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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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Special Events and Programs

Religious Education at the Unitarian Church of SharonChildren’s Chapel is a time when all children and youth meet together for a short worship service of their own. This service incorporates some elements of an adult service, such as chalice lighting, songs, and a message. Sometimes dance or movement is included. Regular RE classes meet following the Children’s Chapel.

Revels is our winter holiday celebration. During Revels, children reflect on the meaning of the dark time of the year. They spend several weeks exploring traditions and spiritual practices of many cultures and religions throughout the world, and then share these experiences by leading worship for the whole community on a Sunday before Christmas. Revels 2007 will be held on December 16.

Social Action is an integral part of Religious Education. Curricula for grades 3-8 provide opportunities for children and youth to plan and participate in social action projects over a period of several weeks. Entire families are encouraged to participate in the Social Action Committee’s monthly lunch-making project for residents of MainSpring House shelter for the homeless.

Religious Education Sunday is a worship service dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of the children and youth of the church, and to thank the adults who have helped with the religious education program throughout the year. It will be held on May 20, 2007.

Intergenerational Services are services for all ages. There are no RE classes on these days; however, nursery care is available.

Coming of Age (CoA) celebrates the spiritual transition from childhood to adulthood for youth who choose to engage in this year of discernment. We ask our youth, after years of religious education classes, to consider what they have learned and to develop a statement of their religious beliefs at this point in their lives. A parent-youth orientation session is held to launch the program. Each participant works with a mentor throughout the year and meets regularly with the DRE and minister to support this year of exploration. CoA is offered to 8th and 9th graders as an optional program on alternating years with OWL. Sessions are held outside of regular Sunday morning programming. CoA will be offered this year, starting in the fall.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is the lifespan sexuality education curriculum designed to replace About Your Sexuality (AYS). It was developed in a collaborative effort between the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. All OWL teachers receive extensive training.

The OWL component for young children (Kindergarten through grade 2) is offered during the Sunday morning religious education program once every three years. Weekly take-home activities for parent and child promote the extension of the conversation begun at church. This 8-session program will next be offered in 2008-09.

OWL for children entering puberty (grades 5-6) is offered every other year as an optional program. Sessions are held outside of regular Sunday morning programming. Weekly reading assignments and activities are intended to be shared by child and parent. This 8 session program will be offered in Winter 2009.

The Junior Youth component (grades 7-8) of OWL is offered as an optional program on alternating years with Coming of Age. Sessions are held outside of regular Sunday morning programming. A parent orientation session is held to launch the program. This 28 session program will be offered next in 2008-09.

Junior Youth Fellowship Group a group of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, meets monthly for fun and fellowship. Check the RE bulletin board for the latest information about planned activities.

Holiday Make and Take Craft Workshop Imagine being an elf for an afternoon! On Saturday, November 17, 2007, children and youth make holiday gifts from the heart for loved ones. Craft projects (supported by adult helpers) include wood working, decorative painting, print-making, candle decoration, seed art, baking, and much more. Please contact Alison Reid (RE Committee member) for further information.

Pysanky is the Ukrainian art of egg decoration, traditionally done during the 40 days prior to Easter. Pysanky workshops are held for children (ages 8 and up), youth, and adults at church during this season to provide opportunities to slow down together and enter a meditative state while creating things of beauty from the imagination.

 

 

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2007-2008 Program

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