Religious Education(Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville, PA) |
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(Children's version) |
Check out each class and grade webpage for our 2006-2007 curriculum |
Religious Education(Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville, PA) |
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(Children's version) |
Check out each class and grade webpage for our 2006-2007 curriculum |
Question: Assuming that a child was raised in this congregation, from birth to age 18, what would that young adult be like?
Answer: The young adult raised in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville will be knowledgeable about the UU principles and history in addition to world religions and traditions. From this knowledge and their own personal experiences they will be able to develop and articulate their own personal beliefs. The young adult will live out these beliefs such that they are a responsible and respectful member of the global community able to speak for justice. As an active participant in the UU community, this individual will be in an open, loving, compassionate relationship with the congregation.
Question: What do you want religious education to mean to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville?
Answer: In the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville, religious education is the foundation of a life-long, dynamic spiritual journey. The congregation provides a safe environment for active participation where we can responsibly live out the UU principles. We intentionally strive for intergenerational experiences that build bridges, celebrate diversity, and provide opportunities for growth. We are committed to the democratic process and compassionate social justice in our congregation and the community at large.
We believe... Each and every person is important.
We believe... All people should be treated fairly and kindly.
We believe...That we should accept one another and keep on learning together.
We believe... Each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
We believe... All persons should have a vote about the things that concern them.
We believe... We will work for a peaceful, fair and free world.
We believe... We want to care for our planet earth, the home we share with all living things.
RE Co-Chairpersons: Susan Hegel and Sue Fuller
RE Members: Susan Hegel, Sue Fuller, David Perry, and Lee Ann Wester.
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I am very excited to be starting my fifth year as Director of Religious Education. For those of you not familiar with our Religious Education Program, please read our mission statements, goals, and curriculum overview. I have also provided a brief personal history, and how I found my religious home here at this church. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
I was born and raised in Hermitage, PA, where I attended Hickory Schools. After graduation I attended Youngstown State University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education. Up until college I had been raised as a Roman Catholic at St. Joseph Church in Sharon, PA. I was very active in the church working as a church receptionist and Sunday School teacher.
In college I began my personal search for truth. For two summers I worked as a camp counselor at a camp on Lake Erie where I found my true love for children and nature. I felt an awareness of the unity of all living things and the energy or love binding us together. My Catholic theology became too restricting.
During the summer of 1992 I spent time on Native American reservations in North and South Dakota. This experience opened my eyes to the rituals of the earth religions and paganism. I especially embraced the idea of a Great Spirit instead of a Father God. Upon return from this experience I met my husband who was also on a spiritual journey away from his childhood church. We married in 1994, and together we wandered from church to church finally settling here 3 months before the birth of our son in 1998. In 2000 we had a daughter. However, it wasn’t until I accepted the position as Director of Religious Education in 2003 that I really began to identify as a Unitarian Universalist. During my years as DRE I have had the opportunity to attend UU workshops and conferences and interact with a wide variety of UU professionals. The more I learn about this faith the more I realize that I have definitely found my religious home here. However, it was in 2004 when I lost my mother to breast cancer, that I knew I was truly home when the UU community held me close and helped me through my grief.
My 9 year old son and my 7 year old daughter are already asking the big questions: Where do we come from? Where do we go? I know I need to ground them with a spiritual foundation yet, at the same time, give them wings of freedom to ask any questions. I believe in the principles of this faith, and I hope you, too, can find a home here. I look forward to welcoming new families into our Unitarian Universalist community! Lee Ann Wester |
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The religious education program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville provides a solid foundation upon which our youth can continue to build a spiritual life.
Our mission is carried out through a comprehensive curriculum that extends from pre-Kindergarten through adult. Religious concepts are conveyed at a basic level to younger children and then reinforced at a more advanced level as children grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Finally, as our youth grow to adulthood we continue to provide an opportunity for spiritual growth through small group discussions, book groups and other religious education classes for adults. Beginning July 11, 2004 we will be holding an Adult RE Discussion Group the 2nd Sunday of each month in the Parish House coffee room at 9:45 a.m. for one-half hour prior to our morning Worship Service.
General RE Information:
► Nursery care is provided during church for babies and toddlers (up to 4 years old)
► Pre-K through eighth graders attend the church service with their parents for the first 20 minutes before class.
About once a month all children and youth will be invited to attend an intergenerational service, or a special large group acttivity.
► Classes for PreK through Junior High are held in the Parish House, on the second floor.
The Youth Group meets in the basement or the parlor.
► Parents are requested to pick up children from the nursery and Pre-K classroom after the service.
Older children will meet their parents after the service at coffee hour in the Parish House social hall.
► Learn about UU history and identity
► Learn about world religions including Jewish and Christian heritage
► Learn about life issues such as birth, death, sexuality, families, and friendship
► Learn about and act toward peace and social justice
This page last updated: 07/21/2007 To contact the webmaster send email to: Jerry Almes
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