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 with their own eyes Inspire a love of truth Strengthen their powers of thought Support their search for their own 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.
Once each month our children participate in an intergenerational story, help gather non-perishable food donations for the local Ecumenical Food Pantry and, with their parents, serve as chalice lighters. |
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. Elementary and middle school Age-appropriate, UUA curricula help children think about the gift of loving relationships, the roles and responsibilities of being part of a community and their place in the natural world. Students are encouraged to shape their own answers to big questions. |
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This year classes will be drawn from two UUA curricula:
Miracles is designed for a wide age span of young people, and it provides a prolonged encounter with awe and wonder with frequent opportunities for scientific exploration. Through stories and hands-on activities, our young people will engage in defining and discerning the miraculous and discover their own agency for miracle-making. Amazing Grace will help our young people understand right and wrong and act on their new understanding. It will equip them for moving safely and productively through middle and high school years, when they will be continually tugged toward both end of the ethics continuum. High School
With the guidance of a facilitator, the curriculum is directed by the students themselves as they seek to understand who they are and to find their place in the world. |
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Festivals and Social action.
Our young people plan to continue hosting festivals for the entire UUFSA membership and engaging in social action. During, this past congregational year, students hosted fall, and spring festivals with raffles, prizes and give a ways, and they spearheaded social action initiatives of their own choosing. No one is too young to make a difference. |
Join us!