Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island

Religious Education

Children's Religious Education

Director of Religious Education: Vanessa

CRE sessions are from 10:00 - 11:15 am Sunday, in classrooms adjacent to the Unitarian Universalist regular services in our new building. (See home page for directions and map.)

Our program begins with Wonder Play (newborn to age 2), Spirit Play (ages 3-6), Spirit Play Too! (ages 7-10), and MAGS (Middle Ages Group) (ages 11-14).

Parents-Are you looking for a values-based religious education for your kids that promotes:

• respect for all people and all spiritual paths,
• working for a better world,
• growing in spirit and mind
• learning more about oneself, and
• making new friends & enjoying new activities?

New students may join at any time and visitors are welcome to attend. You are required to sign-in the children you bring so we know where to find you and so we are aware of any special needs. School-age children enrolled in CRE classes attend the first part of the adult service each Sunday, and following the "story for all ages", join their teachers and classmates in the adjacent classrooms.

What is a typical RE class like?

We strive to have a familiar and predictable structure to our classes so the children know what to expect. This can be very comforting, particularly for younger children.

Our Spirit Play and Youth classes work within this basic structure:

• Gathering: This is the time to collect messages, share greetings, and welcome newcomers.
• Opening Ritual: Lighting a chalice, singing a welcoming song, saying an affirmation that reinforce our ideals of Unitarian Univeralism and a short introduction to the day's lesson.
  Chalice Lighting: This sets the tone for the session and celebrates the time and space as "sacred." The flame is a symbol of our faith - the warmth of friendship, the fire of goodness, and a light to lead the way.
  Words: Children will learn and say a commonly shared UU affirmation.
  Community Building Activity: Children are invited to share their joys and/or concerns and drop a pebble in a bowl of water. Each child will have an opportunity to have his/her ideas heard every Sunday. Each child will also have the right to 'pass' if that is their preference.
• Focus/Story: An activity or discussion to set the theme for the session. All stories and activities support UU Principles and ideals.
• Activities: The purpose of the activities is to help reinforce the theme. Occasionally an age-appropriate game will be enjoyed during the activity time, or as part of the ending gathering time.
• Feast: Children will be provided a nutritious snack and drink and an opportunity to come together in community.
• Gathering/Closing Ritual: The gathering time is used to pull the group back together for reinforcement of the day's theme, and a closing ritual.

In addition, the children and youth will have opportunities to participate in intergenerational activities, social action projects, and community building activities. We look forward to working with you and your child!