Children's Religious Education

Our Religious Education Program attempts to provide a safe and fun environment where our children can develop their spiritual identities, learn and put into practice Unitarian Universalist principles, and become part of our religious community.

Our Children’s RE Program at NHF seeks to provide a nurturing and creative program with age-appropriate curricula, by emphasizing Unitarian Universalist principles and history, as well as other world religions and our Judeo-Christian heritage. Because our program is fully supported by the congregation in spirit and substance, there is no fee to parents.

Welcome to Families and Children from the Minister

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Religious Education program of Northern Hills Fellowship.
I am delighted you have chosen to bring your children here to be part of this liberal religious community. I hope they have fun here and make many friends – so much so that they “drag you to church” on the days when you would just rather take a Sunday off.
Fun and friends is how kids see it; in addition, we adults have a Unitarian Universalist philosophy which guides our relationships with children who come here. There are three main points:

1) Children are religious beings in their own right.
Children are not just sub-adults who will develop religious needs later. Children try to make meaning out of their experiences of the world every day – just as adults do. They need to make sense of birth, death, and all in between, and children are capable of thinking deeply. I think you’ll agree they come to some pretty amazing conclusions!

2) Parents are the primary religious educators of their children.
Parents are with their children when most religious questions arise, and they understand parenting means helping their children through these times. Children want to know what their parents believe about the ultimate issues of life.

3) NHF partners with families to support children religiously.
The Children’s Religious Education program includes (fun) classes and activities for children (and their friends). It is where children come to church, and is here for them when they need it. It also helps parents explore their own spiritual interests while helping them with parenting in our religiously diverse and not always religiously friendly world.

Enuf philosophy – let’s have some fun.
I am a strong supporter of the Religious Education program. Will you please feel free to talk with me at anytime about RE or any other issue?

In liberal faith,
Rev. Bruce Russell-Jayne

Welcome
From the Children’s Religious Education Committee

On behalf of the Children’s Religious Education Committee I extend a warm welcome to all families. We hope that you will participate in our religious education program.

We strive to offer a program that is welcoming and accepting of all children and young people. We work with the families of our religious community to assure this is a place for the children to meet and make friends while coming together to enjoy the varied activities that are offered. This is a program where participants can expand their minds and have their spirits nurtured through the variety of activities planned for them.

The CRE Committee and the teachers are looking forward to an exciting year with the children and youth of NHF.

Marti Spiess
CRE Committee Chair
mspiess@uunhf.org
513.777.1086 (H)

Mission and Goals

Mission
The mission of the Northern Hills Fellowship children’s religious educatio program is to nurture UU spiritual growth, build community, and support the diverse religious journeys of our children and youth.

Goals I. Social Issues
A. Encourage social and environmental responsibility.
B. Nurture the development of the whole person.

II: Religious Development
A. Encourage reflection on beliefs about God and the development of a
personal religion.
B. Teach Unitarian Universalist historical traditions, principles, and
values.

III: Personal Growth and Discovery
A. Develop an appreciation of the transcending mystery of life.
B. Cultivate decision making abilities.
C. Encourage respect for other people’s beliefs.

IV: Church Community
A. Create a safe place for children to learn and live.
B. Provide meaningful rituals.
C. Strive for right relationships and caring communities.
D. Help children feel the support of a loving community.
E. Recognize and encourage parents as the spiritual nurturers of their
children.

General Information

Intergenerational Services
Occasionally, the Sunday morning service is designated to be
intergenerational. During these services, childcare will be available in
the nursery. All other children will participate in the service with their friends and families.

Child Dedication Ceremony
The Unitarian Universalist Child Dedication Ceremony offers parents the opportunity to present their child to the congregation. The child is welcomed into our religious community and the community publicly affirms the responsibility of the parents and the congregation to help the child grow in love, truth, justice, and peace. Please talk to our Minister or our DCRE if you are interested in having a dedication service for your child.

Attendance Award
Because students who attend on a regular basis gain the most from the program, the CRE Committee awards children and youth who have excellent attendance a UU pin in honor of that accomplishment.

Registration

Registration is important! It:
•	Lets staff know about your child's special needs (medical or otherwise).
•	Provides emergency contact information.
•	Lets the teacher know who to contact with concerns.
•

News and Information There are several sources for RE news. Some are:
•	The RE bulletin board, located just outside the Quimby Room.
•	The Harbinger, NHF's regular newsletter.
•	The teachers and the Director of Children’s Religious Education, especially for questions about the curricula.
•	Your children! Ask them what they are learning. They will be excited by your questions and eager to share their experiences.

Children’s Religious Education Committee
The CRE Committee is a group of hard-working and caring individuals who help formulate the goals and plans of our program.
New members are always welcome. Current members include Betsy Anderson, Marti Spiess, and Margie Wilson.

Office Phone: 513.931.6651

Opportunities to Help Our CRE program is a cooperative, volunteer venture. All adults in the congregation are strongly encouraged to help.
There are many opportunities for short or long term involvement, including teaching, being a substitute teacher or a teacher’s helper, or helping with special events and projects. Only with your help are these things possible. Most adults find their involvement with the RE program to be enjoyable, stimulating, and spiritually rewarding.
Please contact Marti Spiess, chairperson of the Children’s Religious Education Committee, to explore ways you can help.