The purpose of this page is to provide a brief overview of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga’s Religious Education (RE) Program. Described below are our basic principles and theory behind our curricula. If you would like personal information about our Director of Religious Education (DRE) use the link at the left, "DRE Bio." If you would like specific information regarding up-coming events, our committee, or our current theme please contact our DRE. Further information regarding Unitarian Universalist theology and our Principles and Purpose can be found at www.uua.org.

The Religious Education Committee will provide a program for children and young adults that nurture them as they grow ethically and spiritually on their personal journeys of faith. The goals for the children’s education program are to help children and youth develop:

• A sense of purpose and recognition of self worth.
  
• A sense of belonging to a loving, caring, respectful community.
  
• A religious identity as Unitarian Universalist with an awareness of our Principles and Purposes, our history and the diverse sources from which we draw inspiration.
  
• A commitment to Unitarian Universalist values and a sense of how that commitment translates into action.
  
• A respect for other people and an understanding of the many religious traditions.
  
• An awareness of the interconnectedness of ourselves, our community and all inhabitants of the world.
  
• A sense of wonderment and recognition of the fullness of life, its challenges and its blessings.

We invite you and your children to join us.

Religious Education is a year-round program, divided into trimesters: September through December, January through April, and May through August. We offer three multi-age groups; Nursery, birth through four years old; youth group, ages five through eleven; teen, ages twelve through nineteen. These guidelines are used by the DRE and parents to jointly decide the best placement for each individual. Each group has one consistent staff/RE Committee Member to supervise the program. We rely on our congregation to volunteer regularly. We find that this multi-age model works well for our members. Through mentoring we encourage older children to engage and encourage younger members during lessons. We require parents to register their children for each trimester. Snack and drink are provided by the church at the end of each lesson.

• 10:45 Nursery and childcare available for the 11 am service.
  
• 11:00 Service begins, youth and teen groups gather with congregation in main hall.
  
• 11:15 Story for all ages and dismissal to classes.
  
• 11:20 Various activities and lessons followed by craft and snack.
  
• 11:50 Clean-up, wrap-up, and good byes.
  
• 12:00 RE Lessons close; meet downstairs upon service completion.
  
• 12:00 Coffee and conversation in the main lobby.
  

This trimester’s theme is Earth Song.

Through songs and stories, we will introduce various cultural traditions. Lessons will incorporate music, singing, movement and instrument creations. We will listen to stories about Native Americans, Shakers, African tribes and more. The youth will construct simple instruments to participate rhythmically during songs. We will taste food from the songs origin as well as create traditional crafts. By playing games we will identify musical sounds from around our world.

A unit studies approach will necessitate multiple Sunday’s of layered learning per culture. Registration is of utmost importance so the DRE can contact you regarding up-coming events. We suggest a modest $5 fee for each child. If this is a financial hardship, it will be waived.

Music expression is collaborative; anyone who would like to share in our experience is welcome! Musicians, storytellers, craftspeople, everyone has something to share with this multi-sensory curriculum. We are going to be a blast! The Religious Education Com-mittee is excited to have so many wonderful playmates. See you there.

The RE committee, Director, Teen Advisors, and Board Members take pride in our program. We continuously strive to develop the best program possible, keeping the needs of our diverse community in mind. Besides our Sunday morning experiences, we offer family and multigenerational activities. Be sure to register to stay informed of upcoming programs.

What is expected of me as a parent of a child in the Religious Education Program?

Ours is a cooperative program. Its success depends on the talents and energy of many in our congregation. Parents are expected to support their child’s spiritual growth by taking part in their religious education. Each parent is expected to volunteer as a teacher or assistant in an RE classroom a minimum of once a month. If you feel that you cannot commit to teaching, we request that you volunteer to assist in some other way.

The most important ways to support your child's religious exploration are to; attend church as regularly as possible, show an interest by asking what happens in class, and share your own beliefs with your child at home.

May visitors attend an RE class?

Visiting friends and family are always welcome to RE classrooms. If you would like to attend an RE class, just check in with the teacher and let them know you are visiting or observing for the day. We ask that you be respectful of the class and its activities. Visiting children are welcome to join an RE class or stay with a parent in the service. If attending class, please accompany your child to the classroom and introduce yourself and child to the teacher. After two visits we ask that you fill out an RE Registration Form. We love the see new faces in our classrooms; it means new friends to make!

What do you tell children about God?

We try to introduce ideas at a developmentally appropriate age. A lot of children do believe in God at an early age, and that’s okay. If they don’t, that’s okay too.

What do you say to children about Jesus?

We teach that Jesus was a Jewish teacher and prophet whose life offers many lessons to those who study it.

How do we stay in touch?

E-mail’s an ideal way to reach Amy during the week with questions or otherwise. Messages regarding up-coming events will be sent when necessary. Of course if email is not a reliable option, leave your phone number on the registration form and you’ll be contacted with a friendly phone call.

Where can I read the Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purpose? To read a copy of our Principles and Purpose follow this link: www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html

Feel free to explore further. We hope this page has been helpful and answered many of your questions. We look forward to meeting you.

June 5th On the first Sunday of each month this summer, the kids will plan a field trip for the following Sunday. Notices will then go out through email and a calling tree.

June 12th Kids, their transporters and supervisors will go on the chosen field trip. nursery will be open for the younger ones.

June 19th Third Sundays will be water days. In addition to crafts, etc. the kids may choose to participate in water games.

June 26th A surprise camp activity will be offered on each 4th Sunday.