Teaching Our Children

Sunday School Programming

What Happens on Sunday Mornings?

Regular children's worship is an important part of our Religious Education Program. Most weeks, students grades Pre-5th will begin their morning with Children's Chapel in the Fellowship Hall followed by their classroom experiences where they will to light the chalice, share a reading, and participate in joys and concerns. Periodically, the entire church community will gather in Sanctuary for Intergenerational Services where adults and children worship together. Adults are also welcome to attend Children's Chapel.

Children's Chapel (10:30 AM, Pre - 6th) mirrors the adult ser-vice with opening words, chalice lighting, sharing of joys and concerns, offering, a hymn, focus topic where the younger and older children separate, participate in an ac-tivity, and then come together for closing words. Children's Chapel is held in Fellowship Hall. This year, the Children's Chapel will focus on insights gained through celebrating the events of weeks past and reflecting on the meaning found in those experiences. Chapel will be lead by our Coordinator of Religious Education and we will also have occasion guest leaders, including Rev. Peter Friedrichs.

Intergenerational Worship (10:30 AM) provides an op-portunity for adults and children to worship together for the entire Sunday service. IG services are interactive and entertaining as well as spiritual.

Large RE Sessions (10:30 AM, Pre - 6th) Usually held on Holiday Weekends, the large group RE Session may include storytelling, theater, social justice projects, guest presentations, and music.

Music for Chapel

All children with musical talent are invited to play their instrument in the Children's Chapel Service as well as the Intergenerational and Adult Services.

Please contact Irene Friedrichs, DRE, if your child/youth would like to share his/her talent in Children's Chapel or an Intergenerational Service.

Adult musicians are also invited to share their gifts in the Children's Chapel. Please contact Irene Friedrichs, DRE, to volunteer.

Preschoolers (Ages 3-4)

Teachers: Allison Karpyn, Therese Musewicz, Laura William-Smith, Maria Koenig, John Jurceka and Chris Townend

Chalice Children is based on the premise that children learn best through expe-rience. This program helps nurture spiritual growth, creativity and a sense of community through imaginative, activities and rituals such as rhymes and finger-plays. This curriculum introduces children to concepts such as birth and death, dreams, and the natural world.

Kindergarteners (Ages 5-6)

Teachers: Robyn Karna, Claire Brill, Larry Zappaterini, Marcela Gutierrez, Holly Lieux, Heidi Star and Carlos P. Vega

Creating Home, part of the UUA's Tapestry of Faith series of programs and resources nurtures Unitarian Universalist identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love.

Grades 1 & 2

Teachers: Derrick Schweitzer, Jeffrey Smith, Lisa Grieco, Laura Fetterman, Geoff Veith and Ruth Handry

Free to Believe is faith-based, strengthens UU Identity, evokes spirituality and is activity-centered as well as teacher -friendly. The curriculum respects different learning styles, includes ritual chalice lightning and closings, offers meditative moments, stresses UU principles and sources. It involves arts, action and creation. It is fun for both kids and their leaders.

Grades 3 & 4

Teachers: Elizabeth Musewicz, Gail Freedman, Bryan Boosz, Maria Koenig, Irene Friedrichs and Claire Brill

Timeless Themes introduces children to Judeo-Christian religious literature that is central to North American culture and to Unitarian Universal-ism heritage. Children become familiar with Judeo-Christian cultural heritage, the hu-man issues that inspired these scriptures, and the timeless themes of transcendent power, human responsibility, love of freedom, speaking out against in justice, respect for the beliefs of others, love of one's neighbor, and forgiveness. The Bible stories are taught from a UU value structure. God is referred to as God, not he. The which stories, drawn from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, are gender-inclusive. Vi-olence is not avoided, but recognized and used to guide participants toward an under-standing of non-violent ways to resolve conflicts.

Grade 5

Teachers: Lori Rice-Spring, Rich Cairncross, Harold Riethman, Leah Rothenberg and Michelle Yerger

Bibleodeon is a fun and exciting introduction to Judo-Christian scriptures, presenting the best-known Hebrew and Christian stories with such props as the Bibleodeon microphone and such interactive challenges as investigating the Cain-Abel crime scene. Participants act in dramatic play-lets, illustrate a timeline, keep doodle books, give awards to outstanding biblical women, and more. They explore connections between biblical events and Unitarian Universalist principles, between biblical ideas and their own lives. They experience the Bible as one of the many wonderful Unitarian Universalist sources of wisdom.

Grade 6

Teachers: Elek A. Fenyes, Diana Albertson, Honnie Townend, Sarah McKay, and Carol Getty

It Starts With Me is designed to teach older children about the value of community service and the idea that one's work, volunteer or otherwise, can be a form of creative expression of one's passions, talents and abilities. It's mes-sage, in short, is that community service is good for both those who give and those who receive. It Starts With Me, will enhance understanding of compassion and will foster the spirit of giving.

Grade 7

Teachers: Animesh Karna, Scott Parsons, Berrie Torgan-Randall, Vicki Coupland, Geoff Veith and Hope Thurtow

Neighboring Faiths

is an experiential-based survey of other religious traditions that examines values, beliefs and practices across a variety of traditions. Field trips, and guest speakers are the core of this program. Leaders and participants plan their program together, deter-mining which religious groups they want to learn about, visit, and relate to their own growing Unitarian Universalist Faith.

Grade 8: Junior High O.W.L.

Teachers: Bea Scholz, Barbara Wray, Don Keckler, Kevin Black and Adele Cox-Cines (Main Line Unitarian Church)

This class will meet offsite on Sunday Mornings at the Main Line UU Church in Devon. Class will meet from 10 am - 12 noon. It will close shortly into the fall season. New and visiting 8th graders will be invited to join the Neighboring Faiths class.

The 8th Grade Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program

presents a comprehensive approach to human sexuality in an age-appropriate manner. Based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice and inclusivity, OWL helps young people apply these values to their behavior and provides them with information and skills they can use throughout life. The program includes a comprehensive parent orientation. Sessions are held on Sunday mornings, offsite, from 10 AM to 12 PM.

About the OWL Program

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a positive, comprehensive and age appropriate educa-tional program that promotes sexual health. It is designed to help people in all stages of life to gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express sexuality in life-enhancing ways.

The Our Whole Sexuality Education Program is a series of curricula for five age groups: grade K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12 and adults.

We will be offering OWL Programming on the following projected schedule:

2009-2010 ~ 8th
2010-2011 ~ K-1, 4th-8th
2011-2012 ~ 8th
2012-2013 ~ K-1, 4th-8th

Grades K-1 (Fall 2010)

Our Whole Lives for K-1 supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies and families. Following a parent meeting and a parent/child orientation, the eight class sessions engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink, a homework project for parents and children to do together.

Grades 4-5 (Spring 2011)

In the Spring, 4th and 5th graders will learn about and discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty. They will read It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris, and examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making. Each session includes a HomeLink - a homework activity for parents and children to complete together. There will be a parent orientation.

"What a gift! Most faith communities shy away from conversations about sex-uality, but ours has embraced it and made it a central part of the transition our children make into adulthood."

Youth Programming at UUCDC - Everyone's Welcome!

UUCDC has worked hard over the years to expand our youth programming. This year we are happy to offer all of our youth, both middle school and high school, quality Sunday morning and evening programming. All of our youth programs welcome new-comers. Come check things out and hang out for a while!

COA: Coming of Age

COA (9th Grade) is a modern UU Rite of Passage that is challenging and transformative for many and marks our 9th grader's transition from childhood on to youth. Experiences include class discussion sessions, adult mentorship, fundraising, a service project, overnight retreats, a Boston Heritage Trip, skill building, high drama ritual, and celebration events.

The 9th grade Coming of Age Program will not run in 2009-10. The program will re-turn in the 2010-11 church year with start-up meetings being held in the Spring of 2010. New and Visiting 9th graders are invited to join the 7th grade Neighboring Faiths class, the 8th grade OWL class (closes late Sept), or the Senior High Youth Program. Please contact Marge Caton,Youth Programs Team Leader for more information.

The Y.U.C.K.I. Youth Group (10th - 12th)

Sunday Evenings 6-8:30 pm
Advisors: Sue McKenney, Kate Ramos,
Brad Randall, Katie Koelewyn and Ray George

Our Y.U.C.K.I. Senior High Youth Group programming centers on the five compo-nents of YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) youth groups, including social ac-tion, leadership, community building, learning, and worship. This group plans most of their own program for the year incorporating larger RE themes in creative and meaningful ways that speak to them. Each year they prepare and present an annual Worship Service in the Spring. Programming includes off-site retreats, trips, fundraising, an annual Coffee House, service projects and other special events. Our youth also participate in the Joseph Priestly District (JPD) Regional Youth Conferences (CONs) in the fall, winter and spring. Fees are required for some activities; scholarships available.

The Religious Education Committee - Mission and Vision

The mission of the UUCDC Religious Education Council (REC) is to inspire and challenge persons of all ages (children and adults) to explore and engage the Unitarian Universalist Faith as they travel on their spiritual journey. A healthy UU congregation should encourage people of all ages to engage in spiritual development - Religious Education (RE) is not merely a way to keep the kids busy while parents attend services - RE is an integral part of Unitarian Universalism at all stages of life and all points along the spiritual journey.

The Vision Statements for UUCDC RE are:

• The UUCDC RE program is an inclusive program inspires all ages to become en-gaged in our Faith Community by embracing diversity and discovering common con-nections and interests.
• The UUCDC Lifespan Religious Education program teaches and clarifies the UU Faith through its Principles, Sources, History and Heritage. The RE program utilizes exploratory and experiential opportunities and curricula that encourages everyone's spiritual growth while supporting whole church programming.
• The UUCDC RE program provides guidance in the definition and articu-lation of personal faith based on the UU Principles and Sources. UU Faith is con-sciously and intentionally incorporated by individuals into their daily lives and the community.
• The whole church affirms the importance of Religious Education as an integral part of our religious community.
• Personal spiritual growth of UUCDC members, visitors, and friends is a life-long process of engaging in church and community activities.
• We provide meaningful RE Chapel Worship that supports UU Faith.
• All members of the UUCDC community are confident in their UU identity and shameless about sharing their UU identity as they act in the greater com-munity.

Our RE Community Rights & Responsibilities
Children, Youth & Adults

Through our Covenant of Mutual Respect, we can provide a positive and meaningful group experience, if everyone follows these guidelines:

I HAVE A RIGHT to be happy and to be treated with kindness; this means that no one will laugh at me, ignore me, or hurt my feelings.

I HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY to treat other with respect and to be kind in my words and actions.

I HAVE THE RIGHT to be myself; this means that no one will treat me unfairly because I am fat or thin, fast or slow, boy or girl.

I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to treat others fairly.

I HAVE THE RIGHT to be safe; this means that no one will hit me, kick me, push me or pinch me.

I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to treat others gently; this means that I will not hit, kick, push or pinch others in my class.

I HAVE THE RIGHT to hear and be heard; this means that no one will yell, scream or shout, and my opinions and desires will be considered in any plans we make.

I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to listen to my friends, respect their opinions and consider their desires in any plans we make.

I HAVE THE RIGHT to learn about myself; this means that I will be free to express my feelings and opinions without being interrupted or punished.

I HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to allow others to express themselves without fear of ridicule and to listen respectfully.

Community Safety Covenant
from the RE Council & Church Coordinating Council

In Keeping with the UUCDC's "Safe Congregation Policy" and honoring our first principle to maintaining respect for everyone in our community, the RE & Church Coordinating Councils have mandated the following Church Safety Covenant:

Parental Supervision: Children 10 and under must be under direct, visual supervision by a parent, guardian, or other designated caregiver (adult, hired sitter, or older sibling over the age of 14) at all times when children are not in Religious Education. We urge parents to keep track of where your children are and with whom.

Inside the Building: Children should not run through hallways or rooms in the church. Running in the church, especially in and around Fellowship Hall and the Lobby, is dangerous. Small children may take older adults by surprise, causing hot coffee spills and other accidental injuries. Parents and guardians are responsible for coaching their children about this hazard and correcting improper behaviors.

Outside the Building: Children 10 and under may not be left unattended outside the church building - on the playground, on the front or back lawn, in the memorial garden, or anywhere else on church property. Children playing outside without direct adult supervision are at risk from cars leaving the parking lot and are a genuine liability issue. Parents should never assume that someone else is watching their children.

RE Teacher Recruitment: All class leaders and volunteers will be a member or have had regular attendance for the past six months. Volunteer class leaders will sign a code of ethics and will agree to submit to criminal background checks and a child abuse clearance upon random request.

The DRE, Coming of Age mentors and advisors, youth group advisors, and Our Whole Lives instructors will not be subject to open recruitment, but will be nominated by the RE Council, the DRE and the Minister. Criminal background checks and a child abuse clearances will be obtained from this group.

General Classroom Safety Guideline: There will be two adults in the classroom during religious education sessions and on off campus trips. Class leaders and volunteers will notify DRE if their group is outside of the building. Signed fieldtrip permission slips will be obtained at registration and will be on file with the DRE.

The Director of Religious Education (DRE) will be immediately notified if a child is injured or ill. A report will be filed with the DRE documenting any accident.

Disruptive behavior challenges our sense of individual and communal safety and well-being,. The policy regarding disruptive behavior includes four levels of response including the permanent exclusion from the church and its premises.

In the event of a suspected unhealthy relationship:

(verbal, emotional or sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior towards another individual during an RE session) the incident must be reported to the DRE, minister, or in the absence of both, the Board of Trustees President.

After Worship-Pick-Up: All Sunday School children, must be picked up from their designated classrooms/fellowship hall by their parents/guardians promptly at 11:45 am. They will not be released until their parents/guardians arrive.

Permission for Community Parenting: is assumed when children are found unattended. As a trusting church community we give one another permission to sensitively redirect behavior that any adult considers dangerous, disrespectful or in violation of this covenant . As parents we will gracefully accept reminders that our children need more direct supervision.

Interpreting Safety: Recognizing that "safety" can have varying interpretations, and yet wanting all of our families, our elders, and our visitors to feel welcome and comfortable in our community, let's make it our ultimate goal to respect and look after one another.

Thanks for your Understanding,

Mark Bernstein, Coordinating Council
& Rich Cairncross, REC

What is Expected of Parents & Guardians?

Register your child(ren) and youth, babies too, so that they are on our class mailing lists and we have the appropriate number of volunteers and supplies for each class. This is important for insurance and medical reasons as well as to keep you informed about our great program.

Registration forms are collected at the beginning of the RE sessions in September and when a new family joins the fellowship. You do not have to be a member to register your child. If you are attending services and your children are coming with you, they must be registered. Please contact Irene Friedrichs, our Director of Religious Education, to obtain a registration form.

Fees - Our yearly registration fee is $25.00 per child (maximum fee is $50.00 per family). Please contact Irene Friedrichs, our Director of Religious Education, if you would like to discuss scholarship assistance. Financial support is available for those who need it.

Permission Slips - As part of the registration form and safety procedures, parents/guardians are asked to sign permission forms for certain types of activities. When an activity occurs that requires permission (ex: a nature walk in the neighborhood) and there is no registration form on file or permission has not been granted, then the student is brought back to the parent during the time of the activity.

Photo Release - As part of the registration form, parents/guardians are asked to sign a photo release granting permission for photographs of their children participating in UUCDC activities to be used on the church website and in other church PR materials. These are renewed yearly. This release is optional.

Parents/Guardians participation in our Religious Education Cooperative is expected. Ours is a cooperative, volunteer program. Volunteers serve as chapel assistants, classroom teachers, youth leaders and advisors, helpers, greeters, and RE Council members. We are fortunate that many members without children in the RE program graciously volunteer their time, but all parents of children in our program are expected to help. There are many ways you can get involved. We always need assistance with social service projects, intergenerational activities, craft day, making reminder calls to teachers and assistants, helping with fundraising, chaperoning field trips and more. The success of our program depends upon volunteers and their contributions. Let us know about your specific talents, skills, or interests.

Teacher and Assistant Requirements - All religious education volunteers are required have been attending UUCDC for over 6 months, will have attended a Teacher Orientation in the fall and have criminal background and child abuse checks on file with the church office. (Background checks are paid for by the church.) All volunteers working with youth will have attended specialized youth advisor training. Please see the Community Safety Policy for further details.

Read our church newsletter and weekly email Digest. Our monthly newsletter, the Focus, and the email digest are one of the the means through which the Coordinator of Religious Education and the RE Council can communicate important information to the parents.

Bring your children regularly. Your child receives the greatest benefit when they attend religious education classes regularly. Regular attendance fosters a sense of community in the classroom and offers continuity - helping your child understand and process the curriculum being presented. Several students have experienced a sense of loss or disconnect when their parents demonstrate erratic attendance. When you encourage regular attendance you send your child a powerful message - that Unitarian Universalism and religious education are important in your child's life as well as your own.

Strong attendance honors our teachers' commitment as UUCDC members who volunteer their time and talent. Our teachers prepare carefully to make classes exciting and enriching. If you cannot attend one Sunday, but your children would like to come, consider contacting another parent and perhaps they can escort your child.

Share your ideas and beliefs with your children. Make Unitarian Universalism a way of life by discussing the Principles and Purposes, intergenerational worship themes, and the theme of your child's Sunday morning lesson.

Healthy Classroom Behavioral Expectations

Our teachers and church leaders spend much time and energy creating a safe, supportive, nurturing, and positive atmosphere in the classroom. We expect all children to behave in a manner that fosters these feelings for themselves and their classmates. Each teaching team is encouraged to develop a classroom code of conduct or covenant with the children. Among the goals of our RE program are openness, tolerance, honesty, fairness and respect for the needs of others. Classroom covenants usually encourage these values. Parents can help by discussing appropriate behavior with their children and reinforcing the classroom covenant.

When a situation requiring discipline occurs, teachers and the DRE will work with the child and the parent(s) to help create and maintain acceptable class and group behavior. We expect parents to help in the creation of a constructive plan for participation by all children and youth.

Toys and Other Distractions - On occasion, children may bring a special toy to share with the class. However, the teachers and Director of Religious Education cannot be responsible for the toy, if it is lost or broken. If the toy becomes a distraction to the learning or worship community, your child's teacher may ask to hold it for them until the end of class.

Electronic toys and cell phones are considered a distraction to the community. It is preferable that they be left at home, or remain "off" for the duration of worship and class time.

Please do not bring toy guns or weapons to Church. These toys lead to aggressive behavior. As Unitarian Universalists, we teach our children ways to deal with conflict peacefully.

Diversity Statement

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County is a "Welcoming Congregation", committed to respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We are welcoming in all the varied life situations inherent in the word "diversity", including race, ethnicity, national origin, class, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, and age and emotional and physical ability. In our RE program we provide a welcoming environment to all children, youth, young adults, adults, seniors, and their families and friends. This involves affirming both traditional and other forms of family groupings in all their variety, and using curriculum and other resources that help us value diversity and strengthen us to stand against prejudice and discrimination.

Children with Special Needs

It is our goal to have our program available to all children. If your child has a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at school, please speak confidentially to the Coordinator of Religious Education about the needs of your child, so supports can be built in. Some children receive one-on-one services at school and we will work with you to seek a mutually feasible plan to best serve your child's needs. We are all interested in providing a positive religious education experience for all of our children

Religious Education Registration!

Religious Education at UUCDC is everyone's business. It takes a lot of people to make sure the program runs smoothly. Whether you are a parent of a child(ren) or youth in the program or not, your participation is the key to the success of the program.

Registration Form

Please note: The RE Registration Form is in PDF format, which means that it can only be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you are not sure whether your computer has this program, click on the icon for Registration Form link. Your system will let you know whether you have it. If you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader, free copies are available from Adobe. Just click on the icon to be taken to their website.

Free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader