on the following 10 principles from the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child:
- Principle 1: We are the children of the world. No matter who our parents are, where we live, or what we believe, treat us as equals. We deserve the best the world has to offer.
- Principle 2: Protect us, so that we may grow in freedom and with dignity.
- Principle 3: Let us each be given a name and have a land to call our own.
- Principle 4: Keep us warm and sheltered. Give us food to eat and a place to play. If we are sick, nurse us and comfort us.
- Principle 5: If we are handicapped in body or mind, treasure us even more and meet our special needs.
- Principle 6: Let us grow up in a family. If we cannot be cared for by our own family, take us in and love us just the same.
- Principle 7: Teach us well, so that we may lead happy and productive lives. But let us play, so that we may teach ourselves.
- Principle 8: In times of trouble, help us among the first. The future of the world depends on us.
- Principle 9: Protect us from cruelty and from those who would use us badly.
- Principle 10: Raise us with tolerance, freedom, and love. As we grow up, we too will promote peace and understanding throughout the world.
"The Hundred Acre Wood" (grades 6 through high school): Class from 10:15-11:30.
This year the youth will be busy with service projects focusing on the seven UU principles. After spending last year comparing world religions, they will focus on their own spiritual paths with a new appreciation of what it means to be UU. They will delve deeply into the 5th UU principle (the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large) with the November 6th election by working on the “Get Out the Vote” campaign with the Social Justice Committee.
"Our Whole Lives (OWL)" is a series of sexuality education curricula for five age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, and adults. Times and dates vary each semester, depending on need.
"Young Adult and Family Group" meets for monthly potlucks and activities. Contact Jill Stone at stonejm for more information.
"Adult RE" programs, topics, dates, and times vary.
Meeting Schedule:
The RE Committee meets quarterly. Meetings times are random and are announced several weeks ahead of time.
Members:
Members of the RE Committee include:
-Lisa McCorry - RE Committee Chairperson
- Terri Reherman - RE Director
- Kathleen Adams - Youth Director
-Ron Harshman - RE Committee liaison to the Board of Trustees
All parents of RE children
Current Priorities/Needs:
RE currently is in need of:
-volunteer teachers for the 2014-2014 school year
-volunteer artists willing to lead an art activity with children on a Sunday in the summer of 2013
-snacks for the RE kids on any Sunday morning
-toddler games, toys, books
-any arts & crafts supplies
More information is available at the UUA website- www.uua.org