Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
A Church of Open Minds and Loving Hearts
*Current registration form and Religious Education brochures can be found under Newcomers to RE, Welcome!
Religious Education Calendar, February 2012
Sunday, February 5
9:15-12:45 Childcare available – age 5 and under
9:30-10:45 RE Class Day
11:15-1:45 7th & 8th OWL Class – Fahs Room
Sunday, February 12
9:15-12:45 Childcare available – age 5 and under
9:30-10:45 All Ages
11:00-1:00 RE Committee meeting, all are welcome!
Friday, February 17 – Monday, February 20 PCD YRUU PineCON in Berkeley
Sunday, February 19
9:15-12:45 Childcare available – age 5 and under
9:30-10:45 RE Class Day
Sunday, February 26
9:15-12:45 Childcare available – age 5 and under
9:30-10:45 RE Class Day
11:15-1:45 7th & 8th OWL Class – Fahs Room
7th & 8th Grade OWL 2011-2012
This year we have the Junior High OWL program. To make sure your child is part of this thorough and advanced program, attend the mandatory Parent Orientation on Sunday, September 11 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in room 12.
You can find a copy of the current OWL brochure here: OWL.Brchr_7-8.2011-12color.pdf
Sunday Morning Programs — 9:30 AM from September to May
RE programs take place during the 9:30 service and they end about 15 minutes after the end of the worship service. Parents need to sign in and sign out their children.
The RE Welcome Table is staffed by a member of the RE committee in the 20 minutes before the service begins. There you can sign in your child and get a registration form, which is essential to supporting our children, youth, parents, volunteer leaders and staff.
Professional Nursery Care in Room 11
At every service and special event, we have childcare available for children up to age 5.
Story Time — Preschool and Kindergarten
Experienced UUSS volunteers, including young parents and elder sages, spend time reading age-appropriate stories to the kids. They then have a time of "Wondering" — questions for connection and reflection together. The Story Time room connects to Room 11, so the younger ones are free to wander, if they can't sit still for Wondering.
Spirit Play for Grades 1-5
Spirit Play is a ritual-based method to promote community-building, spiritual reflection, and fun. Based on some of the Montessori teaching principles, this Unitarian Universalist program teaches our liberal religious traditions and values through stories and wondering together. Parent orientation is required. Learn about it at www.SpiritPlay.net.
Junior High Youth Program (JHYG) and Senior High Youth Programs (SHYG)
The curriculum for our Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) has been developed by UUSS leaders to promote understanding of UU values and identity, to learn about other faith traditions, and to explore and practice various traditions of meditation and other kinds of spiritual practice. Our Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) volunteer teaching team includes adult leaders from the congregation. Please see more information on our Senior High Youth group by clicking on "Senior High Youth Group" under "Inside" on the side bar on the right.
I know (and I remember) that the lives of youth get very busy and coming to church takes effort. However, to the extent that it is possible, regular attendance by our UUSS teens at these youth programs will deepen the mentoring friendships between the adult leaders and the youth and will build supportive connections among our youth as they enter challenging and meaningful life passages.
All-Ages Worship Services
Nearly once a month we have a worship service intentionally planned to include and appeal to all ages. On these Sundays, we have no Religious Education class, and families with children can choose to come to either morning service. Of course, on every Sunday morning, all ages begin in the service together, for opening songs, the Chalice Lighting, and the Hand of Fellowship to greet one another. Sometimes there is a story for all ages, and sometimes children and youth are present for the Sharing of Joys and Sorrows.
Programs at Other Times of the Week
"Our Whole Lives" — Comprehensive, Values-Based Sexuality Education. This year, we have two excellent teams of trained adult volunteers to lead two levels of Our Whole Lives (OWL), a Unitarian Universalist program to promote respect for self and others, personal responsibility, communication skills, and current, factual knowledge about sexuality. Special advance registration and parent orientation is required. Please see more information on our OWL series by clicking on "Our Whole Lives" under "Inside" on the side bar on the right.
All-Ages Community Building
UUSS holds events during the year to promote community building among all age groups. Nearly every month we have a Family-Friendly Restaurant Dinner at Fresh Choice or another area family style restaurant.
Depending on volunteer leadership, this year we may have a Thanksgiving Day planned potluck dinner; a Holiday Crafts and Tree-Trimming Party; and special activities for children during the Harvest Fest Dinner and Service Auction on Saturday, October 29. Halloween costumes welcome!
Every June we have a weekend all-church camp-out at Camp Norge, just an hour away. Of course, our on-site community garden, UURTH SONG, is a never ending source of delight, conversation and food for all ages together.
Keep an eye on the monthly Unigram newsletter for upcoming events. I welcome you to join me in developing or hosting additional activities to build community across the generations this year.
Words of Gratitude
Religious Education programs are in my ministerial portfolio at UUSS, and I am grateful to our Religious Education Committee, our many other volunteers of all ages and stages of life, and our church staff. The gifts of time, talent, and care by our staff and volunteer leaders make our programs exciting and excellent.
I am so grateful to our multi-generational team of leaders for their commitment and their enthusiasm. I hope to see you soon!
Many blessings,
Roger Jones
Family Minister
