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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

General Information

The Religious Education (RE) program of the Unitarian Church of Sharon meets every Sunday morning from September 19, 2010 through June 19, 2011. The children attend the beginning of the adult service starting at 10:15, and then adjourn downstairs to begin class from 10:35 until 11:30. Parents are asked to pick up their children from class at 11:30.

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.

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 commit to 13 Sundays of religious education over the course of the year – as part of a rotating team of 5-6 volunteers. This year-long teaching commitment provides adequate continuity for the children and fosters communication among team members and with families. Participants in this ministry of religious education are also able to balance this experience with participation in adult worship throughout the year.

Our classes are grouped according to grade level and meet in separate classrooms. For the fall: Nursery, Preschool-Kindergarten-Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-5, and Grades 6-7-8. For the winter/spring: Nursery, Preschool-Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2, Grades 3-4-5, and Grades 6-7-8. 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.

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 form from the RE bulletin board in the vestry and drop off your completed form to the RE Committee mailbox in the church office.

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 Director of Religious Education (DRE).

Visitors are welcome. If you find that you will be attending regularly, we ask that you register your child(ren).

Communication

Information regarding the Religious Education program can be found in the monthly newsletter, the weekly order of service, or on the RE bulletin board. In addition, teachers may send home letters or e-mail 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 first Monday 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
Dia Cheney
Rebecca Kinraide
Ken Olum
Alison Reid
Glenn Rivard
Karen Zelevinsky

Director of Religious Education Louise Marcoux (781)784-3652 x3
Office Hours: Tues-Thurs 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Sun 9:00 am -12:30

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

Minister Rev. Jim Robinson (781) 784-3652 x2

 

 

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