Welcome,

Our Religious Education Director is Debbie Johnson <> Minister, Bud Murphy

Camp Creative 2008 is a unique opportunity to explore our world through the Creative Arts June 30 - July 4

Each school year we publish a Religious Education Brochure

The Sunday School Press, October 3, 2008 is updated frequently to help you know what is happening in our Religious Education Classes.

Sunday School Press Archives of prior issues.

For specific information about our Religious Education (RE) program, follow these links:

RE and Intergenerational Special Events .

Community Service and Social Action for RE families .

RE News from the Jotter.

Sunday Services and Religious Education Classes

Childcare and Religious Education classes are offered during the service (from 10:15 to 11:45).

Philosophy of Religious Education

We strive to stir the minds of our children to search for what quickens their spirit, and while overcoming prejudice, impartially and conscientiously choose their own path. Unburdened by the imposition of arbitrary rules and rote memorization, we hope to strengthen their powers of thought and awaken their conscience to moral discernment. Based on the thoughts of William Ellery Channing

Sunday morning for parents... Services begin at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Pastor Bud Murphy is in the pulpit on the first, second, and third Sundays of most months with some exceptions for major holidays. Guest speakers address current topics on other Sundays. The service is followed by “Coffee, Cookies and Conversation”. This is a time for fellowship with others in the Unitarian Universalist Society.

Prior to the service, The Discussion Group meets at 9:15 a.m. Topics vary each week and are chosen by the participants. Following the service there is a “Talk About” at noon. Participants are invited to discuss the sermon.

Class for all of our children begins at 10:30 with a chalice lighting and reading. We then allow time for our students to share their joys and concerns before proceeding with the lesson.

Sunday morning for children under six… “Chalice Children” are those students who are in preschool & kindergarten, ages 3-5 years old. These children meet in RE classroom #3. Lessons include stories, songs, activities, and games from curricula recommended by the UUA.

“Nursery Children” are those children who are less than three years old. They are cared for in our Nursery by a qualified caregiver. There they enjoy free play, but may also join the Chalice Children for their lessons when appropriate.

Sunday morning for children six and up… Our RE class is multi-age; however, we generally are able to divide children into two groups: Primary Students, ages 6-9 and intermediate, ages 10-13. Both groups meet in RE classroom #2. Adaptations are made to meet the needs of all who participate. Lessons include stories, songs, activities, and games adapted from UU curricula.

This year, Primary and intermediate students will continue to explore our Seven Principles. Special activities related to our seventh principle will be included, in an effort to establish our congregation as a “Green Sanctuary”. However, the central focus will be on the Six Sources of our Faith (listed on the back of this pamphlet). Throughout the school year we will consider various creation stories. Curricula will integrate a science-based understanding of the world with a personal spiritual or philosophical worldview. We will also use the “Golden Rule” to recognize commonalities rather than differences between faiths.

Together students and teachers will build an understanding of world religions and our Jewish-Christian heritage. The importance of peace and social justice are emphasized in our RE program each year and there is a focus on service to our community throughout a child’s RE experience.

Students who are over 12 years of age may choose to join in the RE lesson or attend the Sunday service. Alternatives to these are often available. Please contact the DRE (Director of Religious Education) for more information.

Snack and outdoor playtime… Following the RE lesson, and weather permitting, our children share a snack and enjoy free time together on our playground. Children under age 12 must stay with our teachers until their parents arrive. Children over age 12 may visit the adult coffee hour if given parental permission.

e-mail the UU Society here in Ormond Beach, FL.