Our Religious Education 'Rainbow'

Unitarian Universalist religious education gives children, youth, and adults opportunities to develop their own religious philosophy/theology. It frees them to be their best selves and to be kind, fair, creative, and responsible persons. It provides compelling and vivid experiences of the power of our faith, and helps people develop life-enhancing relationships with themselves, others, the world, our earth, and the universe.

• Red - Respect all beings.
  
• Orange - Offer fairness and compassion to everyone.
  
• Yellow - Yearn to learn by caring and encouraging.
  
• Green - Grow by exploring new ideas together.
  
• Blue - Believe what your heart tells you, yet listen to others.
  
• Indigo - Insist on peace and justice for the whole world.
  
• Violet - Value the interconnected web of all life.

Worship

Worship is an important part of the Sunday service. On some Sundays, children are included in the beginning of the adult worship service. On other Sundays, the children gather for worship in the Rainbow Room before going to their groups. Generally, first Sundays are family Sundays, with a potluck lunch following the service. Several times throughout the year, children participate in inter-generational services.

Welcome
We make every effort to ensure that your child's experience in our program is fun and enriching. All children in the program are encouraged to express their opinions and develop a healthy and positive view of the world, based on the Children’s Principles of the Rainbow Path. If you have any questions or concerns that are not answered in this brochure feel free to get in touch. Contact information is at the bottom of this page.

Behaviour Guidelines
In the Religious Education Program of the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon we work together to make friends and to learn new ideas and skills. When we work and play together we are RESPECTFUL, KIND, and we SHARE.
We SHARE: toys; scissors; glue; markers & crayons; pillows; craft supplies; and friends.
When we behave KINDLY we: work together; do not insult each other; do not kick, hit or yell; and, help each other.
We show RESPECT by: listening; avoiding interrupting; taking turns; cleaning up after ourselves; walking and being careful; and, by staying on task.

Registration
This year we are pre-registering as many participants as possible throughout the summer. Registration will also be done whenever new participants have attended three (3) times. It is important that all children (including those under three years old) and youth are registered so that we have current, accurate information for the safety of all our young participants.
Upon registration a fee of $10 per child is asked for each term (terms begin in September and January) to a max of $40 per family. This fee is optional for members and pledging friends. Bursaries are available upon request.
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged to allow the greatest feeling of connection to the other children, the leaders and the curriculum. Building community is one of the most important contributions our R.E. program can make in our children’s lives.

The R.E. Committee
Children and youth programming is overseen by the Religious Education Committee. We meet once a month to ensure that the young people in our congregation have programming that meets their needs and interests. New committee members are always welcome.
R.E. Committee Convenor
Kathryn Green
R.E. Committee Members
Nazeem Muhajarine: Liaison to the Board of Trustees
Carl von Baeyer
Sunava Peever
Natasha Wiig

Director of Religious Education
Mary-Anne Parker

Worship
Worship is an important part of the Sunday service. On the first Sunday of the month children are included in the beginning of the adult worship in the chapel. First Sundays are also Family Sundays with a potluck lunch following the service. Children are included in the beginning of the worship on some other Sundays as well. There are a minimum of four intergenerational services throughout the year; these services are created to engage the imaginations and spirits of all ages.
This year the Religious Education Committee has decided to plan the year around the theme ‘Religion and Worship’. In order to create a meaningful program around this theme we will be expanding our Children’s Worship. From 10:30 to about 10:50 children will have the opportunity to review the Unitarian principles, share Milestones, hear a lesson-story, and learn a song, dance or game. After Children's Worship they will gather in age groups for fellowship, activities and a little bit of learning.

Supervision
Our congregation is committed to the education and safety of our children. During the service (10:30 - 11:45 a.m) group leaders and assistants take responsibility for children. Before and after the service parents are ultimately responsible for their children. However, you will find that older children and members of the congregation do feel responsible for the safety of children. Children younger than high school aged are expected to stay in the building unless accompanied by an adult. Parents of small children are asked to sit near the entrance of the chapel in case our child care provider needs to call them.

Nursery
Babies and toddlers are given quality care by our experienced child care providers. A wide variety of toys, books and craft materials provide a creative and fun environment for little ones while their parents enjoy the service. A snack, usually crackers and juice, will be provided unless parents specifically request that it is not.

Leaders
Our leaders are adults and youth who are interested in religious education with children. All are volunteers who receive guidance and support from the Director of Religious Education (DRE).

Age groups (2006-07)

Nursery: Age 0-3 years
The Greeleys: Age 3-7 years
The Priestleys: Age 7-12 years
Junior Heretics: Age 12-15 years

  Link to R.E. Classes - This Month & Next

The Director of Religious Education understands the commitment involved in volunteering with Colour Group and phones each volunteer every Tuesday or Wednesday to find out what supplies and equipment are needed for Sunday. A big part of the DRE's job is supporting our volunteers—she will pick up library books, videos, CDs, special snacks, prepare craft supplies, games and anything else you need to make your volunteering experience enjoyable.

Contacts:

Director of Religious Education
Mary-Anne Parker, 653-2402 (office), maparker [at] sasktel.net

RE Committee Convenor
Kathryn Green, kathryngreen [at] sasktel.net