The curricula we are using this spring was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and is titled “The Tapestry of Faith.” The activities for each of the sessions focus on the UU principles and values, and the primary concept each week is exemplified in a story the children hear. Additionally there is a wealth of activities from skits, to games and dances, to writings and drawings that further explore the values being offered for the children and youth to consider, discuss and explore. You may view the programs by visiting www.uua.org, Tapestry of Faith, Children’s Programs and selecting Creating Home (PreK-1st), Faithful Journeys (2-4th), Riddle and Mystery (5-6th.)
I. Infants and Toddlers
We welcome infant and toddlers into a safe and caring environment. Our nursery is a secure and happy place where infants and toddlers are cared for while their parents attend the church service. Those parents who wish to remain with their infant in the nursery are invited to relax in a comfortable rocking chair and listen to the service which is broadcast into the courtyard and can be heard in the nursery. Becky Shulla cares for the infants and toddlers. She bring years of experience and lots of joy to the nursery. Volunteers will assist Backy if there are more than 3 infants or toddlers.
II. Pre-Kindergarten through First Grade
The children in this class will be using a “Tapestry of Faith” curriculum entitled “Creating Home”. This program helps children develop a sense of home that is grounded in faith. Together the group will ask questions about the purpose of having a home and the functions a home serves, for us as humans and for other animals. The program speaks of home as a place of belonging and explores the roles each of us play in the homes where we live. The program introduces the concept of a "faith home" — the congregation — which shares some characteristics with a family home. Like a family home, a faith home offers its members certain joys, protections, and responsibilities. The children will learn about creating space for themselves that helps them feel "at home" wherever they go. The teaching team: Charlene Hovatter, Shirley Foss, June Brasgalla, Assistant teacher Angeline Parkin-Milambiling
III. Second Grade through Fourth Grade
“Faithful Journeys” from “The Tapestry of Faith”. Because ours is a creedless faith, defining what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist can be challenging. Our adults and youth often welcome such a challenge — indeed, a questioning spirit is part of our faith. Yet, our children need to learn who Unitarian Universalists are, what we believe, and how we live in faith. Faithful Journeys equips them with language and experiences to answer these questions and help them develop a strong Unitarian Universalist identity. The teaching team: Alex Davis Shaw, Sue Moreland, Kay Dyer, Nancy Thomas. Assistant Teacher Renee Rossiter
IV. Fifth and Sixth Grades
This program from “The Tapestry of Faith” is called “Riddle and Mystery.” The purpose of Riddle and Mystery is to assist fifth and sixth graders in their own search for understanding. Each of the sessions introduces and processes a Big Question. Unitarian Universalists of every age may usefully consider life’s big questions. With the wise counsel a guided Unitarian Universalist investigation can offer fifth and sixth graders are typically open to the mix of deep inquiry and playful spirit that big questions prompt. The teaching team: Muriel Redifer, Mike Parkinson, Catherine Bonner.
V. Teen Program
The teens and their teachers/facilitators create a space that is welcoming to creativity, voice, and ideas. The teens continue to work on soical issues, community building, and finding ways to live the principles of Unitarian Universalism within the congregation and in their personal lives. The teaching team: Mary Lou Keller, Dana Keller, Jim Redifer, Chris Bonner
Please note that all teachers have successfully completed a background screening process.