First Unitarian Church - Religious Education

Religious Education

Note: Religious Education classes do not meet during the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Our Goals

Create a loving and supportive atmosphere within the classroom and within our congregation.

Help each child feel connected to our church community and to the world.

Encourage children to reflect on their beliefs about God, religion, social issues, environmental responsibility and community.

Encourage respect and value children’s questions.

Introduce the beliefs and practices of Unitarian Universalism and other religious traditions and cultures from around the world.

Recognize and celebrate the diversity among us.

Help children become principled, ethical people who act upon their values.

Nourish a sense of wonder about the world

Have fun!

— The Talmud

We offer classes for children from preschool through high school. Child care is provided throughout the year for infants and toddlers to 3 years old. Please bring diapers, bottles and a favorite toy, if desired. During intergenerational services preschoolers and kindergartners are welcome in the nursery at the parents’ discretion.

Notes to Parents

We miss children who miss RE! Please come regularly.

Please register your child for the RE program so we can keep in touch with you.

RE classes are held concurrently with the morning service; children join their parents for the first part of the worship service the second Sunday of each month.

Family Sundays, when children join their parents for the entire service, will be announced in the newsletter.

Four times a year, children 5 years old up join together for Kids’ Connection (chapel), featuring music, special visitors and projects.

Most of the younger children’s classes include an arts and crafts component. Clothing should be washable.

Please remind your child that good behavior is expected in our classroom and worship settings. If problems arise, parents may be called to help.

From time to time, you may be asked to volunteer in the classroom. Parental involvement is important to the success of our RE program.

When a given curriculum contains sexually-sensitive materials, parents will be advised.

In accordance with our Board policy, all volunteers working with our children read and sign the UUA Sexual Ethics statement. In addition, paid RE employees submit references and agree to a background check. A copy of this policy is available through the church office.

Please remember to watch your children on our playground before and after church as no adult supervision is provided.

Unaccompanied Child Policy

All children and youth (under age 18) attending Sunday School at First Unitarian Church, South Bend, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or designated adult. When the accompanying adult is not a parent or guardian, the classroom teacher should be informed. When possible the minister and chair of the Religious Education committee should also be informed.