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Religious Education for Children
Each Sunday from September to June, we hold Religious Education classes for preschool through high school. Childcare is also available for children under 3. Children attend the first part of the regular service with their parents, giving them an opportunity to take part in some of the ritual elements of our services: lighting the chalice, reciting our covenant, and singing the choral call to worship. They are then released to go downstairs for the religious education classes which are held from 9:30 – 10:30 and 11:30 - 12:30.
Our program is a lively and energetic place with a lot of opportunities. One of the best ways to keep up with current activities and plans is to get our newsletter. Visitors can sign up for a free 3 month subscription in order to get to know us better. You can also fill out a visitor form for your children to be included in any mailings that go out to families in our program. Ask a Greeter on Sunday for information on how to do this.
How to help your child get more out of our program
You are your child's first teacher, especially in the area of religious education. While we attempt to provide a rich, stimulating and meaningful program, there are things you can do to help your child integrate what we introduce.
- Regular Attendance: You can help your child have a meaningful, enjoyable church experience by encouraging (or requiring!) regular attendance, which is basic to the development of community and the understanding of curriculum. Continuity is essential for feelings of belonging and to achieve the greatest benefit from the curriculum
- To supplement your child's formal religious education, find out what happens in class, and share your beliefs with your child. Tell about your own spiritual journey, and how your ideas may have changed over time. Your interest and involvement will be just as important as what your child learns at church.
- Get involved in the program. Because we are a cooperative, each family is expected to contribute in some way. This not only ensures that we have the help we need to run things, but it helps you get to know us better.
Many people have volunteered to help our Religious Education Cooperative. If not for them, there would be no RE program. Expressing your thanks and offering active support (perhaps making a special snack, playing music, leading a field trip, or sharing your particular expertise) eases their load, and helping out is a good way to find out if you'd like to teach in our program.
We look forward to learning, working, and playing with you and your children!
Crystal Neva, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship 