Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus Indiana’s
Children’s R. E. Questions & Answers
R.E. stands for our Religious Education or Exploration Program. If you are new to our congregation, the following frequently asked questions may help you become familiar with our educational program for children.
Do the children have Sunday School every Sunday?
We have something special for the children during RE time each Sunday. Most Sundays are spent in a classroom with children at a similar developmental stage studying a religious curriculum and doing special projects. Three times a year the RE program puts on a Religious Education service for the rest of the congregation, and during the three weeks leading up to each of those services we devote our RE classes to preparing for that event. During the summer months, we have RE classes, but focus on special programming that gives the kids a complete break from their normal educational environment and engages them in crafts and activities while promoting relationship with their UU family.,
Do the children spend all of each Sunday in RE?
No. We believe it is important for the children to feel connected to the whole church family. Every Sunday the children spend the first 15 minutes of the church service with their families and the rest of the congregation in the sanctuary. At the end of this time, the children are invited to come up front while a special children’s message is delivered, and then the children are sung off to their RE activity. After the service at 11:15 the children rejoin their families for Coffee Hour. Throughout the year there are also occasional intergenerational services where the children are invited to stay in the sanctuary throughout the program.
What ages participate in the program?
Our classes are divided into four age groups: Preschool-Kindergarten, Younger Primary (gr. 1-3), Older Primary (gr. 4-6), and Middle School (gr. 7-8). We also have a Youth Group for High School Students which is more self-directed.
What topics are covered?
We use a variety of curricula with themes centering around four elements: Unitarian Universalist Identity, Jewish-Christian Heritage, World Religions, and Values and Character. This year classes will focus on our Jewish-Christian Heritage. Every few years the Middle School group does a sexuality curriculum called OWL (Our Whole Lives) and the Youth Group explores their belief system through a Coming of Age program. These programs are being offered this year.
Where are the classes held?
The preschool and younger primary classes are held in rooms alongside the sanctuary. The older children meet in classes at the West end of the building beyond the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall. The Youth meet in the library.
Who teaches the classes?
Parents of the children teach most of the classes. Other adult volunteers are sought to help, especially if they have special talents or skills to offer. We have no paid staff to do the teaching, planning, or organizing of this program.
What if my child is hesitant about attending classes?
Children are welcome to remain in the services with their adults until they reach a level of comfort with the RE group. Adults are also welcome to participate in the RE class to help with the transition.
Is child care available for infants and toddlers?
Childcare is available every Sunday morning to care for children who are too young to attend classes or sit through the services. The nursery is adjacent to the sanctuary and the service can be heard and viewed from this room. You are welcome to stay with your child in the nursery, or leave your child in the care of our trained sitters.
What happens after the service?
Classes usually end at 11:15, which is about the same time as the service. Children first grade and older will be released from their classes to come find you at that time, but babies and younger children must be retrieved by you in the nursery or preschool room. Please connect with your children immediately after the service ends, as the babysitter must be free to go out to help monitor the playground. Once the children are released from RE, their supervision is solely your responsibility.
Who runs the RE program?
We are a small church and operate through a committee of volunteers. The current RE committee chair is Amie Smith. Each class section has a group leader as well. This year Jon and Rhonda Fischer are leading the Older Primary class, Susie Sawin-Johnson is leading the Younger Primary, and Susan Burton is leading the Chalice Children section.
How do I enroll my child in the RE program?
Registration is accomplished by completing a simple form. You do not have to be a member to register your child in the RE program. An annual student registration is held each fall, but you may register at any time throughout the year by contacting Amie Smith at amiemarie@mac.com or phoning 812-350-9232.
How do I support the RE program?
Currently there are no fees associated with the RE program. We do ask that parents and guardians commit to volunteering to teach one month per child enrolled per year. Volunteer recruitment is coordinated by Amie Smith. You can contact her to discuss teaching at amiemarie@mac.com or by phone at 812-350-9232. We welcome your family to our program!
Updated 6/17/08