WELCOME, Our Religious Education Director is Debbie Johnson     

Each school year we publish a Religious Education Brochure Fall 2009
We also keep families updated frequently with our RE newsletter, The Sunday School Press.

Sunday School Press 2010
Sunday School Press, March 14, 2010

Sunday School Press, February 7, 2010

    Archives of prior issues.

To learn more about our Religious Education Programming:

     Special Events                               Community Service and Social Action
     Camp Creative UU 2009                Reflections on Camp Creative UU
     Camp Eco Action UU

     RE News from The Jotter.          DRE Reports for members.

Childcare & Religious Education (RE) classes are offered during the service (from 10:15 to 12:00).
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.

Philosophy of Religious Education at UUSDBA
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

We encourage new students to join us as we continue on our journey to more fully understand UU identity, world religions and our Jewish Christian heritage. At UUSDBA we emphasize the importance of peace and social justice, and offer opportunities for service to others and for the essential care of our planet earth.

Sunday morning for children under six…
“Chalice Children” are those students who are preschool & kindergarteners, 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, including Chalice Children & My UU ABC’s.
“Nursery Children” are those children who are under 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 over six…
Generally we are able to divide the children into three age groups. This is dependent upon student attendance and volunteer participation, and includes the following:
• “Star Kids”/Primary students (ages 5-8)
• “Cosmos Kids”/Intermediate students (ages 8-11)
• “Galactic Girls & Guys”/Youth (students 12 & over)

These groups meet in RE classroom #2, the minister’s office, and outdoors when the weather is pleasant. Adaptations are made to meet the needs of all who participate. Students who are over 12 years of age may choose to attend the Sunday service, join in the RE lesson, and/or serve as a VIP (Volunteer In Practice). Lessons in RE class include stories, songs, activities, and games adapted from UU curricula.
Currently, we are utilizing lessons from Tapestry of Faith, a new series of programs and resources, which “nurture Unitarian Universalist identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love.” Included are a variety of age appropriate lessons that give children and youth opportunities to learn about Unitarian Universalism with their “minds, hearts, and hands”. These meaningful experiences are anchored by “soul-stirring narratives”, and include activities that allow kids to “learn faith by doing faith”.
Included in this new series are four separate themes: Living Faith, Seeking Truth, Creating Love & Serving Community. While this year our central focus will be “Living Faith”, elements from the other themes will be woven into our Tapestry of Faith program.

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