::Henry David Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation::

Childrens Program

Welcome to the Lifespan Religious Education Program for Children, Youth and Adults at the Henry David Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Ft. Bend County, TX! While in some religious organizations Religious Education teaches doctrine as its primary purpose, ours is a different kind of religious education. We encourage participants to explore great questions, as our faith helps them live with the answers they find - while encouraging wonder, deepening relationships and building community. Our Religious Education Program is a life-long path for spiritual learning and liberal faith development.

If you are new to Unitarian Universalism you may have questions about our Program and just what you or your child or youth may experience. Rest assured that such questions are normal and no question should be left unasked. The R.E. Committee members, teachers, minister and DRE Patti Withers welcome your questions. A world of discovery awaits. Please come be a part of the journey!

Our Religious Education program for Children and Youth follows a Faith Development model that strongly encourages and supports intergenerational participation. The congregation does not just have educational programs; the church is an educational program. Our comprehensive program reflects the value we place on community and the idea that faith development is a shared journey.

R.E. classes or events are held on all Sundays when there are no Intergenerational Services. Nursery and Childcare are available every Sunday.
Most children and youth dress in casual clothes.
Children of all ages are always welcome to stay with their parents during the worship services. Pipe cleaners are located at the back of the sanctuary for anyone who prefers busy fingers.
Parents of children and youth are expected to be on site during R.E., or arrange for an attending adult to be responsible for them.

Our program is organized around several age-appropriate curriculums. We are excited about the 2011-2012 school year and the programs being offered.

Childcare (all ages) available from 10 to 11 and 12:30 to 1

Nursery (ages 0-3) available from 11:15 until 12:15

In the Nursery, our professional staff provides a caring atmosphere where very young children feel at home. The nursery is open every Sunday during the service for story and play time. The staff is also available both before and after the service for the convenience of parents attending the Adult Discussion Group and/or Coffee Hour. Reservations are not required.

Pre-K and Elemenary Curriculum: Moral Tales

Every day our children go forth into a complex world where they are often faced with difficult decisions and situations. Through story and activities, Moral Tales attempts to provide children with the spiritual and ethical tools they need to make choices and take actions reflective of their Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values. A Tapestry of Faith curriculum by Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann and Elisa Davy Pearmain.

Youth (Grades 5 - 12) Curriculum: Building Bridges

This new Tapestry of Faith world religions program for youth, by Mary K. Isaacs, continues the legacy of previous Unitarian Universalist world religions programs, The Church Across the Street and Neighboring Faiths, with 23 workshops geared to our contemporary, pluralistic communities and world. Resting on the premise that all religions emerge to serve fundamental human needs, the year-long program explores the beliefs and practices of people of a variety of faiths. Visiting those faith communities is an integral part of the program. We are extremely pleased to be selected to field-test this new curriculum.

Special Programs

This year we are excited to be offering several special programs for children and parents throughout the year.

Our Whole Lives: The UUA's Lifespan Sexuality Curriculum

Depending on sufficient registration numbers, Thoreau will host Our Whole Lives for Grades 4/5 or 5/6. Dates TBD. No materials fee for Thoreau members. This year First UU in Houston hosts Our Whole Lives for Grades 7-9 on behalf of the Houston Cluster of UU Congregations. Parent Orientation (mandatory) is Jan. 22, 2012. $75 materials fee. Thoreau will host Our Whole Lives for Grades 10-12 for the Houston Cluster. Dates TBD. $35 materials fee.

Questions? Ask Patti Withers, DRE, dfd@tuuc.org Copies of all levels are available for on-site parental preview. All OWL classes are offered outside of regular R.E. time.

Tending the Flame: the Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting

Being a Unitarian Universalist parent can be a challenge. This discussion class for parents, based on DRE Michelle Richard's book by the same name, will discuss such general topics as Knowing Yourself, Rituals and Traditions, Living the UU Principles, and Big Questions and Tough Stuff.

Facilitators: Patti Withers and Betty Johnson.
First Sunday of each month beginning Oct. 2
10:00-11:00 in the RE Wing
Childcare provided

Please click on the link below to see the topics for this month's Religious Education classes.

Up coming children and youth topics

Please contact our Director of Faith Development, Patti Withers, at dfd@tuuc.org if you have questions or would like more information.

Heres what some of our children and youth have said about why they come to TUUC:

"I get spirituality here."
"I can be more myself here."
"The environment is more comfortable than school."
"I can speak my mind without being looked at as being weird."
"A lot of the people here are my best friends."
"Even though I may not know you as well as my friends,I can tell you things that I cannot tell my friends."
"This is an opportunity for spirited intellectual discussions."
"There is a diversity of personalities here -- I like the diversity."
"I come to hang out."
"I come for the check-in."
"I enjoy being with you, hearing about your lives, and then going away."
"This is a place to come back to."
"People are nice and friendly."