Taryn Strauss

Director of Religious Education

September 2009

Below is a lineup of RE classes we will be teaching this year. For more detailed descriptions, pick up an RE brochure or visit the RE pages on our website.

PreK: 7 Principles
K-1st Grade: Spiritplay!
2nd & 3rd Grade: Pillar Model (UU Identity, World Religions, Judeo/Christian, Social Justice)
4th & 5th Grade: Toolbox of Faith
6th & 7th Grade: Hero’s Journey/Sacred Sisters (fall)
Traditions with a Wink (spring)
8th Grade: You the Creator
7th & 8th Grade: Our Whole Lives (Sunday evenings, spring)
9th Grade: Coming of Age (COA)
10th-12th Grade: Young Religious UUs (YRUU)

This curriculum offers a strong foundation in UU identity, principles, sources and traditions. We provide a background in world religions, stories from our Judeo-Christian heritage and an understanding of current social justice issues. We equip the children with stories and parables that help them define their values and make informed choices.
The five components of a balanced RE program are education, spirituality, community building, social justice and leadership. As a child grows through this program, he will receive a strong foundation in these five elements. When he reaches high school age, he is empowered to determine his own curriculum and activities in YRUU.

As we head into the 2009-10 church year, we must prepare for a few changes. Due to budget cuts, we will not be offering a Sunday snack for children beyond 1st grade. So parents, please feed your child a hearty breakfast beforehand, and let your child know there will not be a snacktime at church. The upside is that teachers will have more time this year to devote to the curriculum.

This year, we’ll also introduce Youth Worship where teachers and students will gather in Jefferson House once a month for a brief worship time before class. I am excited to engage our youth in a worship that is designed specifically for them. I look forward to a rich, meaningful and fun-filled year of multigenerational community and learning. Who knows what great ideas will manifest as the year unfolds? I can’t wait to find out.