R.E.
NEWS & NOTES
(September 2008)
(September 2008)
News: It’s a new year and an exciting new beginning for the children and youth of the UCSI. On Sept. 7th the nursery will be open and staffed for babies 6 months plus; parents have the option for children under 5 of bringing their children to the nursery or staying with them in the sanctuary. Older children and youth will stay in the sanctuary to welcome Rev. Susan Karlson and are encouraged to participate in the water communion by bringing a small bottle of water which has meaning for them.
The R.E. Program itself will begin on September 14th.
The Friends’ Club has expanded to include children from 4 years to 4th grade as we initiate“Spirit Play,” a modular curriculum encouraging young children with their guides to explore their spiritual present and heritage through stories and creative activities. Paola Suarez-Papp and Viv Vassar are our storytellers.
The 5th - 8th graders will undertake arduous quests this year as we challenge them to begin a greater understanding of themselves, their world and their Unitarian Universalist faith. Four major quests will be guided by Marna Murphy Martell and by Richard and Margaret Currie. 8th graders will prepare for their own special Coming of Age Ceremony and Trip.
Sarah Dolinar will lead the Youth Group which will determine its meeting schedule and focus on action inspired by our UU principles.
Notes: We owe a big “thank you” to Sarah, Paola, and Viv for spending a hot morning cleaning and clearing downstairs and are truly grateful to Brian and Frank for a wonderful spiffing up of our beautiful blue world. Please discuss any toy or craft supply donations with me before bringing them in; many things which are great at home don’t work well in a group setting.
Parents: If you are not on the parents/teachers newsgroup list please send me your email address. This will be our primary method of communication this year.
Enthusiastically yours,
Patricia Murphy, DRE
patriciahmurphy@mac.com or 917 496 5007.
for children: experiences of nature, the mystery
of life, family, friends and community; experience
of loneliness, sadness and times when life
does not proceed as we would wish. These are
the focal points of exploration in both children’s
worship and classroom activities.
As they grow, the children in our program gain
an understanding of the nature of religion and
its relationship to their lives by exploring, with
their teachers, our Unitarian and Universalist
heritage, its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition,
and the similarities and differences with
other religions. We want them to grow up
grounded in the reality of the seven principles.
We provide them with practical experience in helping others. We promote responsible self-esteem,
respect for others and a positive attitude toward life.
We introduce children to the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism and to the precepts
and practices of a variety of religions through stories and hands-on activities. Last year
one group studied world hunger, baked cookies to sell at coffee hour and contributed the
proceeds to a program serving teen runaways. 
As our children grow into young adults, we keep them involved through peer bonding, the exploration
of issues pertinent to their lives, and Church community service. Our teens stay with us
and are encouraged to develop the paradox of independence and interdependence.
We also have a lot of fun!
