Late in the year, our Religious Education team wanted to try to offer something new and innovative this coming fall for our youngest learners.  Spirit Play, a UU adaptation of the Montessori-based "Godly Play," approaches faith learning as a whole senses experience.

Spirit Play is a highly praised Unitarian Universalist learning program that incorporates story telling, creativity and personal exploration to help children develop and live their own answers to some of life's BIG QUESTIONS: Where did we come from? What are we doing here? What is our purpose? What are our gifts and how do we use them? What happens when we die?

Because of the challenges with staffing this youngest classroom and the need for consistency that many of these children need, the Governing Board approved CYREC and the DRE to try to fundraise to hire a teacher/trainer.

There was very little time and the call out to our Beloved Community was quick, short, and intense.  We are pleased to announce that the full amount needed to get this program going ($3094) was pledged and/or received by the July 1 deadline!

Thanks to all of our donors, who represent the breadth and depth of our congregation, showing that we all take on the responsibility of sharing Unitarian Universalism to our children—both the present and the future.

UU Member Rachel Kohl will be traveling up to Georgia this summer to receive Spirit Play training, which she will bring back to the congregation and teach any/all of us who are interested in learning this innovative way to do "Sunday School."  Many other UU congregations expand Spirit Play to older grades, some up to 5th grade (10 to 11 years old).  May this be yet another way for all of us to continue to grow spiritually and engage in our own lifelong learning.

Each Sunday our children begin their education in the Sanctuary with our minister and the adults.  They hear a story that reflects the day’s sermon.  At the close of the story, which lasts about fifteen minutes, a beautiful song, written by our Minister of Music and sung by the entire congregation, guides our children and youth out of the Sanctuary.

We offer childcare for Nursery-age children up to 3 years.  Age appropriate toys and activities are available.  The Nursery program is staffed by a trained adult.

For children in grades PreK-5 and for youth in grades 6-12 we offer classes during the school year.  Every class has two adults, a teacher, and an assistant.  We have a paid, experienced childcare provider for nursery-age children.  In addition to the lead teachers for each grade, adult teachers provide instruction on a rotational basis.  All teachers and assistants, along with any other adults who regularly work with our children and youth, have undergone a thorough nation-wide background check.

Summer RE: Our RE program continues during June, July, and August.  We use these weeks to allow our children time to socialize in less-structured classes with character-building games and crafts.   Generally, the youth attend service during the summer.  In summer 2008, we offered a seven-week “7 Principles Film Fest” that the youth enjoyed, complete with popcorn.

Materials sorted by age group and/or for teachers/parents.