All Souls Unitarian Church "Where Reason and Religion Meet"
Religious Education
The Potters Classes Nursery and Toddlers (named for Beatrix Potter)
The infants of our church (0-18 months) experience the first separation from Mom and Dad with loving care from experienced parents or caregivers. In this class, we do require experience with infants for those who volunteer to nurture our church's youngest participants.
Our toddlers (18 months - 3 years) have a room with safe toys and play areas and will be offered the opportunity, but not forced, to learn early concepts related to our principles and covenant. The children in this group enjoy free play, painting with water, holiday crafts . . . all with lessons that help them develop self-esteem and respect for others. They will also enjoy their first experience as part of the total program at the Earth Day festivities in April. Much of their hour in church school includes play, which is also important to their socialization skills and concepts of respect and fairness.
*** The Bartons Class 4-5 year olds (named for Clara Barton)
This class, designed for children between the ages of 4 and 5, will be encouraged to interact with one another and other age groups through lessons of loving one another, while being taught on a very basic level about our values and our covenant. The vivid imaginations and creativity of this age group will be nurtured in order to let them create even more ways to grow and live in a mutually respectful, loving environment. Our teachers use imaginative crafts, books, and play activities in teaching these important lessons. A curriculum called "Rainbow Seekers" is used.
*** The Latimers 6-8 year olds (named for Lewis Latimer)
The Latimers will be learning lessons from the curricula “Carry the Flame” and “Rainbow Seekers.” These lessons will nurture children’s spiritual and religious growth through play, crafts, song, learning about our Unitarian Universalist principles, family traditions, and will include chalice lighting and reciting the covenant each Sunday.
*** The Emersons 9-11 year olds (named for Ralph Waldo Emerson) This class will be studying from the curriculum "Spirit of Adventure." They will be using Unitarian Universalist principles to nurture and explore their emotional, spiritual, and social lives. A new approach to UU curricula--written especially for active 3rd-5th graders--featuring 35 sessions with unique themes, such as sports, medicine, architecture, science, and food, and emphasizing active play such as circus arts, a ”take apart party," an obstacle course, and a treasure hunt. They will also have an opportunity to be a part of our annual participation in Earth Day Indiana.
*** The Chalice Class For any children wishing to take this class, between the ages of 5 and 18 (New for 2009-2010)
This class will be using free-style learning through play, crafts, stoires and more to enjoy the experience of attending church and having a good church school experience. They will be using Unitarian Universalist principles to nurture and explore their emotional, spiritual, and social lives.
*** The Schweitzers Teens 12-14 who haven’t yet taken these classes (named for Albert Schweitzer)
This class will be enjoying a "Coming of Age" curriculum in the fall. Designed specifically for this age group, it helps our youth think about their own religious beliefs and help them gain confidence in what they believe. It will include field trips, a social service activity, and pizza parties.
During the spring months, the youth will continue their individual journeys through "Our Whole Lives," the nationally acclaimed sexuality class, led by trained OWL leaders. The Spring will also include lessons about the environment, with participation in the Earth Day celebration. They will also include field trips, social events, and one or two service projects.
*** The Thoreaus Teens 13 and up (named for Henry David Thoreau)
This year we will spend the first month planning our year and giving the youth choices of curricula and activities. They may participate in the Crop Walk against hunger, projects related to All Souls becoming a “Green Sanctuary” as well as other service projects.
The Senior High will be looking at options of service to the community, participation in adult church activities, and what it means to become a member of the church. They will also be participating in the Earth Day celebration in April.
Field trips, including a winter ski trip will be planned as the year progresses.