FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Are children and families welcome at most activities?

UCE is committed to creating a welcoming space for families to worship, learn, and play together, and for people of differing generations to get to know one another. Many church programs are designed to include children and families. Children with their families are always welcome at Sunday service, church lunches and dinners, and social action activities.  Childcare is provided for the Serendipity Auction and congregational meetings.

How do I know which class my child will be in?

Classes are organized by age and grade level. The groups are: Nursery and Toddlers, Preschool (3 & 4 year-olds), Kindergarten and 1st grade, Grade 2, Grades 3 & 4, Grades 5 & 6, Junior High, and Senior High. In general, your child should attend the same grade level at church as he or she attends at school. For example, a child should be 5 by September 1 in order to attend the Kindergarten and 1st Grade class.

What will my child be taught?

Our Religious Education Program for Children and Youth is structured to be appropriate to developmental levels and to explore:

• what it means to belong to this religious community
• Unitarian Universalist principles
• the natural world and our place in it
• our Jewish and Christian heritage
• the world’s religions
• ethics, decision making, and relationship building

Mission statement adopted by the Religious Education Board, March 2008:

The Religious Education program for families at the Unitarian Church of Evanston exists to prepare our children for lifelong faith development by

1) creating a feeling of community where the children and youth feel safe to be themselves and explore ideas;

2) fostering a way of thinking about and experiencing faith, grounded in our principles;

and 3) teaching content on Unitarian Universalism and other faiths.

The program encourages children to think independently, develop strong moral fiber and respect for all people, and to reflect these beliefs in their actions towards others.  The program is not fee-based and depends on volunteer support.

Will my child be taught about Jesus and the Bible?
The curriculum for Grades 5 and 6 presents stories from Christian and Jewish scriptures and addresses how the Judeo-Christian message has meaning for us today as Unitarian Universalists.

Who teaches the classes?
Classes are mostly taught by trained volunteers.  Some volunteer teachers are parents of children and youth currently enrolled in our classes, and others are members of the congregation at large.  Professional teachers are hired to teach our Art and Music Enrichment programs.

Can I volunteer to help?
Volunteer help is almost always needed and very much appreciated.  Adults are needed to serve as volunteer teachers and classroom assistants, leaders and helpers for social and social justice activities, and special projects.   To volunteer to help, please contact the Rev. Connie Grant (cgrant@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330 ext 103).

When do the classes take place?
Follow  this link for a detailed schedule of classes.

What is the cost of Religious Education classes?

There is no fee for participation in our Religious Education Program for Children and Youth.  The program is supported by the congregation as a whole through the operating budget of the church, and parents are encouraged to pledge as they are able to the annual stewardship campaign.

Parents are expected to support the Religious Education Program in which their children and youth participate by teaching classes and/or helping with other activities on a regular basis. 

Do I have to stay in the room with my child during classes?
Parents are welcome to stay in the classroom but are not required to do so. Occasionally, a young child will have difficulty separating from his or her parent. In that case, the parent(s) and the teachers can decide together whether it’s best for the parent to stay. If your child develops a need for your help, someone will come to get you.

How can I find out more about what’s going on in my child’s class?
Parents are encouraged to talk with the teachers before and after class. Sometimes teachers will send home flyers or e-mail notices about classroom happenings. Classroom bulletin boards inside the classrooms and in the hallway often display photos, news, and class artwork.

How can we meet other families?
There are a variety of opportunities for UCE families to socialize together. These include Religious Education potlucks (October 16, January 29, and March 26 at 6:30 pm), Sunday lunches, the UCE Winter Family Retreat, Family Friendship Dinners, and special events like the Night of the Arts. Families are also encouraged to participate in UCE Social Action initiatives. For announcements of upcoming activities, watch the Religious Education bulletin boards, the newsletter, and electronic announcements.

How can we find out more about religious education at the Unitarian Church of Evanston?

The Rev. Connie Grant (cgrant@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330 ext 103) will be happy to talk with you and your family to answer your questions about Unitarian Universalist religious education and how you can get involved.

Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Avenue — Evanston, IL   60201
847 864-1330 — mail@ucevanston.org