Religious Education
Come join the Fourth Universalist Society, a place where
children of all ages can experience a non-dogmatic, joyful fellowship in a loving and open-minded community. We explore Unitarian Universalism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other world religions, humanism, and earth-centered spirituality through art, music, and storytelling. Interfaith families, single parent families, GLBT families and all families in all forms are welcome.
The RE program begins on Sundays at 10:45 AM when children sit with their families or friends for the first part of the adult service. At about 11:15 AM, the congregation “sings the children downstairs” to their own service and classes, with the song Go Now In Peace. The RE program lasts until 12:30 PM, when the parents are asked to come downstairs and meet their children. This is an informal time for parents to meet one another and engage in a meaningful fellowship. Often families get together for afternoon activities (brunch, museum, walk in Central Park, etc.).
Our Programming:
Pre-K to Kindergarten: We Are Many, We Are One
This curriculum uses stories, games and projects that encourage children to honor themselves, their religious community, nature, and cultures from around the world. It features a rich array of games, songs and family newsletters to build relationships between teachers and home.
1st to 3rd Grades: Super Heroes - Bible People
This curriculum, written by the Unitarian Universalist religious educator, Gaia Brown, introduces the children to the stories of people from the Bible, for example Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and Esther, who have acted with courage and wisdom in their attempts to lead their lives fully and make the world a better place for others. The Bible stories are told from a UU perspective. In the course of fun activities like making an ark of the covenant and creating Joseph’s coat of many colors, the children are encouraged to learn how to use their own positive “super powers” as they interact with the world around them, and as they do so, to grow both spiritually and ethically.
4th and 5th Grades: Timeless Themes - Stories from the Hebrew and Christian Bibles
This group explores the major stories of the bible from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. Children are introduced to the religious stories central to our culture and to our heritage, and the human issues, beliefs, and values reflected in these classic stories are emphasized. For example, the story of Cain and Able examines the issues of sibling rivalry and jealousy.
6th Grade: It Starts with Me!
This curriculum written by Canadian Unitarian Universalist, Judith Birch, teaches about social justice and social action from a spiritual perspective. Why is it important that Unitarian Universalists make social action a part of our religious community? The children will examine this question as well as work on social justice projects.
7th to 9th Grade (Youth Group)
This group will meet at 12:30 PM on Sunday mornings, immediately after the service. It will be a time for UU youth to examine their religious beliefs as they become adolescents. What is their place in the world and their faith community? This group will seek to strengthen their ties to Unitarian Universalism.
Special Programs being offered in 2008:
Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 4th and 5th grade
This is an eight week course designed to help children “gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. This curriculum is an expression of the belief that educating institutions–religious communities, community organizations and schools–can form meaningful partnerships with parents to provide positive and responsible sexuality education” (from the introduction to OWL).
Coming of Age
A rite of passage for Unitarian Universalist youth. The youth spend four months examining their belief systems. This culminates in a special service in the spring, when they read their personal credo statements.
