Religious Education
Emerson
has programs for children, youth,
and adults. Each program offers an extensive curriculum,
which challenges the mind, expands the heart and warms the soul. The religious
education programs represent a truly sacred endeavor, creating an exciting
and welcoming environment in which all souls can begin, develop, and continue
their lifelong spiritual journey. Click to learn more about the children's programs , programs for youth, and for adults.
Sunday Mornings
Children up to the 4th grade are in the Sanctuary for the first part of Sunday Services. They help collect contributions to the West Valley Food Bank, listen to a story and recite our UU Affirmation before being sung out to their classes. Preschool children meet as a class every Sunday. Grade school youth and older have different class for the first Sundays of the month and meet together for service projects and Principle-based music, art and drama on the third and fourth Sundays respectively. Field trips or special projects or celebrations are planned for the months with a fifth Sunday. (See chart.) Nursery childcare is available in Room 2. There is also a rocking chair and toy box in the foyer for parents who wish to listen to the service there.
Special Events
In addition to religious education, the Emerson Children's Religious Education Department encourages the growth of our children through special events.
INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICES
Each year the children's R.E. department coordinates at least three special programs during the worship service: a presentation on Famous UUs in late October, a holiday pageant held in mid-December, and Teacher Recognition Sunday in mid-June. Also, all of the children and youth are invited to stay in the service for our Water Communion in September.
SERVICE PROJECTS
Each month the classes are united to work on service projects. Some of our past activities have included the Heifer Project, Empty Bowls, and Mitzvah Day.
FIELD TRIPS
We try to schedule at least two field trips per year, held during the Sunday worship service time, as a community building experience for all of our children and youth.
Our Whole Lives
Sexuality Education Program. Emerson middle school youth are participating weekly in a cluster-wide OWL program. Emerson has sponsored the training of two of the four facilitators.
How You Can Help
The RE program depends on vounteers for all its activities. The more you are involved, the better our program will be. The RE Coordinator and the RE Committee are committed to finding creative ways for people to participate using their unique interests, experiences and talents.
Parent's Forum
Each Spring, we have a parent's forum to reflect on the RE program and consider what we may want to drp, continue, or add for the futrure.
