First Unitarian Society - Children's Religious Education

Our Children's Religious Education Program

Welcome!
Our Mission
Staff
Programs
Volunteer
Our Classes
Register
Dates

Welcome!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Children’s Religious Education Program at First Unitarian Society.

Our Children’s RE Program strives to create an environment in which children can ask those meaning-filled big questions and receive nurturance and guidance from caring adults. We hope that your children will come to see First Unitarian Society as a safe place where they can ask questions and seek fellowship and community with a diverse group of fellow seekers, young and old alike.

After you explore our web site, my hope is you will come to visit us and bring your children. You'll find a warm welcome. If you have any questions, please contact me. My telephone is (608) 233-9774 extension 112, or I can be reached by e-mail at kellyc@fusmadison.org as well.

Yours in growing faith,

Kelly

Kelly J. Crocker,
Minister of Religious Education
Kellyc@fusmadison.org (608)233-9774 x 112

Our Mission

The mission of the FUS Children’s Religious Education Program is to facilitate ethical and spiritual development in our children. They will be empowered to become free thinking individuals who:

• Know and respect themselves and others
• Contribute to their human and natural communities
• Make informed decisions regarding their spiritual paths

Our Goals

• Create community in the classroom, the congregation, and the UU movement.
• Help children and youth understand of the history of Unitarian Universalism.
• Strengthen them to stand against racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism, and other forms of prejudice.
• Help them respect the interdependent nature of all existence.
• Inspire appreciation for the Judeo-Christian world’s other great religions.
• Guide and support the development and expression of a personal faith.
• Develop integrity, responsibility, equity and love.

Meet Our Religious Education Staff and Lay Leaders


Kelly Jane Crocker, Minister of Religious Education 233-9774 x 112	Leslie Ross, Director of Religious Education 233-9774 x 119	Alex Rodinsky, Program Assistant for Religious Education 233-9774 x 114

Aiden Schmidt, Child Care Coordinator 513-5937	Janet Swanson Co-chair, CRE Committee	Paul Stephan Co-chair, CRE Committee

Services and Opportunities for Kids of Every Age

Our goal is to have engaging, age appropriate activities for every age.

For infants to age 3: Child Care

We have child care available for infants and toddlers during each of our worship services and during many parish events. Our silent pager system allows us to contact parents if their child is having difficulty in the child care room. In addition, our new facility will have a comfortable and sound-proof “cry room” which will allow parents to remain with their young children while listening to the service.

RE Classes ages 3 to 14

We have a vibrant RE program, with nearly 500 children enrolled in our classes and over 100 volunteer teachers for kids and youth 3 to 9th grade.

Classes meet during each of our worship times. In the early years, we focus on building a trusting community, helping children to feel safe and secure at FUS, and introducing them to UU principles. During the elementary school years we learn more about our UU history and traditions, the beliefs of other traditions, our evolutionary history, and the stories of the Bible.
In middle school, youth visit other places of worship, comparing the basic tenets of the worlds’ religions; engage in social justice and environmental service projects; and learn about relationship development and sexuality . Our program culminates with our 9th grade Coming of Age year. These students explore some of the “big questions” in life and develop and define their own faith beliefs. More detailed descriptions of class offerings are available here.

YRUU is for High School

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists, our high school youth group, meets on Sunday evenings. During our time together, we have lively conversations about our world, our faith, and our lives. We also engage in service projects that help us to better understand ourselves as compassionate agents of change. And sometimes, we just hang out and enjoy each others’ company!

Heather Thorpe

Other Opportunities

Children’s Choirs

We have several children’s choirs (divided by age), offering a special opportunity for children and youth to use their gift of music to serve our congregation. Our choirs are a strong and vibrant part of our community. They meet at various times on Wednesday nights. Please contact Heather Thorpe, our children’s choir director, for details: hathorpe@charter.net.

Child Dedications

Child dedications are a uniquely Unitarian Universalist naming ceremony which offers parents the opportunity to present their child(ren) to the congregation. During this time, our congregation commits to help the child grow in love, truth, justice, and peace. Child dedications are held four times during the year. Contact the Rev. Kelly Crocker to discuss/schedule a child dedication: 233-9774, x. 112, or kellyc@fusmadison.org.

Summer Fun

During the summer, concurrent with worship services, children ages 4 – 9 are invited to attend Summer Fun. During Summer Fun, children engage in arts activities, story time, and outdoor fun and games.

Note to Parents

Our children paint, run, play on the playground, dig in the dirt and do other things that may get messy. Comfortable and casual clothing is encouraged!

Volunteer Opportunities

Our RE programs could not be as strong as they are without the financial and human resources that our parents offer. Our programs depend on many volunteers, including over 100 teachers, snack coordinators, committee members, Summer Fun helpers and others throughout the year. We also depend on pledging members to help cover the actual expense of running our RE programs, which is estimated at $450 per child per year. This includes the cost of curricula, craft supplies, food, books, and staff. Parents are welcome to sit in on their children’s classes (except 7th grade and up) and are asked to bring snack several times during the year. On snack days, parents serve as classroom helpers. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the curriculum and the class community. When you register your child(ren) for religious education we ask that you commit to one of several volunteer needs.

Opportunities include:

Teaching

Most of our classes are taught by teams of four teachers. Each week, one teacher has the responsibility of leading the class, and one assisting that teacher. Each teacher is in the classroom roughly twice per month. Most of our classes use a provided curriculum that outlines what will be taught from week to week. Teaching a class has many benefits, including…

It’s a wonderful way to spend time with your child.

Being with children and youth, ministering to their spiritual development, can truly enrich your life.

It’s a great way to meet other FUS families

It’s an excellent way to expand your own religious education

Many lasting friendships have developed between teachers, and

It’s a profound contribution to the FUS community!

Classroom Support Coordinators (CSCs)

CSCs assign families to bring snacks each week in both the classrooms and the child care room. They make reminder phone calls to parents, alert snack bringers of allergies or special snack needs, schedule one or two pot-lucks during the year to encourage community-building among families and occasionally help staff a classroom or organize transportation for a special event.

Summer Fun helpers

During the summer months, we need extra adults to read stories, lead activities, and generally help out with Summer Fun activities. When our Summer Fun coordinator is unable to be here, we need someone willing to take a lead on facilitating that weekend’s activities.

Committee Members

Parents can become a member of either the Children’s Religious Education (CRE) Committee or the Child Care Committee (CCC). The primary task of committees is to address policy and procedural issues, to help define the direction of future growth in our programs, to assist with the nuts and bolts of some program operations (e.g. cleaning the toys in the child care room or registering families for RE) and helping with special events, such as our Teacher Orientation and Appreciation events. Our CRE committee meets monthly and has an ambitious yearly agenda. Our CCC meets bimonthly and occasionally helps provide child care if we’re in a crunch. They also help maintain the safety of our space.

Special Events

During the year we have several special children’s and family events that we need assistance with. This may include multi-age children’s activities, our annual Easter Egg Hunt, or winter holiday festivities. We often need extra hands to help make these events successful.

Gearing Up

During the summer, the RE Office needs a good deal of extra help to get classrooms ready for students, binders ready for teachers, materials ready for classrooms, supplies organized, and other tasks. We depend heavily on parents to help us get all our ducks in a row before classes begin!

Ready to sign up?

Great! If you are registering your children, you will be given a chance to choose a volunteer task on the registration form. Not registering? Drop Alex an e-mail at alexr@fusmadison.org.

Class Descriptions

Introduction

Below are short descriptions of the Religious Education classes we offer. Please click on the bar to reveal the information about each class.

We Are Many, We Are One for 3 and 4 year old children

We are Many, We Are One

A class for 3 and 4 year old children

We Are Many, We Are One offers preschoolers the grounding of a religious community and tradition, along with the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness. Children are encouraged to use their minds, bodies, and emotions to develop their sense of identity and confidence. The curriculum is based on the philosophy that young children learn about religion through relationships. Who am I? How am I related to others? How do I treat other people? What are my responsibilities? These are questions that young children begin to grapple with as they become acquainted with themselves, other people, and their environment.

Around the Meeting House for kindergartners and 1st graders

Around the Meeting House

A Class for Kindergarteners to First Graders

Around the Meeting House helps young children feel a part of the Unitarian Universalist community by introducing them to the values of our faith. The year begins with activities focused on building both self-esteem and cooperative group relationships. Children are also introduced to FUS – its people, buildings, rituals and special times. They are encouraged to grow to understand UU beliefs about life, birth, society, and other living things. Children will also participate in activities that show our value for each individual and our concern for the well-being of all.

What We Believe a class for 2nd and 3rd graders

What We Believe

Second and Third Grades

What does it mean to be UU? What do we believe anyway? Using song, story and fun activities, What We Believe introduces children to each UU principle. We’ll also learn how our local society began and the story of how Frank Lloyd Wright designed our Meeting House. This class draws from three popular UU curricula: We Believe, Beginning UU and Around the Meeting House.

Exploring Our Origins a class for 4th and 5th graders

Exploring Our Origins

For children in
fourth and fifth grades

Exploring Our Origins (EOO) provides children the intellectual and spiritual space to develop a sense of their own place within the cosmic narrative of the evolution of the universe and life on Earth. Children use the vocabulary of both science and reverence to be able to express not only respect for nature but also wonder and awe found in the mysteries of the natural world.

EOO emphasizes the free search for truth and meaning using several methods, including hands-on science activities, videos, music, painting, and outdoor observation of nature. It also draws from Native American spiritual teachings to convey the mysteries of the origins of life.

FUS members Nancy Sheehan, Tamara Bryant and Paul Stephan developed this exciting curriculum.

EOO resources

Neighboring Faiths for 6th graders on Saturdays at 4:30 and Sundays at 9, and 6th 7th and 8th graders on Sundays at 11

Neighboring Faiths

Sixth Grade, Saturdays at 4:30 & Sundays at 9 a.m.
Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades, Sundays at 11 a.m.

Neighboring Faiths offers youth the opportunity to learn about the beginnings, beliefs and rituals of worship practiced by people of other religious traditions. It will include visits to different places of worship and interviews with people of other faith traditions.

The material covers Jewish, Christian (Catholic and Protestant), Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic traditions. It also offers an overview of UUs religious heritage. Enrollment in this course requires some flexibility in schedule to allow for visiting other places of worship.

Social Justice for 7th graders Sundays at 9

Social Justice

Seventh Grade, Sundays at 9 a.m.

In Social Justice students develop a more complex understanding of inequity, oppression and intolerance, while discovering avenues for creating positive change in their community. Teachers and students decide on specific issues and service projects, such as homelessness, human rights, environmental protection, immigration and labor issues.

Through information shared in class, guest speakers, activities, visits to local agencies, and service projects, students become more critical thinkers and active participants in our community. Participation in this class gives students an excellent opportunity to put their UU values into action. This class requires some flexibility to accommodate service projects and site visits.

Caring for the Earth for 7th graders on Saturdays at 4:30

Caring For the Earth

7th Grade, Saturdays only

Caring for the Earth is an experiential class reinforcing UU spiritual connections to the environment and nurturing youth as stewards of our fragile planet. We’ll look at how we as UUs can have a positive effect on our natural resources by living up to UU principles that respect those resources. What is the impact of population growth, global warming and material consumption on our Earth and our lives? How does our new green building reinforce our principles?

We’ll also engage in some low-impact outdoor adventures, and visit area sites with environmental significance. Field trips will require some flexibility with the schedule.

Caring for the earth

Mind Body Soul for 8th and 9th graders on Saturdays and 8th graders on Sundays at 9

Mind, Body & Soul

Eighth and Ninth Grades, Saturdays
Eighth Grade, Sundays at 9 a.m.

Mind, Body & Soul is the merging together of two excellent curricula: Our Whole Lives and Love U2.

In this class, youth explore issues related to relationships and sexuality. They learn to know themselves and their hopes better, to communicate with others, and to define their boundaries. This class offers much more than a typical health class in school offers by focusing on gender differences, emotional needs, stages of intimacy, gender orientation, sexual arousal patterns, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy options in addition to some of the more traditional topics covered in school Our goal is to create a safe community of youth and adults where teens can honestly discuss sensitive issues that profoundly affect them – mind, body & soul.

Regular attendance at this class is imperative to create and sustain a trusting bond and to most benefit from the lessons! A Parent Orientation will be held prior to the class starting.

Coming of Age for 9th graders

Coming of Age

9th Grade

Coming of Age is a program, a passage, and a pilgrimage. During the year, youth will strive to define who they are and what they believe. They will grapple with some of the Big Questions in life: Is there a God? What happens after we die? What is faith? They will explore how their answers fit or do not fit within Unitarian Universalism. Each youth works on the development of a personal faith statement and is involved in creating the Coming of Age worship service at the end of the year. In June, participants and their advisors will make a pilgrimage to either Boston, MA (our Unitarian Universalist Association headquarters) or to the UUA’s General Assembly (which will be held in Salt Lake City, UT in 2009).

Participation in Coming of Age involves a significant commitment from parents and youth. The youth spend time in class, in service projects, at overnight retreats, and in fund-raising activities to help defray the costs of the end-of-year trip. The estimated cost for the end-of-the-year trip is between $450 and $650. Scholarships are available.

Coming of age

2008 - 2009 CRE Registration Form

Important Note: Please use this form to register only if you plan to pay via credit card (Master Card or VISA only) or Pay Pal. You will be taken to our secure server at the end of the form. For a paper form, please click here.

Be sure to have your current Children's RE Brochure handy so you can look at the class descriptions. You can look at one on-line here (PDF file). Thanks!

Child 1
Name and gender		F M
Academic Age and Grade for Fall '08		Grade in fall '08 Age
Date of birth
Class name, day, and time
Does this child have any health, dietary problems, or other concerns we should be aware of?
Is there another child whom you would like in the same class? If yes, please name them.
Should we be aware of any learning challenges your child faces?
Child 2
Name and gender		F M
Academic Age and Grade for Fall '08		Grade in fall '08 Age
Date of birth
Class name, day, and time
Does this child have any health, dietary problems, or other concerns we should be aware of?
Is there another child whom you would like in the same class? If yes, please name them.
Should we be aware of any learning challenges your child faces?
Child 3
Name and gender		F M
Academic Age and Grade for Fall '08		Grade in fall '08 Age

Date of birth
Class name, day, and time
Does this child have any health, dietary problems, or other concerns we should be aware of?
Is there another child whom you would like in the same class? If yes, please name them at right.
Should we be aware of any learning challenges your child faces?
Just a Few More Questions…
Parent Name (s)

Street Address (es)

City/State/Zip


Phone (s)

E-mail (s)


Are you and your family new to the FUS Religious Education Program?	Yes No
May we photograph or video tape your child(ren) for FUS or UUA purposes? (These materials will be used only to promote FUS and UUA programs.)	Yes No

Your Volunteer Commitment…
Our religious education programs (including child care, classes, and YRUU) depend on volunteers. We couldn’t possibly offer these classes and activities without you. In addition to signing up to bring snack for the child care rooms and CRE classes, there is an expectation that parents with children or youth will volunteer in some other capacity during the year. Not only does this allow our programs to succeed, it also provides meaningful opportunities for parents to create a sense of purpose and community here at FUS. Please use the form below to indicate how you would like to volunteer.

Child Care (Choose one if you have a child in Child Care)
Yes, I’d like to serve on the Child Care Committee. I understand that the CCC meets bi-monthly to set policy and procedure for the child care rooms. In addition, committee members help train our teen child care providers, provide supervision to the child care rooms during parts of the summer, and host an Open House during the Fall.
Yes, I’d like to serve as Snack Coordinator for the child care rooms during the service time my child is registered. I will assure that parents are signed up to bring snack each week and that they receive reminder phone calls regarding their commitment to bring snack.

OR

Children's Religious Education (Choose one if you have a child enrolled in CRE)
Yes, I’d like to join the CRE Committee. I understand they meet monthly to set policy and procedures for the CRE program, to evaluate curricula, and to assure a safe and welcoming community for children. They are also responsible for helping with the Teacher Orientation in late summer, and the Religious Education Appreciation Dinner in May.
Yes, I’d like to teach this year. I understand that I will be working with a team of other teachers and that orientation will be held on August 16th. Teachers: please note that we are required to run a background check on all teachers and youth advisors to help assure the safety and well-being of children enrolled in our programs. A form will be sent to you with details and with the request for your social security number. (Parents who are teachers are assured a space for their children to attend class at the same time that he/she is teaching.) The class I'd like to teach is…

Name of Teacher
Yes, I’d like to serve as a Classroom Support Coordinator. I understand that I will be required to serve this role for the year and that my responsibilities will include assuring that parents are signed up to bring snack, organizing 1-2 pot lucks to encourage community-building in the classroom, organizing a “thank you” for teachers at the end of the year, and perhaps helping out as needed with transportation or assisting in the classroom when a teacher unexpectedly is unable to make it.
Name of the class you wish to be CSC for:

GEARING UP! I’d like to help the RE office get ready for the year. This may include setting/cleaning up classrooms, preping binders, stuffing nametags or assisting with mailings. SPECIAL EVENTS!, I’d like to help out with special events during the year. This may include setting/cleaning up, serving refreshments, or assisting with activities. We will send you periodic e-mails requesting help at specific times! Special events helpers help with annual multi-age events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Holiday decoration party, and more. Please indicate which parent(s) will help. SUMMER FUN!, I’d like to help out with activities for kids during the summer. Summer Fun Helpers assist with activities, stories, and creating fun for kids ages 4 to 9 in the summer. Please indicate which parent(s) will help.

And now, really the last part… Pushing the button below will take you to our on-line payment page, run by our friends at Pay pal. If you have a Pay Pal account, all you need is your username and password. If not, you might consider registering for one, or use the credit card option when offered. So we bid you adieu, and thank you for your excellent patience. If for some reason you have a problem with the credit card payment (a few have), drop us an e-mail at the RE offices and bring or mail in a check right away to we can reserve space for you. *We cannot reserve space if we do not receive your payment!* Thanks.

Important Dates for 2008/09

May 25 – August 24 Summer Fun on Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m.
August 16 Teacher Orientation
September 6 & 7 Saturday and Sunday Water Communion Services for All Ages
September 20 & 21 CRE Classes Begin
October 4 & 5 Child Dedications
October 25/26 Halloween Parade at the end of all three services
November 9 FUS Annual Art Fair
November 29/30 Thanksgiving Services for All Ages. No CRE Classes
December 7 Holiday Decorating Party
December 14 SmALL Music Sunday at 10 a.m. No Sunday Classes
December 16 Solstice Service at 7 p.m.
December 24 Christmas Eve Services:
- 3 p.m. Away in the Manger Service (For children under 5)
- 7 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service
January 3/4 Child Dedications
January 17/18 Banner Parade
March 8 Daylight Savings Begins
March 14 Teen Performing Arts Fundraiser
April 4/5 Child Dedications
April 11 No Saturday Service or Classes (Easter weekend)
April 12 Easter Family Services at 9 and 11 a.m. No CRE Classes
May 3 Sunday Coming of Age Service at 11 a.m.
May 10 Bridging Ceremony at 9 a.m. for graduating high school seniors
May 16/17 Last Weekend of Classes
May 16 Saturday Flower Communion Service
June 7 Sunday Flower Communion Service