Ministry of Lifespan Religious Education

The Religious Education (RE) program at UUCOC embodies the principles of Lifespan RE.

The Religious Education Program for Children and Youth takes place in the Hope Building on Sunday mornings from 11:15 a.m. to noon and on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 7:50 p.m. The curriculum is created by the Minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Rev. Marcia Shannon, with the goal of weaving the sermon themes into an age appropriate, relevant, hands-on lesson plan for our children and youth.

The integration of adult, youth and children's themes each week is meant to encourage dialogue between parents/guardians and their children outside of our Sunday morning gathering.

Worship (Ministry of Word) and Religious Education (Ministry of Teaching) are equally valued as curriculum for our children. Children and youth remain in the service each Sunday, learning UU principles and practices through participation in the rituals, stories, music and prayers of worship.

Religious Education is a COOPERATIVE process!

Parents: Besides engaging in our RE program at church, they continue a child’s religious education where it matters most — in the home.

Congregation: Each person who attends our church is a religious educator.

Teachers: They provide a safe and loving environment in which our children are encouraged to grow.

Our RE program is presented here in several sections:

InterGenerational Worship

• Why do we have InterGeneration Services?
• The philosophy of Intergenerational Worship
• Logistics of the Sunday Worship Service:
• Teen, Youth, Teachers & Parent Designated Seating
• Youth & Children's Magic Carpet Area
• Cooperative Nursery

Children's Religious Education

• Philosophy & Mission
• The Director of Religious Education
• Introduction
• The Teachers 
• Introduction of Individual Teachers
• Best Practice & Safety Guidelines
• The Parents
• Cooperative Participation & Support
• The Students
• Registration & Consent Forms
• Code of Conduct & Computer Access Expectations
• Special Needs Accommodations
• The Classrooms
• Teens: Ages 12-17
• Youth: Ages 8-12
• Children: Ages 5-8
• Nursery: Toddlers & Infants

Adult Religious Education

• Post Service Discussion Group
• Our American Roots: 
  - Unitarian Universalism in North America
• Credo Group
• Meditation Group

"Handprints"
Please click to view our RE slide show and enjoy some of our activities.