Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie

Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie

Come Feed Your Spirit and Help Heal the World

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RE Program for Children and Youth

Welcome from the Director of Religious Education

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As the 2011-2012 church year approaches, I look forward to another exciting year in our religious education program! As teachers of religious education, we want to give our children the kinds of experiences that awaken curiosity and nurture questioning as they continue their individual journeys of spiritual development.

There will be lively group discussions in the classrooms and intergenerational activities which will contribute to the growth of each and every child. The 7th-9th grade youth will be making a Heritage trip to Boston in the spring of 2012, so they will be busy learning UU History and sponsoring money-raising projects for their big adventure. We hope the congregation will support this worthwhile endeavor.

It promises to be a good year with exceptional teachers, an enthusiastic RE Committee chaired by Elsbeth Fritz, and a solid curriculum. Please join us.

Nadine Tringali
Director of Religious Education

Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 

Our Unitarian Universalist Principles - Children's Version

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"Walking the Rainbow Path"

  1. Respect all people. They have dignity and worth.
  2. Offer fair and kind treatment to everyone.
  3. Young and old together in community.
  4. Grow and find your own truths.
  5. Believe in your ideals and voice your vote.
  6. Insist on Justice, Freedom and Peace.
  7. Value the earth and the web of life.
Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 

RE Registration: A Covenant in Partnership

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Our church community is created and sustained through the energy and vitality of its participants.  The RE teachers and committee members are volunteers, who depend on adult support to maintain a well-rounded program.

In this spirit, registration of children into the RE Program is seen as a covenant in partnership between parents, children, the RE Committee and the church community as a whole.

We ask our families to complete a registration form each September to keep our files current.

Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 

Curriculum

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NURSERY

The Nursery provides infants and toddlers up to one year of age with a warm, caring atmosphere in which to be creative, to hear stories, to play together, to just look around, or even to sleep. Care is provided from 9:30 until the end of service at noon. Childcare is available for older children in the Nursery before the service during the Adult Discussion groups.

(Meets in the Green Room)

Liaison: Nadine Tringali, DRE
Nursery staff: Marge Cunliffe, Avery Mayfield, Haley Mayfield, Chelsea Turner, Lillie Weidner

TWO'S & THREE'S

Friendship Finders

Friendship Finder's explores our principles with age appropriate and engaging activities on 18 UU themes that empower each child to feel comfortable and confident about coming to church.

(Meets in the Blue Room)

Liaison: Elsbeth Fritz
Teacher: Elsbeth Fritz
Classroom aide: Avery Mayfield

PRESCHOOL

Rainbow Seekers

Rainbow Seeker's explores the gems of our UU faith. Building on Friendship Finders we continue to explore our principles. Activities, rituals and structure are age appropriate to the growing child.

(Meets in the Yellow Room)

Liaison: Jane Meyer

Teachers: Annie Almquist, Holly Hanauer, Jesse Martin, Jane Meyer

Classroom aides: Mary Hammons

KINDERGARTEN – SECOND GRADES

Dr. Seuss and Unitarian Universalists

The stories of Dr. Seuss are wonderful resources. These stories are fun and engaging and give us a way to reflect, to talk about things that are part of our lives.

(Meets in the Red Room)

Liaison: Meg Calkins
Teachers: Meg Calkins, Alyssa Farnsworth, Tania Said Schuler, Nikki Winkle
Assistants: Steve Robert, John Taylor

THIRD – FIFTH GRADES

Holidays and Holy Days

Through this well-loved curriculum, we will celebrate the Holidays and Holy Days of many different religions and cultural traditions. From these experiences we will gain a deeper understanding of what is both unique and common to all people, while connecting ourselves to what is important on our journey as Unitarian Universalists.

(Meets in the Indigo Room)

Liaison: Susan Taylor
Teachers: Shonet Martin, Merissa Shafer, Susan Taylor

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS

Popcorn Theology & UU History

Popcorn Theology takes our youth's interest in learning through the visual arts and channels it into specific learning opportunities which examine issues of theological and ethical importance to our world. By using this visual medium to explore relevant issues, this curriculum seeks to help participants:

  • examine how the choices we make affect our lives and the lives of others
  • explore how concepts such as truth and meaning are related to perspective and point of view
  • understand ways in which the right of conscience calls us to do what is right despite possible negative consequences
  • consider ways in which our faith can help us understand our questions, seek answers, and deal with the trials of life
  • learn about other faith traditions and their responses to important theological and ethical issues

We will also be studying UU History to prepare us for our Boston Bound Heritage Trip in June 2012.

(Meets in the Violet Room)

Liaison: Velvet Miller
Teachers: Mary Bradley, Kristina Denton, Carol Jenkins, Velvet Miller, Andrea Wolfe

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS

We will be exploring peace & social justice issues and neighboring faiths as a way to discover who we are and what we believe.

(Meets in the Orange Room)

Liaison: Markie Oliver
Teachers: Markie Oliver
Special Guest: Mary Bradley, Michael Mayfield, Eleanor Trawick

Last Updated on Monday, August 22, 2011
 

Chapel Service

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Chapel for children & youth will be held in the fellowship hall on special occasions.  In November and December we will be inviting musicians from our congregation to join us for “singing chapel” to learn and rehearse songs for our RE Winter Pageant on December 18.

Last Updated on Monday, January 16, 2012
 

RE Behavior Expectations

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Discipline Guidelines

The term discipline as used here refers to its original meaning – to teach. We service a group of young people with a range of ages, interests and personalities. For the teachers to develop a working relationship with the children in only 45 minutes, a few times a month, presents a special challenge. Parents can help by reviewing appropriate behavior expectations with their children and by informing the DRE and teachers of any special learning styles, or considerations regarding your child.

Looking to our principles and purposes; we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and promote acceptance of one another. In this spirit of community building, we aspire to discipline, to teach, and to expect behavior that respects self, peers and adults.

Our valued teachers volunteer their time to prepare and engage our children in discovery and learning. While, at times, any child may need redirection, occasional individuals require more than a reasonable amount of their teachers’ “re-directive’ energies. It is never in the child’s or the group’s best interest to permit disruptive behavior. In deference to our principles of respect for the interdependent web --- as it relates to the learning environment, the RE committee has developed the following guidelines:

When a child’s behavior needs redirection they will, with love and respect be:

  • ‘Invited’ to sit (or stand) by the adult. (Proximity often helps)
  • Given a helpful task and then reintegrated into the group.
  • Offered the opportunity to read a book or draw.
  • Escorted to sit with their parents for the remainder of the service/class time.
  • Parents may be asked to come into the classroom.

We will always seek to determine and address any cause for discomfort that may be contributing to the child’s behavior. By informing the DRE of any special learning styles or considerations regarding your child, we can better meet their needs.

To Help Your Child Benefit the Most from Their Church Experience Consider . . .

  • Being as consistent as possible in attendance. Familiarity is basic to a sense of belonging and ownership. A child’s comfort level and relationship to the community can be compromised as the group building process progresses without his or her consistent presence.
  • The importance of your volunteer time in their classes. Your presence demonstrates that you feel RE is worthwhile, perhaps the most lasting and valuable message your children could receive.
  • Providing continuity by incorporating some of our ritual forms.
Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 

General Information

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Sunday Morning Routine
All youth will begin in the sanctuary with their parents. Following the hymn, Spirit of Life, classes will begin. On special occasions, children will begin in their classrooms so that we may hold chapel in the fellowship hall. Please check the “RE Welcome Board” in the RE wing (east entrance) to find out what is happening in RE each Sunday morning. Classes end at noon with snack served between 11:45 and 11:55.  Please take this time to enjoy coffee and conversation in the sanctuary.

Visiting families are encouraged to visit their child’s classroom teacher before the service between 10:30 and 10:45.

Student Pick-Up Policy
Parents of children in the Nursery, Preschool, and K – 2nd must go to the classrooms to pick up their children. Please pick up your children in a timely manner, so that our teachers and aides can also enjoy coffee hour. Children and youth in all other classes will be allowed to leave their classrooms and find their parents within the church building when class is over. If someone other than a parent is to pick up a child after a church activity, please notify the teacher beforehand.

Social Action Projects, Special Events, and Intergenerational Activities
Throughout the year, Social Action projects are planned that involve all children and youth. To help end world hunger we have raised funds for Heifer International and also through the “Empty Bowl Project”. Some of our other projects have been to make baby crib quilts, valentine cards for the Caring Committee, activity bags for children in need, Jane Goodall’s Chimp Guardian Project, and Saving Endangered Animals through the World Wildlife Fund. Each year we also have great fun making home-made cat and dog treats as a fundraiser for a local animal rescue center.

In addition, Special Events are planned such as our RE Sunday & Open House, Goofy Olympics!, The Age of Reading Ceremony, Child Dedication, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Fall Festival, RE Family Potlucks, and Game Day!

Intergenerational Activities include special times together such as the Water Ceremony, Harvest Feast, Cookie and Milk Sunday, Santa Lucia, and the RE Winter Holiday Play.

Last Updated on Monday, January 16, 2012
 

Special Celebrations

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Growing Up in Our UU Faith

Age of Reading Ceremony – 1st Grade

We celebrate the "joy of reading".

Child Dedication Ceremony

Child Dedication Ceremonies are Unitarian Universalist celebrations for welcoming a baby or child into our community. This is an opportunity to dedicate ourselves and the child to a life of meaning and a search for his or her truths on the path to a religious or spiritual self. Please contact our Minister, Rev. Mary Moore for more information on planning a Dedication Ceremony.

Honoring our Graduates

In June we will have a ceremony during the service to honor our Graduates.

Coming of Age Ceremony – Youth Group

In the spring we will have an evening ceremony to celebrate the passage of our 5th graders into middle school, and our eighth graders into senior high.

Bridging Ceremony – Youth Group

Each spring, we celebrate the passage of our seniors into adulthood. As we build a "bridge" between their role as a senior youth and their new identity as young adults, we recognize the achievements and contributions each have made to the world and our community and emphasize our ongoing support of our seniors as they make their own way in our complex world.

Last Updated on Monday, January 16, 2012
 

Youth Groups

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Middle School Youth Group

Youth in grades 5th through 8th meet monthly for discussion, activities or special events. Our focus is on developing opportunities for the group to explore creative ways to approach problem solving, to have fun in a caring space and to discover how our principles are applied to everyday life. We may watch movies, enjoy campfires or create art projects during the year.

Senior High Youth Group

Our Senior High Youth Group meets several Sundays a month – some evenings 7-8:30 p.m. or afternoons 12:15-2:00 p.m. Our focus is on providing space for worship, encouraging discussion on various topics, to support one another in a caring community, to explore peace and social justice issues, to nurture individual journeys and to have fun. Throughout the year we may watch films, listen to music, plan projects, go camping or have special speakers.

4U – College Group

Our college group known as 4U, which stands for ball state University, Unitarian Universalist Union, is for college undergraduates and graduate students who are attending Ball State & IVY Tech. We meet twice monthly, 2nd & 4th Sunday nights, 8-9:30 pm at Grace Village (in the BSU village area on the corner of Beechwood and Martin – please use the entrance with the ramp). Our focus is to provide an opportunity for worship, discussion, peace and social justice activities and support for our students.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please contact our Youth Programs Director, Markie Oliver, at 282-1386.

Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 

Opportunities to Help

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Our Religious Education program is a cooperative, volunteer venture. All adults in the congregation are strongly encouraged to help. There are many opportunities for short or long term involvement including teaching, being a teacher’s helper or nursery helper, being an RE Host, or helping with special projects, events or services. Most adults find involvement in the RE program to be enjoyable, stimulating, and rewarding. Contact Director of Religious Education Nadine Tringali to explore ways you might help.

Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 

Calendar Highlights

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July 10-Aug. 14

Summer Art Campw/ Shonet Martin & Amy Shaw

August 17

Teacher Orientation

August 21

RE Kick-Off!

August 21

Teacher Dedication Ceremony

September 4

Goofy Olympics! –Labor Day Weekend

September 25

Pokagon Retreat Weekend – No RE Classes

October 30

Fall Festival & Halloween Parade

November 5

Bazaar

November 19

Harvest Feast

November 27

No RE Classes

December 10

Making Saffron Buns with Elsa 1:00 to 4:00

December 11

Intergenerational Service -Santa Lucia Ceremony

December 18

Intergenerational Service -Youth Choiror Pageant

December 25

No RE Classes

February 12

Intergenerational Service -Cookie Communion

March 11

Age of Reading Ceremony -1stGrade

April 8

Easter Sunday –Easter Egg Hunt & Scavenger Hunt

May 6

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

May TBA

Coming of Age and Bridging Ceremony

May 13

Child Dedication Ceremony

May 13

RE SundayVolunteer Recognition & Presentation

May 20

Last Curriculum Sunday

May 27

Game Day –Memorial Day Weekend

June 3

Heifer International Sunday

June 3

Honoring Our Graduates

June 10

Blessing the Animals Sunday

June 17

Music Sunday

June 24

Flower Sunday

Scheduling changes may be necessary.  Please consult the Unigram or RE News on the web site for the most up-to-date information.

Last Updated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
 



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4800 W. Bradford Dr.
Muncie, IN 47304
(765) 288-9561

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Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.
Children's Religious Education classes during service.
Pre-Service Discussion: 9:30 a.m.
Directions to our church