Religious Education Program
Welcome
Here at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale we have a continuing commitment to the spiritually rich and psychologically sound nurture of your children and youth. Our comprehensive program embodies our Unitarian Universalism principles and heritage. We seek to provide our young people with opportunities for worship, learning and fellowship activities that will guide them along their spiritual journey.
Our Director of Religious Education, Pam Fodor, with support from our strong Religious Education Committee, take great care in preparing fun, captivating, classes, workshops, activities and worship services to help our young people explore their Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values as they grow and mature.
Pam Fodor is happy to speak with you further about the program. Please feel free to contact her at 630-323-2885 or re@hinsdaleunitarian.org.
Mission Statement
The goals of the children and youth religious education program are to cultivate:
* a UU perspective toward life
* attitudes of inquiry
* an appreciation of nature
* excitement and reverence for life
* a joy of companionship
* an evaluation of worth and beauty
* a willingness to contemplate those things which are deep and meaningful
Without imposing specific doctrine(s) upon our young people we strive to teach a way of thinking and a way of approaching life as a Unitarian Universalist.
We aspire to this goal through
* age appropriate curricula
* worship services
* examples of our own adults’ contemplation of life and religion
* group service projects
* social gatherings
* special workshops
Preschool
Ages: 3, 4, and Pre-K 5
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 3 (lower level of RE Building)
Chalice Children
This curriculum is based on the belief that preschool children gain a sense of belonging to their religious community and the UU faith when they have concrete experiences with its people and places.
Kindergarten and First Grade
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 2 (lower level of RE Building)
Treasure Hunting
The theme of treasure hunting involves children in the excitement of the search for the meaning of life at the concrete level of their understanding. Each week’s activities encourages children to explore a value which is tied to one or more of the UU principles.
Second and Third Grade
Free to Believe
This is an experiential program designed to nurture the emotional, social, and spiritual life of children. They will explore values, beliefs and what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. This year will also include the Our Whole Lives Program.
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 4, (lower level of RE Building)
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grade
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Joshi Chapel, (upper level of RE Building)
Bibleodeon
This curriculum is an experiential program introducing young Unitarian Universalists to the stories and history of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles to help them make connections to biblical references in today’s literature, art, music and politics.
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 5, (upper level of RE Building)
Our Whole Lives
OWL is a comprehensive approach to human sexuality presented in an age appropriate manner. It is based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice, and inclusivity. The junior high youth will examine their values; discuss sexuality and body awareness, gender and diversity, sexual orientation and gender identity, relationships, lovemaking, responsible sexual behavior, STIs and sexual abuse.
Time: 10:30 AM
Ninth through Twelfth Grades
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 6 (upper level of RE Building)
SENIOR YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS
Senior Youth Group youth meet with advisors to participate in a supportive environment in which they can explore their feelings about themselves, their world and their religion. Some curriculum is used, as determined by the desires of the group. Youth and advisors work jointly to plan and participate in social action projects, leadership development, and opportunities for worship.
Registration
For registration information, please contact Pam Fodor at 630-323-2885 or re@hinsdaleunitarian.org
