Religious Education Program
for Children & Youth
Geetings from Pam
How can we best serve the optimal growth and development of children and youth, for the greatest good of our society and world? At Evergreen we are committed to providing a safe, compassionate and welcoming place for all ages, wherein we offer opportunities to develop a language for exploring spirituality, to seek meaning and the answers to life’s Big Questions, and to learn to think in ways that will serve the future of our fragile planet. Our ministry for and with children and youth is engaging, informative, creative, and loads of fun. I look forward to speaking with you personally about our excellent program and how it can meet the needs of your children and family. If you have any questions about any of the classes, please email me.
Yours,
Pam Gerke
Religious Education at Evergreen
[Nursery] [Preschool-6th] [Middle School] [High School]
Unitarian Universalists believe that life is for learning and that one of the most important groups we serve as a UU congregation is our children. During childhood, youth, young adulthood, and adult years, we encourage each other to personal and spiritual growth, our second principle. (See our Seven Principles.) At Evergreen we offer learning for all seasons of our lives. Parents seek a learning environment where children can learn positive values and learn to seek their own answers to life's questions, working closely with wise, compassionate adults.
Sunday Morning Schedule
10:30 am until the end of worship service: Nursery Care with a professional Caregiver for ages birth through 3 years. Children and youth join their families in the sanctuary for the beginning of the service.
10:50 am (approx.) - Children, youth, teachers, advisors, and other adult volunteers go to classrooms after the Story for All Ages.
11:30 am or when worship ends: Children in the Nursery are to be picked up promptly.
12:00 pm - Children in PreK - 2nd grades are to be picked up promptly at their classrooms when classes end. Children in 3rd - 12th grades meet their parents in Beaman Hall.
Worship Services for Children and Youth
On the first Sunday of each month our young people meet together in a worship service specifically designed for them. Children and youth observe Unitarian Universalist practices such as Lighting the Chalice, singing, listening to teaching stories, offering prayers, and collecting an offering which is given to a service organization selected by the children. The service is held in the Fireside Room at 10:30 am, after which they go to their respective classrooms.
RE Curriculum
The Web of Life
Classes will include lessons, stories, art activities, service projects, and class discussions about how we are all connected - to other people and creatures, to our planet, and to the Spirit within.
Nursery with Chandra Dunne
Nursery: Infants - Preschool (age 3)
Our Nursery is staffed by Caregiver Chandra Dunne, assisted by adult volunteers.
Chandra has a degree in Social Work and has worked with severely behaviorally disturbed foster children, as a Family Reconciliation Counselor, and with severe and profound developmentally delayed children and youth. She has a toddler and is enjoying learning about the early developmental stages. Chandra feels that Evergreen is a warm and welcoming community. She appreciates the open-mindedness and embracing of diverse faith traditions here and feels that the Fellowship is a good fit with her own values.
Each Sunday includes: music or stories, sensory or art experiences, and the opportunity to learn social skills by playing and sharing snacks with other small children.
A baby changing table can be found in the larger bathroom next to the kitchen.
Children's Program
Each classroom has consistent teachers with rotating volunteers. These classes enjoy lively discussions, crafts and other activities that fit the day's lesson, as well as snacks and possibly field trips. This is done while children learn appropriate social skills in a creative and friendly environment.
Classes for Pre- Kindergarten through High School
Children and youth attend the first part of worship services at 10:30am and then attend their own classes until 12:00pm
- Pre-Kindergarten (4's & 5's) will use the UU curriculum, We Are Many, We Are One.
- Grades K-1 & 2-3 will continue the "Spirit Play" program, a Montessori-based UU curriculum based on stories and children's artwork and "wondering" responses to them.
- Grades 4-5 will study a new "Web of Life" curriculum developed by their teacher.
- Middle Schoolers will study "Ethical Eating- Food and Environmental Justice" and a fun curriculum about Unitarian Universalism, "Living in UU-Ville."
- High Schoolers will study "Ethical Eating - Food and Environmental Justice," peace-making, and one trimester of OWL (see below).
Our Whole Lives - OWL
This outstanding program in human relationships and sexuality will be offered this year during the winter trimester for Kindergarteners and 1st graders and high schoolers (a Parent/Student Orientation for the K/1 class is required). These classes require pre-registration and are closed to new participants once they begin. Children and Youth throughout Snohomish County are welcome to attend.
Music for Children and Youth
Children ages five and up may join the Pine Cone Choir which rehearses most Sundays after RE class and performs in worship services several times a year. The Choir is directed by Pam Gerke and Paul Henderson. Middle School and High School Youth are welcome to join the occasional Intergenerational Choir.
High School Youth Program
The High School group focuses on Unitarian Universalism, along with adult guests who will share their life stories or lead special projects.
Youth Nights
Youth Nights (Sunday evenings, various dates) offer a further chance to socialize and explore topics of interest.
Downstairs: Kumbaya Room off Beaman Hall
Youth Conferences
Middle School Youth may attend a regional conference from September 25-27 at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island. High School Youth may attend regional conferences October 16-18 and again in the spring, as well as other local programs for UU Youth.