Taryn Strauss

Director of Religious Education

REflections

July 2008

The Religious Education (RE) staff and committee have planned a vibrant program for next fall that will offer a deeper level of faith development, more intergenerational worship, and better family communication.

In addition, we will introduce two new curricula to the early (9:15am) RE program:

sUUper Plays – Through the interactive power of theatre, grades 3-5 will explore stories of social justice, world religions, UU Identity and Judeo-Christian heritage.Every Sunday, the children will hear stories that shape UU religious traditions and beliefs. Then they will create short plays based on what they learned. Each child will have a role. I am thrilled to be one of the first churches in our denomination to bring this curriculum to life. We may even integrate our sUUper Plays into an intergenerational worship!

Creating Home – This innovative program is designed for grades K-2. It offers a wonderful introduction to UU rituals, songs and traditions. Children learn about the various meanings of journeying and the return home, about our natural home, about our church home, and how to honor their own home and hearth.

Both of these classes will ONLY be offered during the early service, so if you think your child would love to participate, consider bringing your family to the 9:15 AM service.Also, begin checking your email on Thursday mornings for the RE Weekly Update. Shortly before the regular fall program resumes, this email will include information about your child’s upcoming class. You may wish to explore its spiritual issues alongside your child.

RE continues stronger than ever, and my intention is for us all to keep our momentum this summer and head into the fall with a lively, collaborative family ministry.