Who are U—Personal and Spiritual Development

U and I—Interpersonal Connections

U and UU—Unitarian Universalist Identity

UU and the Universe—Community and Global Awareness

All of our curriculum choices address at least one of these dimensions, if not all.  This year our religious education classes are exploring these categories independently by class.  Our class groupings are somewhat constrained this year due to construction.  Our current class list includes:

Childspace (ages 1-3): Available at 9:15 and 11:15

Our toddler room is led by a mix of adult, high school and middle school childcare providers.  The emphasis is on U and I—Interpersonal Relationships.  Children learn to work and play together in a space that encourages curiosity and respect.

Chalice Children (ages 3-5): Available at 9:15 only

This class is led by high school and adult volunteers.  The main emphasis is on U and UU—Unitarian Universalist Identity.  The curriculum is based upon a philosophy that a child’s spiritual development is related to direct experience, this curriculum helps young children learn what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Using a chalice theme, children learn about their religious community, engage in sharing with others, and explore a sense of belonging.

Goals for Participants Include:

To nurture affection and affirmation for a child’s individuality;

To develop a sense of belonging to a Unitarian Universalist community;

To foster acceptance, trust, and an appreciation of themselves and others in their world;

To create a sense of connection to nature and the universe;

To develop self expression, cooperative skills, and creative achievements as they learn and grow.

The Avengers (grades K-3): Available at 9:15 and 11:15

This class is led by adult volunteers and the emphasis is on U and I—Interpersonal Relationships, as well as UU and the Universe.  They use a curriculum called We’re On Our Way which is an anti-oppression, multi-cultural values curriculum written for a multi-age classroom (grades 1-5).  We will be adapting the activates to accommodate our particular classes.  The curriculum consists of five units.  The first one is basically an introduction to the structure of the classes (opening ritual, story, games/crafts, and a closing ritual).  The second unit focuses on differences between people, from physical differences to differences in beliefs, thoughts, family structure, and ancestors, which ultimately create our way of life.  The third unit explores relationships— what is in our control, what do we accept— what don’t we accept, and self care.  Unit 4 focuses on how to be fair about all of the various differences and Unit 5 is about putting our principles in action in concrete ways.  This curriculum fits nicely with the focus of the Social Justice Committee this year— Celebrating Diversity, and we intend to partner with them when we can!

The Carpenters (grades 3-5): Available at 11:15 only

This is led by adult volunteers.  They are using Toolbox of Faith, which is one of the new curricula available online through the UUA.  The emphasis of the new generation of UU curricula is on individual/personal faith development (as contrasted with a more objective approach to religious education) and thus best addresses the learning category, Who are U—Personal and Spiritual Development.  Toolbox of Faith invites (third) fourth and fifth grade participants to reflect on the 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 by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight).  The program uses stories, games, crafts, journals, and rituals to bring these qualities and values to life.  Frequently, the activities make use of the various “tools” being highlighted.

The Critics (grades 6-8): Available at 11:15 only

This class is led by adult volunteers.  They are using a curriculum called Popcorn Theology which takes our modern 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.  This curriculum really addresses all levels of religious inquiry, especially, Who are U.  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

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists—YRUU (grades 9-12)

This class is led by adult volunteers, and because their activities and meeting times are highly varied, it is important to be on the mailing list in order to know when and where the group is meeting.  The group doesn’t follow a specific curriculum, youth and leaders collaborate to determine activities and social action projects.   Activities support exploration and identity formation in all learning categories, especially U and I—Interpersonal Relationships and UU and the Universe—Community and Global Awareness.

Children’s Worship

Principles in Action

Unitarian Universalism is a tradition of action.  Throughout our history the emphasis of living out our beliefs has carried more weight than the beliefs themselves. Our faith is covenantal, our principles are really commitments to how we will live.  Our lifelong learning program is committed to providing opportunities to put all seven of our principles in action at every level of religious inquiry.  We must actively engage in defining and articulating our truth, we must be active in showing respect and kindness to others, we must be supported to exercise our right of conscience, we must actively promote peace and justice in the world and we must respect the entire ecosystem of the earth.  The Lifelong Learning Program frequently partners with the Social Justice Committee and Green Sanctuary Program in order to create opportunities for our children, youth and adults to engage in such actions. 

BUF Community Events

The Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship is committed to creating authentic opportunities for people of all ages to gather in community.  Throughout the church year there will be several worship services are designed to be meaningful and inspiring to people of all ages (BUF Community Worship).  We also host weekly dinners on Wednesday nights as times when the whole community can gather (BUF Community Nights).  And there are many traditions that include opportunities for fun and celebration that are geared toward families of ALL configurations including things like: All Church Retreat, Cider Pressing, Pumpkin Carving, Posada, Everybody’s Birthday… to name a few.  Please see our list of Traditions and Events for the complete list and dates for the 2009-2010 church year.

Safety at BUF

Construction—We are in a construction year, which can result in unsafe conditions caused by loose construction materials and debris, fumes, and unforeseen complications.  Staff, program teachers and lay-leaders are on the lookout for concerning conditions.  Please report conditions to any staff member immediately if you notice something that seems dangerous or concerning. 

Dietary Restrictions—We frequently offer snacks to children and sometimes engage in cooking projects.  Children’s allergies and health concerns should be reported to teachers and the Director of Lifelong Learning.  We keep a supply of low allergen snacks available (rice crackers).

Leaving the Grounds— Registration forms include parental permission that allows teachers to take children to the nearby park or on short walks, which is often recommended in various curricula.  Additionally, middle schoolers are meeting off site this year at the Broadway Youth Center and may do some walking back and forth between BUF and the center.  If your child has attended BUF more than 3 times and you wish to continue attending, please fill out a RE Registration Form in order to make this permission explicit.  If you would prefer that your child does not leave the premises, please inform teachers and the Director of Lifelong Learning. 

For More Information

If you would like more information about any of these classes please contact the Director of Lifelong Learning, Crystal Neva, at (360) 715-1976 or uuneva@gmail.com.