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The Unitarian Church of Sharon
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Unitarian Church of Sharon
4 N. Main St.
Sharon, MA 02067

781-784-3652
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Nuts and Bolts of the Religious Education Program

Religious Education at the Unitarian Church of Sharon

When and Where

The Religious Education (RE) program of the Unitarian Church of Sharon meets every Sunday morning from September 13, 2009 through June 20, 2010. The children attend the beginning of the adult service starting at 10:15, and then adjourn to begin RE class from 10:40 until 11:20.

Parts of the church are currently under construction. During construction, all classes will be held in the Sharon Public Library. Nursery care will be provided in the vestry on the first floor of the church.

After classes, all children will re-enter the vestry during coffee hour. Parents and guardians are asked to check in with the teachers at this time to help dismissal happen smoothly. Due to our growing congregation, coffee hour can be a busy, bustling event. Parents are responsible for supervising their children during coffee hour so that everyone can socialize comfortably and safely.

Registration

We ask that all children and youth who participate in our programs register. If you have not yet registered your child(ren) for this program year, please pick up a registration form in the church vestry and complete and return it to the DRE after worship or to RE Committee mailbox near the front entrance to the vestry.

The Religious Education program is funded by the operating budget of the church. To supplement the budget for costs such as special mailings and additional supplies, however, we ask that those enrolled pay a fee of $40 per child or $60 per family. Scholarships are available confidentially through the minister, RE Committee chair, or DRE.

Visitors are not required to register. If you find that you will be attending regularly, we ask that you register your child(ren).

Classes and Curricula

Our Teachers are caring volunteers: some with many years experience in this ministry of religious education, others relative newcomers just embarking on this journey. Most teachers make a year-long commitment to teach a specific group of children. During construction, special guest instructors will join these teachers to share an artistic interest with the children. This mixture of familiar faces with special guests will provide adequate continuity for the children (and their parents) while allowing for a wide range of special art activities.

Our Classes: During construction, we offer a one-room-schoolhouse for children in grades 1 through 8. Children will be able to pursue activities that interest them at a variety of stations. Nursery and Preschool-Kindergarten will meet as separate groups. Once we enter our new addition this winter, the children will be grouped according to grade level: Nursery, Preschool-Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2, Grades 3-4-5, and Grades 6-7-8 and meet in separate classrooms. If you have questions about your child’s placement, please speak with the Director of Religious Education.

Our Curricula, obtained through the Unitarian Universalist Association, are designed to present either an overview of several aspects of the Unitarian Universalist principles or focus on a specific area important to Unitarian Universalism. The major themes addressed in our Religious Education program include UU Principles and Purposes, Judeo-Christian Heritage, Earth-based Religions, World Religions, Diversity/Social Justice, Spiritual Practices, and Social Action. Most of the curricula selected are used in many local UU churches. Some are developed by our DRE with the specific needs of a group in mind. Please feel free to bring questions, comments, or concerns to the DRE, any member of the RE Committee, or classroom teachers.

Communication

On Sunday, September 27, after church, parents are encouraged to attend Open House at our temporary meeting space in the library.

Information regarding the Religious Education program can also be found in the monthly newsletter, the weekly order of service, or on the RE bulletin board in the first floor vestry. In addition, teachers may send home letters throughout the church year to inform parents about specific classroom events or topics. We encourage parents to introduce themselves to the teaching team and/or the DRE and to share with them any concerns regarding their child or the program.

The Religious Education Committee

The Religious Education Committee is responsible for maintaining the RE program. This dedicated group of volunteers meets monthly to ensure happy, productive experiences for our children and youth. The Religious Education Committee works in cooperation with our Director of Religious Education (DRE), Youth Coordinator and the Parish Minister.

All are welcome to attend meetings of the Religious Education Committee. These meetings are usually held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month beginning promptly at 7:30 pm. Attending is a great way to give feedback and to learn about the program. Please contact the chair for an updated meeting schedule.

Chair Christine Cavallaro
Members
Erin Cassidy-Lunman
Rebecca Kinraide
Janet Limke
Ken Olum
Alison Reid
Glenn Rivard
Karen Zelevinsky

Director of Religious Education Louise Marcoux (781)784-0998
Office Hours: Tues-Thurs 9:00 am - 2:30 pm, Sun 9:00 am -12:30

Youth Coordinator Sue Bollens (401) 295-7549
Office Hours: upon request

Minister Rev. Tricia Brennan (781) 784-9640

 

 

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