A Religious Exploration (RE) program is offered for preschoolers through senior high school students. We seek to stimulate and guide our children in the development of ethical and spiritual dimensions in their lives. Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers.
Every other week during the school year, we have a "Together Time," which means that children in grades K-6 attend service with their parents for the first 15 minutes, then go to their RE classes. (Younger children and older youth do not attend service.) Around the holidays we have Intergenerational Services, where we conduct services that appeal to all ages. (RE classes are not held when Intergenerational Services are scheduled. Child care is available for small and/or restless children.)
The ministry and mission of the Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church Lifespan Religious Exploration Program is to strengthen the spirit, encourage ethical action and create community for all. The Goals of our Religious Exploration program for Children and Youth are to:
If you are visiting with your child or children to PBUUC for the first time, an RE Greeter (a member of the RE Committee who wears a special badge) will be available before each service to help you with sending each child to the right classroom and to answer your questions about RE in general.
RE Schedule: Both the nursery and classes for children from pre-school through high school are offered from 10:00 until 11:15 a.m. (concurrent with the Sunday service and the first 15 minutes of the hospitality time that follows the service) from September-June.
At 11:30 a.m. there is an Enrichment Hour which features a variety of activities for both children and adults ranging from outdoor games to arts and crafts to hiking around the Paint Branch that's located on PBUUC's property.
The success of our RE program depends on adult volunteers like yourself. We believe that the education of our children and youth is the task of the whole church and not just of parents and a few dedicated teachers. We therefore need the efforts and concern of all of us in sharing our thoughts, our skills, and our love. Here are some of the ways that you can help the next generation.
Religious Exploration (RE) Committee. The two main functions of this committee are to set direction and policy for the children's Religious Education Program and to provide support to the teachers working in the classrooms. Members also sign up for other responsibilities in such areas of interest as curriculum selection and evaluation, intergenerational event planning, and teacher training. The RE Director, RE Assistant, and the Minister are ex-officio members of this committee. Monthly meetings are held on Sunday mornings and there is an annual retreat on a Saturday in June. Members commit to a three-year term. Contact the church office at (301) 937-3666 or by e-mail.
RE Teacher. At Paint Branch, we view teaching in our RE program as an opportunity to share our gifts and help children develop their own theologies. As part of the teaching "ministry," you are part of a teaching team of three people, two of whom teach on a given Sunday on a rotating basis. The average teacher would serve as the assistant teacher one week, then be the lead teacher the next week, then take the third week off from teaching. We can accommodate a variety of busy schedules. Teachers are asked to commit to one church year, from mid-September through May, with days off for holidays and intergenerational services. The curricula are written for non-professional teachers and are easy to follow, fun, and interesting. Most materials are on hand in our extensive library and storeroom. You are given much support in your role, everything from training to getting supplies to substitute teachers when you need them. Contact the church office at (301) 937-3666 or by e-mail. To get a general idea of what it means to be a RE teacher, visit the REC-Room: Unitarian Universalist Religious Education Curricula Resources, which provides information and advice to teachers and even provide multiple mailing lists for teachers (with each list based on the age of the students).
Other RE Involvements. For those with tight schedules, there are many other ways to help out in RE at Paint Branch. Here are some of the jobs available:
Classes for Children | Youth Ministry | Adult Religious Education Programs | Enrichment Hour | PBUUC Resources for Parents | Religious Education Curricula for Sale
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