As Unitarian Universalists, we envision children and youth who...

...know that they are lovable beings of inherent worth and dignity.

...realize that they are moral agents, capable of making a difference
in the lives of others, and in the health of our planet.

...feel safe & free to form their own answers to life's great religious questions (such as the nature or existence of a deity...what happens when we die...and the purpose of life itself).

...become familiar with, and show respect for, history and wisdom of other religious traditions.

...recognize the importance of community, the importance of families of all kinds, the importance of relationships among generations.

...experience joy, awe, and gratitude in response to life's gifts...and find hope and healing in the face of life's challenges.

...appreciate the religious heritage of Unitarian Universalism, and feel at home and among friends in this faith community.

Thoughts from the DRE (April newsletter)

"I get by with a little help from my friends"- Lennon/ McCartney

How much is a kind word worth? How important do you think your little interactions with others matter? Perhaps much more than you might think.

On March 10, all the religious education classes gathered together in the RE Wing to hear a presentation entitled "What a Difference a Friend Makes", a program that was developed by the Nassau County Department of Mental Health. It was a transforming morning of hearing stories of the effects of bullying aimed at youth with emotional issues, and more eye opening, the equally hurtful behavior of simply ignoring those who are different and often misunderstood due to an emotional issue.

"Too often, we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word"- Leo Buscaglia

Several speakers spoke to the youth and their teachers about how their lives were affected by being labeled, bullied and ignored in their youth and how those memories have stayed with them through the years. The worst memories to these speakers were being ignored during time in the school cafeterias, recesses or social occasions when a simple 'hello' or 'can I join you' would have made all the difference in the world.

"Even in the smallest things, we express who we are"- Virginia Lang

Take the time to make sure that you reach out to someone who may be different, misunderstood or stereotyped by others. Hold our first two UU principles very close to your hearts. For our faith, it is not as important as what we believe as in how we behave toward each other.

"What you are speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you are saying"- Emerson

Reach out to someone who may need a friend or a gentle touch or a sympathetic ear. Make a connection with someone with a physical or emotional handicap. Be the change that you would like to see in others. By keeping love and under- standing first, by doing something as simple as being there for others and articulating our emotional feelings to others, we keep our priorities in order and we might even change someone's life.

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible"- Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

David Silver, Director of Religious Education

In addition to our Sunday SNUUC Religious Education programs and activities, you may be interested in viewing the website "Between Sundays", a site developed by The Church of the Larger Fellowship for UU parents and families. What does it mean to be a UU and how do our beliefs make a difference in this world? This wonderful resource has some answers to these questions and something for all ages. Please visit the website at http://clf.uua.org/betweensundays/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the typical morning schedule?
10:30 - Everyone begins the morning in the Sanctuary together. After the first ten to fifteen minutes, children & youth and their teachers go to the RE Wing. Around 11:30, the service in the Sanctuary ends. At 11:45, RE ends and children are dismissed to parents.

What else can you tell me about the curricula you use?

"No act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted."

- Aesop (620 BC - 560 BC)
'The Lion and the Mouse'

Copies of our curricula are available for your review on the shelves outside the DRE's office. This year, some of the curricula we're using are the same as those used by our sister UU congregation at Shelter Rock. In coming years, we'll also be using curricula from the "Tapestry of Faith" online series, viewable at www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/.

May I stay with my child?
Sure—if you'd like to observe or help ease a transition, just let us know. Do you provide child care? Yes, child care is available for the very young (infants to preschoolers).

How do I enroll my child?

Complete a registration form (available outside the RE Director's office or click here for registration).

I have been to the end of the earth.
I have been to the end of the waters.
I have been to the end of the sky.
I have been to the end of the mountains.
I have found none that were not my friends.

- Native American Prayer Song

Is there a fee?

Yes ($60/student), but you need not pay the fee for your child to attend RE as a newcomer. Get to know us at a pace that's comfortable for you. And please do fill out a registration form to provide relevant medical/allergy information.

How can I help?
Volunteer opportunities are listed on the back of the registration form. Each enrollee's family is expected to contribute time, talent, and enthusiasm, as this is a cooperative program. The program's success depends on volunteers like you.

Is there RE during the summer?

We find delight in the beauty and happiness
of children that makes the heart too big
for the body

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

No, but there are summer camp opportunities for children & youth, such as Sophia Fahs UU RE Camp (on Shelter Island), run by the Long Island Area Council, for children & youth entering grades 3-12; UU Mid-Atlantic Community (held at DeSales University in PA)—a camp for all ages; and Unirondack (in the Adirondacks).

How can I find out more?
Contact our RE Director, David Silver at dre@snuuc.org.