MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds on the young, but to stir up their own: not to make them see with our eyes , but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own.
Welcome to First Unitarian Church of Des Moines!
I hope that you find a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment for your children and family
to grow and learn as Unitarian Universalists. The RE (Religious Education) Program is essential to our congregation, as well as the larger Unitarian Universalist movement. Our hope is that the program encourages children to develop personal and spiritual resources for a lifelong journey of being wonderful people, as well developing a commitment to the UU faith. Through our program, children will gain an understanding and appreciation for Unitarian Universalist traditions, knowledge of the world’s religious sources and also find a religious community grounded in the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism. It is also our hope that your children and family have fun and thrive within this community!
Tracy Beck
Director of Religious Education for Children & Youth
Religious Education is shaped by the following beliefs:
- All people are lovable beings of infinite worth, imbued with powers of the soul. We are obligated to use our gifts, talents, and potentials in the service of life.
- We carry on our Unitarian Universalist religious heritage and are part of a community of faith that has value and provides resources for living.
- We honor our responsibility for the care and creative transformation of our religious heritage and community of faith.
- We are moral agents who can make a difference in the lives of other people
º challenging structures of social and political oppression
º promoting the health and well-being of the planet
º acting in the service of diversity, justice and compassion
- We recognize the need for community and affirm the importance of families, relationships and connections between and among the generations.
- We appreciate the value of spiritual practice as a means of deepening faith and integrating beliefs and values with everyday life.
- Joy and sadness are all part of our lives; hope, mystery, joy, healing, and personal transformation come together with life’s challenges. (UUA Tapestry of Faith)
You are the soul of the program.
Religious Education depends on volunteers to develop, plan, and staff the religious education program. The contribution of volunteer time and talents, along with support from our professional staff, guarantees quality programming for children, youth, and adults and the continuation of our Unitarian Universalist legacy. Ways in which you can become involved include:
RE Facilitator Teacher
Teacher Assistant Classroom Set Up
Classroom Clean Up Gratitude Luncheon
Bulletin Boards
Parental Responsibilities
- All children ages 4 and above (not in childcare) start the morning with their family in the service and walk down to the classrooms together after the children's story/message.
- A parent or designated responsible adult for children 14 years and younger must be on the church premises on Sunday mornings or at events.
- Children in 3rd grade and under must be picked up from their classroom by their parent or designated adult at the end of class. Older children will be released on their own. If your child attends both RE class times, your child must join you during coffee hour.
- ALL families must complete an RE registration form, available in the church office, to be returned to the RE mailbox to enroll children in RE and/or childcare.
- Parents are encouraged to participate in the RE program through multiple volunteer opportunities. Contact Tracy Beck at 244-8603 ext. 104 or via email at dre@ucdsm.org
A Safe Community
- All teachers sign a Code of Ethics at the beginning of the year.
- Background checks for all teachers and childcare workers will be conducted.
- Two teachers will be present in the classroom at al times.
- The DRE is a mandatory reporter of any suspected child abuse or neglect.
Visitors
- Visitors are encouraged to have the DRE or RE Facilitator give them a tour of classrooms.
- Any parent or guardian is welcome to attend and observe classes on Sunday mornings.
Contact
Info:
Director of Religious Education: Tracy Beck: dre@ucdsm.org
Phone: 515-244-8603, ext. 104
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