Religious Education for YouthHere 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.
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Play groupBirth to 3 Years of Age
For our youngest children from birth through age three paid high school youth will provide an opportunity for the children to learn through play, build relationships with the church and its members, and have fun during “church time.” |
Classes4 yrs-grd 2 Spirit Play
Grd 3-6 Chapel Service Special Classes like Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Age of Reason are held during the year for children of those age ranges.
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YouthGrd 7-8 Coming of Age
Sr High Youth Group |
2019 - 2020 Program
SPIRIT PLAY: FOUR YEARS THROUGH GRADE TWO
Children ages four years through second grade will be introduced to the magic of Spirit Play. Spirit play seeks to engage children in the questions of life within the context of the Unitarian Universalist faith. The program encourages independent thinking through wondering with an adult who does mediate correct answers but truly wonders with the child. It gives children real choices through freedom within the structure that promotes a sense of community and develops an underlying sense of the spiritual and mysteries of life. Each week stories are presented through active storytelling followed by a “wondering” time that opens up the child’s response to the story. Time is then allowed for the child is to work directly with that story, or another, or respond to the story through art materials.
Children ages four years through second grade will be introduced to the magic of Spirit Play. Spirit play seeks to engage children in the questions of life within the context of the Unitarian Universalist faith. The program encourages independent thinking through wondering with an adult who does mediate correct answers but truly wonders with the child. It gives children real choices through freedom within the structure that promotes a sense of community and develops an underlying sense of the spiritual and mysteries of life. Each week stories are presented through active storytelling followed by a “wondering” time that opens up the child’s response to the story. Time is then allowed for the child is to work directly with that story, or another, or respond to the story through art materials.
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CHAPEL SERVICE: GRADES THREE THROUGH SIX
After experiencing the wisdom story at the adult service, the third through sixth graders will gather in Joshi Chapel for an age appropriate chapel service including sharing, wondering, and meditation time and hands on activities and projects. The Chapel Services will follow the monthly themes laid out in the adult services. Taking on this format will bring multi-generational alignment so that all ages are learning and living the same conversation, provide meaningful opportunities for parents to discuss each theme with their child/ren, and will invite young people into the center of congregational life. Children take on projects that help them learn about others in the world, including field trips and collections for underprivileged people. |
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COMING OF AGE:
GRADES SEVEN AND EIGHT Our Coming of Age program uses the four elements of rituals, learning, testing and celebration to acknowledge our young people’s transition from childhood to youth. The youth meet weekly to tackle life’s “big questions”. Through the year the youth learn who they are and decide what they stand for and write a faith statement, which is shared with and celebrated by the congregation. |
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SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP: GRADES NINE THROUGH TWELVE
Senior High Youth Group youth meet weekly with adult advisors to participate in a supportive environment in which they can explore their feelings about themselves, their world and their religion. Some curricula are 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. The youth will be invited to attend district and local youth conferences throughout the year and will create and present a worship service for the congregation.
Senior High Youth Group youth meet weekly with adult advisors to participate in a supportive environment in which they can explore their feelings about themselves, their world and their religion. Some curricula are 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. The youth will be invited to attend district and local youth conferences throughout the year and will create and present a worship service for the congregation.
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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 Ext. 110 or re@hinsdaleunitarian.org.
