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Philosophy of Religious Education Unitarian Universalist Religious Education is a lifelong process that facilitates each individual’s path of spiritual growth and promotes an understanding of how to live
our principles and values. It extends beyond the classroom and is dependant upon the whole congregation’s support and participation. The goal of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa religious education program is to provide
a safe space to explore, question, wonder, listen and reflect in a joyful, affirming environment. 2010 Religious Education Information Religious Education for children 3 and older is held each Sunday from 11:00—12:15. Parents will sign their children in at the
registration table outside the doors of the main church building and will then sit with their child(ren) during the first part of worship service. After the Time for All Ages, children will be sung out to their classes in the small dome. Children
should be signed out and picked up from the small dome at 12:15 p.m. sharp. Children are not allowed to leave the small dome without their parent or guardian. Newborn—Age 2 Childcare Childcare is provided in the Beatrix Potter nursery, located to the right of the sanctuary entrance, for newborns to age 2. Kim
Thorne, employed at UUCT since 2003, and Catherine Caldwell, a teen member, provide loving care in a safe environment during church so parents can attend the service. Childcare during all church events can be arranged if parents notify the organizer of the event at least two weeks in advance. Childcare Coordinator: Beverly Bethune, moorebethune8@msn.com 813-907-6730. Ages 3 & 4: Chalice Children Based upon a philosophy that a child’s spiritual development is related to direct experience, this curriculum helps young children learn what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Using a chalice theme, children learn
about their religious community, engage in sharing with others, and explore a sense of belonging. K—3rd Creating Home www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/creatinghome This program helps children develop a sense of home that is grounded in faith. Together with your group you 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" — your congregation — which shares some characteristics with a family home. Like
a family home, a faith home offers its members certain joys, protections, and responsibilities. 4th — 6th Toolbox of Faith www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/toolboxfaith Toolbox of Faith invites participants to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the 16 sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for
an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight). 7th—12th Youth Group A typical youth meeting opens with a chalice lighting, and members sharing what's happened in their lives since the previous week. The balance of the meeting may be spent planning a recreational trip or a trip to a
"con*," Other activities include planning worship services, social action projects, and fundraising ventures. This year the UU Tapestry of Faith curriculum, Families, will be available for use during youth group meetings. This program provides avenues for in-depth exploration of
the diversity, commonality, and meaning of families. It combines a photo-documentary project with sessions that engage participants in deconstructing and reconstructing the notion of family. Participants are encouraged to explore freely, and to share their own thoughts, prejudices, hopes, and stories. The photo-documentary
project allows youth to be leaders in an intergenerational congregational activity. Youth group takes place every Sunday in the small dome after the first part of 11:00 worship. * A “Con” is a multi-church week-end youth conference. At a Con the youth play games, do arts and crafts, dance, sing, eat,
worship, and hang out. There is a “coffee house” on Saturday nights, giving any budding talent a safe and welcoming forum to express themselves. Advisors “chaperone” these events and stay at the Con throughout the week-end.
Cons are a great way to meet other UU youth while having lots of fun. The Role of Parents Arrive on time and come to church regularly. Children
develop a sense of belonging by attending regularly. They get to know their peers and we get to know them if they are here often. Follow the activities of your child’s class. Talk
to your child about what is happening in class. Talk to the DRE and teachers. Talk to your child about things that matter. You
are their primary religious educator. Tell your children about your beliefs and what you value. Be a good listener to your children. Let them know that their ideas and thoughts are of interest to
you. Participate in intergenerational activities. Spending
time with members of the congregation at dances, dinners, and gatherings other than Sunday Services helps strengthen our UU community. Share your time and ideas. Our program needs the energy and creativity of many people in order to be a success. Parent’s Group A Parent’s Potluck Picnic (PPP) takes place on the playground & in the small dome on the 3rd Sunday of each month following worship service.
At each PPP we celebrate that month’s birthday boys and girls with a cake! Please bring a dish to share. This is a great opportunity to connect with other UUCT parents. Connecting parents is a priority at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. UU parents need the opportunity to share and
“be” with one another in community. The parent’s group hosts a Parent’s Potluck Picnic on the 3rd Sunday of each month. The birthdays of that month are celebrated at each picnic.
Another goal of the parent’s group is to assist with special events (such as the Easter Egg Hunt, the Christmas Tree Trimming and the Summer Kick Off Party) and to lend
a hand with maintaining the RE building and grounds. To join the Parents E-mail group please send a blank email to: uutampa_parents_group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Child and Youth Protection manual A complete copy of the UUCT Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedure manual can be found on the RE bulletin board. If you would like a copy, please notify the Director of RE. For a summary click here:
Safety Manual Summary. Religious Education Committee Contacts Ronnie Kirchheimer 215-4503; jnrpres1998@yahoo.com Kaarla McKenzie 983-1855; Kaarla.McKenzie@gmail.com Nicole Drelles 728-3471; Nicole.Drelles@baycare.org Faye Turke faye.turke@gmail.com Katie Culbert, Director of Religious Education 813-951-5680; KatieCulbert@Verizon.net
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11400 Morris Bridge Road * Tampa, FL 33637 * Phone 813-988-8188
More info: Info@UUTampa.org * Website comments: gldnpuma@earthlink.net |
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