Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson, MS

Welcome to the Children's Religious Education Program!

The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our own minds upon the young, but to stir up their own; not to make them see with our eyes, but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own…. In a word, the great end is to awaken the soul; to bring understanding, conscience, and heart into earnest vigorous action on religious and moral truth, to excite and cherish spiritual life.

-William Ellery Channing

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson welcomes all children to its Religious Education Program. Classes are held in the Newman Religious Education Building next to the sanctuary.

The purpose of our Children’s Religious Education Program is not to take the place of parents as their child’s primary religious educator, but to help them by enriching and reinforcing what they are trying to teach at home.

Summer Program

UUCJ has a Summer Program for children during the months of June-August. This multiage program from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. allows children to learn a variety of information, hobbies, and skills from our members. Past activities have included a variety of arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, and field trips.

School-Year Program

From September-May, childcare and supervised activities are available each Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. in the Newman Religious Education Building . All children are welcome to join our classes during the morning or they may attend adult services with a family member, if it is preferred.

Our Schedule for the 2007-2008 RE year is:

9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.		Free play in the Newman Building or outside in our fenced backyard
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.		Snacks and conversation
11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.		Children’s Service
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.		Age-appropriate R.E. education classes

Our Children's Service is a brief, multi-aged worship service that includes a chalice lighting, songs, sharing of joys and concerns, and a food offering for Stewpot Community Services. Children are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the weekly offering that are delivered monthly to Stewpot Community Services.

Children's R.E. classes are led by volunteer teachers using a variety of UU curricular guides. Classes explore Unitarian Universalism, Jewish and Christian heritage, religious beliefs from around the world, and social justice issues.

During the 2007-2008 RE year, we provide the following classes:

Preschool: (ages 0-5) We provide a happy, safe, and loving environment for our youngest children. Activities include: free play (outside, weather permitting), stories, poems, discussions, arts/crafts, music, & manipulative toys.

Primary Children: (ages 6-10) Our primary children learn about a variety of religious traditions and explore UU principles. Activities include: stories, games, and art/craft projects. The curricular guides for this year include Timeless Themes, exploring Jewish and Christian stories, From Long Ago & Many Lands, sharing insights from Hindu and Buddhist stories, and We Believe, learning to apply UU principles in daily life.

Secondary Children: (ages 11 & older) Our secondary children will explore religious traditions and concepts as they learn to apply UU principles. Activities include: stories, games, poetry, drama, and art/craft projects. The curricular guides for this year include Jesus & His Kingdom of Equals, studying the life and teachings of Jesus, and How Can I Know What to Believe, exploring personal beliefs about God, the Bible, people, death, and religion.

Once a month the children join the adult services for a special Children’s Story before leaving for their R.E. classes and once a quarter the children share in an intergenerational service with the adults. These services are intended to incorporate the children into the life of the church and involve the children in the normal service activities.

Additional special events, field trips, and activities scheduled throughout the year will be announced in parent handouts and in UUCJ’s monthly NUUsletter.

To enroll your child, please fill out a registration form and return it to the church office. While registration is not required before attendance, it ensures that we have current information for your child including any special needs he or she may have.

Special Thank You!

We would like to offer our appreciation to the members who have volunteered to assist with the Preschool, Primary, and Secondary Classes this year:

· Diana Barnes-Pate

· Ranjan Batra & Maureen McGuire,

· Mary Margaret & Steve Bollinger

· Rebecca Burr

· Stacy Callender

· Paul & Jody Gore

· Waverly Liles

· Elise Morse-Gange

· Dary Shenefelt

· David & Susan Voisin

Thank you to our wonderful team of volunteer teachers!

Last Modified on 05/08/2008