World Religions: 2007-2008 Theme

Unitarian Universalists are often considered to be bridge builders - the kind of people who draw circles that include rather than exclude. Perhaps that is why study of the religions of the world has been part of our religious exploration programs for over a hundred years. Beginning September 16 we will be drawing from the following curriculum for our Sunday morning experience:

Preschool (Participants are usually 3-5 years old. They should be potty trained and ready for group activities) We Are Many, We Are One. Stories, games and projects encourage children to honor themselves, their religious community, nature, and cultures from around the world. The emphasis is on becoming comfortable at Northwest rather than imparting information.

Lower Elementary (Kindergarten – 2^nd Grade) Picture Book World Religions is the primary resource for this age group. This new curriculum aims to introduce world religions through stories and allow young children to explore the differences and similarities to their own lives. Each week a beautiful picture book introduces the children to Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism in a gentle and respectful way. Additionally we will be using Stories About God, which provides stories from the feminist experience, from science, from life experiences, and from other religious perspectives.

Upper Elementary (3^rd-5^th Grades) Holidays and Holy Days: A Whole Year of Celebrations is a favorite of teachers and children alike. Each week features a celebration from a difference culture or religion. The emphasis is on learning by doing, but always relating to our UU principles and traditions.

Middle School (6^th-8^th Grades) The middle school religious education curriculum helps our young people define their beliefs as Unitarian Universalists, while learning about other faith traditions. Field trips once or twice a month are an integral part of Neighboring Faiths.

High School (9^th-12^th Grades) In recognition of the maturity of this age group, the time they meet and their focus will be jointly determined by the youth, their parents, the DRE, and their adult advisors. For at least the first 2 Sundays (September 16 and 23), this group will meet on Sunday mornings at the same time as other religious education programs.

(9-12 Grades) In recognition of the maturity of this age group, the time they meet and their focus will be jointly determined by the youth, their parents, the DRE, and their adult advisors. For at least the first 2 Sundays (September 16 and 23), this group will meet on Sunday mornings at the same time as other religious education programs.