Children and Youth
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The goal of religious education at the UUFSA is to: Stir up our young people's minds Encourage them to observe clearly and carefully Inspire a love of truth Strengthen their powers of thought Support their search for answers to life's difficult questions In the Sanctuary Our service begins with families together in the sanctuary for chalice lighting and welcoming words after which the young people go to their own class. Our youngest children may start in their classroom.
Our children present "Stories for All Ages", help gather non-perishable food donations for the local Ecumenical Food Pantry and, with their parents, serve as chalice lighters. |
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In their classes Classes take place both indoors and in our outdoor classroom. |
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Nursery through preschool A nurturing environment is provided for children to interact with other children and adults and to explore ideas through books, music, art, and construction materials. Through entertaining and age-appropriate materials, we introduce children to our UU Principles. https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe/principles/for-kids Elementary School This year, classes will be drawn from two UUA curricula: "Love Will Guide Us" and "Holidays and Holy Days" Love Will Guide Us https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/loveguide In this program, students will ask BIG questions such as: "Where did we come from?" "What is our relationship to the Earth and other creatures?" "How can we respond with love, even in bad situations?" "What happens when you die?" Students will begin to shape their own answers to these questions guided by the wisdom from our UU Sources (direct experience, words and deeds of prophetic women and men, wisdom of the world’s religions, Humanist teachings, Earth-centered traditions). Students will come to appreciate that asking questions is highly valued in Unitarian Universalism. Holidays and Holy Days https://uucnrv.org/uucwp/wp-content/uploads/Holidays-and-Holy-Days-All-Year.pdf This curriculum is designed to broaden our children’s understanding of people and cultures from around the world through the Holidays and Holy Days they celebrate. |
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Middle and High School
Our older students' activities will focus on social justice guided by the UUA curriculum "Heeding the Call." |
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Heeding the Call: Qualities of a Justice Maker
https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/call Heeding the Call is a social justice curriculum that not only explores linked oppressions in our society, but also encourages students towards personal growth in values that counteract the marginalization of others. Workshops on empathy, courage, abundance, joy, and other qualities ask students to recognize how these can be tools for justice. Additionally, the program includes more concrete tools, such as suggestions on how to be a good ally and tips on the language of conflict resolution. True stories of courage, sacrifice and collaboration, role-plays, games, and a program-long justice project will feed youth’s rising realization that we are all called to love justice—not just with our words, but also with our deeds. |
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Festivals and Social action
Our young people will host festivals for the entire UUFSA membership and engage in social action. During the past congregational year, students hosted fall and spring festivals with raffles, prizes and give a ways, that raised funds for HorsePlay Therapy Center and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. No one is too young to make a difference. |
Join us!