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First Unitarian Church of LynchburgA Welcoming Congregation |
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2010-2011 Religious Education Curricula -- Tapestry of Faith
Preschool -- Celebrating Me and My World
The Celebrating our World curriculum introduces our youngest children to the symbols and values of Unitarian Universalism. They will learn about the church and our congregation through stories and activities.
Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders -- Picture Book Bible Tales and Creating Home
Picture Book Bible Tales is a brand new curriculum that uses contemporary children's books to tell Bible stories. Focusing on the wisdom of these Christian sacred texts the children will learn how these Bible tales have shaped western culture. This curriculum also provides grounding in basic biblical literacy.Creating Home curriculum helps children develop a sense of home that is grounded in faith. Your child will be asked questions about the purpose of having a home and the functions a home serves for both humans and 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" -- our congregation -- which shares some characteristics with a family home. Like a family home, a faith home offers its members certain joys, protections, and responsibilities.
3rd and 4th graders -- Toolbox of Faith
Toolbox of Faith curriculum invites the children to reflect on 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 sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized as a mirror), flexibility (duct tape) and justice (a flashlight). Reflecting on the qualities of the tools of our faith, children and leaders gain insight into what makes our faith a faith for life.
5th, 6th, and 7thgraders -- Popcorn Theology
Popcorn Theology takes the concept and popularity of movie night to explore issues of theology and ethics of Unitarian Universalists. Each session has a selected movie excerpt which lasts approximately 15-20 minutes followed by activities and discussion. Films included in this curriculum are Little Buddha (concept of karma), Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (overcoming temptation), Hoosiers (offering forgiveness) and Hotel Rwanda (how inaction leads to injustice).
Youth Group(8th to 12th graders) -- A Place of Wholeness, OWL, COA
A Place of Wholeness is the newest curriculum designed by the UUA for youth. Youth, like adults and children, need to be able to talk about what it means to be Unitarian Universalist. Whether delivering anelevator speech,taking part in an interfaith dialogue, or conversing with friends at the lunch table, youth need practice in describing our multifaceted faith in terms that are personally meaningful and true. Building upon the faith development of Coming of Age and other UU identity programs, this curriculum encourages youth to look inward for a clearer understanding of their personal faith and guides them to express that faith outward into the world.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is one of the cornerstones of Unitarian Universalist religious education. These classes present a comprehensive approach to human sexuality in an age-appropriate manner. Sessions are based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice and inclusivity. We are offering the program that is generally taught to 8th and 9th graders, although we are using it with the entire youth group this year. There are 27 classes that are 90 minutes each. The OWL teaching team has devised a schedule that is posted on the online church calendar. Parents must sign a permission form and attend the potluck dinner and orientation on Saturday, September 25th if your teen(s) is participating.
Coming of Age (COA) curriculum will be offered in spring 2011. The Coming of Age program is also a cornerstone of Unitarian Universalist religious education. This is an opportunity for our youth to delve into a personal exploration of our faith tradition and share their journey with the larger congregation during the service on May 22, 2010.