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Emerson Church Unitarian Universalist
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| Lifespan Religious Education |
| Religious Education at Emerson Church |
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Emerson Church Unitarian Universalist Religious Education Mission Statement
Our mission is to foster a sense of moral conscience and spiritual connection to the greater world beyond our immediate experience. ECUU will provide a structured and supportive environment where each person is encouraged:
- To develop a sense of self worth and dignity as a unique human being while respecting the unique worth and dignity of every other;
- To respond to life's significant spiritual questions;
- To discover our religious heritage by learning the history and beliefs of Unitarian Universalism, Judaism, Christianity and other religions of the world
- To reverence the beauty and mystery of the natural world and recognize the interdependence of all life
- To celebrate life within a caring religious community
Our Principles
Emerson Church Unitarian Universalist is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. As such, there are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Children are taught these principles within the Religious Education Program in many ways, through action and repitition. One major mnemonic device used is ROYGBIV, the colors of the rainbow, which stand for the principles as follows:
- Red - Respect all beings
- Orange - Offer Fair and Kind Treatment to All
- Yellow - Yearn to Learn
- Green - Grow in Spirit and Mind
- Blue - Believe in Our Ideas and Act on Them
- Indigo - Insist on Peace, Freedom and Justice
- Violet - Value the Connections in Creation
Organization
The Religious Education (RE) committee serves as the congregation's voice in setting RE policy, advising the Lifespan Director of Religious Education (LDRE) and directing the religious education program at Emerson Church. The RE Committee meets on the first Monday of each month. Meetings and minutes are open to the congregation. The RE Committee, Lifespan RE Director and the Minister work together to ensure a viable religious education program which meets the needs of the congregants. The RE Committee welcomes your questions or comments.
Children's Religious Education
Church school meets during the regular church service on Sundays. Classes are offered for the children from August through June. Our program emphasizes Unitarian Universalism. We enhance the learning opportunities with education about Judeo / Christian Herritage, World Religions along with UU culture, identity and history.
Children's church school is a cooperative venture. It exists because the
congregation wants its children to have a vital religious education program strongly enough that members willingly share the responsibilities and tasks involved with the program.
Our Curricula
| 4,5,6 year olds |
Special Times |
| School-ready 4 year olds
through 1st graders |
Focusing on the UU heritage
in Jewish and Christian roots, we celebrate special times from each
of these religions as well as other celebratory times such as
weddings and birthdays - special times to Unitarian Universalists |
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| 2nd - 4th Grade |
Super Heroes: Bible People |
| 6 - 9 years old |
We are all heroes, and many
lessons can be learned from the heroes lifted up in Bible
stories. The children will explore what these bible heroes did
that was valuable and relate the values to worthy things that they
do in their own lives. |
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| 5th - 7th Grade |
Jesus and his Kingdom of Equals |
| 9 - 12 years old |
The historical life and
parables of Jesus will be explored in this class. The class
will engage in creative critical thinking as they explore context,
ethics and explore how the teachings of this leader can be utilized
in living our UU faith. |
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| 8th Grade on Out |
Christian and Jewish Neighboring Faiths |
| 13 - 18 years old |
The youth will learn about
five different Jewish and Christian faiths. Through
discussion, hosting visitors from that faith and visiting synagogues
and churches, they will explore our connections and relationships
with other Judeo-Christian sects. |
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Our Youngest Churchgoers
Copyright © by Emerson Church Unitarian Universalist - Troy, MI
All Right Reserved. Author: Patrick - Published on: 2008-06-09 (757 reads) [ Go Back ] |
