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.

Notes from the RE Wing

Our fall classes are well underway and our youth are working with their teachers and classmates to develop a strong grasp of our UU principles and to understand how our actions can change the world.

Fall Classes and Curriculums
K-2 Our Seven Principles
3-5 A Stepping Stone Year
6-8 Popcorn Theology - The Gospel According to The Simpsons
9-12 Paying It Forward - Living a UU Life

• Sunday November 6 will be the first Social Action Sunday in the RE Wing. The youth will begin in the Sanctuary, then will move to the RE Wing to work together to make and decorate care packages for our SNUUC young adults/RE alumni away at college. If you have children away at school, please let me know their campus addresses.

If you have thoughts on what to include in the packages to make them special, please drop me a note.

• Sunday November 20 will be our annual Junior High School "Guests at Your Table" service. Planning sessions and rehearsals will take place with the youth on Friday November 4 at 6:00pm and Friday November 18 at 6:00pm. Both sessions will include a dinner break. Parents, please make sure that your children are available for the planning sessions that will be led by Catherine with the assistance of their RE teachers.

Senior HS youth will also be hosting the Coffee Hour following the service on Sunday November 20. The youth will be responsible for setting and cleaning up and providing refreshments for the congregation.

• 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/

• If you would like to reach out to me regarding ideas for the RE Wing or for any other issues regarding the RE Wing, please do not hesitate to contact me at SNUUC or by e-mail at dre@snuuc.org
In Service, David Silver

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.