Let me begin by saying how much I am looking forward to a new year of Religious Education at Murray Church. As Unitarian Universalists we believe that religious education is a life long process, as each of us continues to grow and to realize the spiritual dimensions to our lives.

We begin this process in our earliest years. It is so important, I believe, that our youngsters make their beginnings in an atmosphere of openness, where their questions are honored. Here they are encouraged to reflect upon the wide range of experiences which make up their daily lives. In ways that are developmentally appropriate, they are encouraged to become aware of the natural and social world in which they live, and their responsibility to it. They explore our cultural and religious heritage and experience different ways of being religious in our world, as they begin to shape their own.

William Ellery Channing, the great nineteenth century Unitarian, wrote words which still speak today. He said,

"The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon 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; Not to give them a definite amount of knowledge, but to inspire a fervent love of truth;…In a word, the great end is to awaken the soul, to excite and cherish spiritual life."

This is Unitarian Universalist way. And it happens, here, in a religious community of love and support, as we explore and celebrate together. For here is a community with time and concern, a community with the spaces and resources to sort out values and beliefs and to act upon them. It is a place where all of our members are "teachers."

Religious education is the heart of Unitarian Universalism.

I look forward to this new year growing together.

Sandra D. Fitz-Henry

The religious education of our young people is a joint effort of families and the church community. We strive to ensure that all of our children and teens feel safe and nurtured as they explore their spirituality.

The religious education program at Murray Church is designed to impart to our young a strong foundation of Unitarian Universalist heritage and principles, in depth knowledge of our Judeo-Christian heritage, and a thoughtful examination of world religions. We also work together to help our children make responsible ethical and moral choices as they mature.

Religious education need not end when one reaches maturity. Our religious education here at Murray Church is designed to encourage religious exploration for adults too. Through curricular offerings, the reading group, small group ministry, and discussion groups, adults have the opportunity to continue their own quests for a greater understanding of the world in which we live.

We hope you will find both intellectual and spiritual growth within the Murray community.

Nan Loggains

We want our children to feel part of the Unitarian Universalist tradition.

We want to teach our children the tenets of the church so they can articulate what it means to be a UU. We want our children to be proud that they are part of this liberal faith.

We want our children to know that they can use ideas from other faith traditions and blend them into a personal theology.

We want our children to develop a social responsibility consciousness. We want them to know that there are people and causes out in the world that cry out for assistance and that they can and should reach out.

We want our children to have a place to think and talk about life’s issues such as sexuality, violence, peace, the environment, and mortality.

From Beginning Unitarian Universalism
By Helana Chapin and Mary Ann Moore

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES FOR
MURRAY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

Safety is First

• Leave classroom or building only with permission and appropriate supervision.
• Rough play and running are not appreciated inside church.
• We do our best to look after one another.

1. WE BELIEVE THAT EACH PERSON IS IMPORTANT.

• Speak and act with respect for classmates, teachers, and all members of the congregation, and for oneself.

2. WE BELIEVE THAT ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED FAIRLY.

• Share or pass when it’s your turn.
• Listen and wait during others’ turns.

3. WE BELIEVE THAT OUR CHURCH IS A PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH.

• Participate with enthusiasm (or give it a try!).
• Include everyone in activities and planning.
• Make an effort to come – your teacher has.
• Friends are welcome. Let them know the rules.
• Our worship space is special. Please treat it so.

4. WE BELIEVE THAT EACH PERSON MUST BE FREE TO SEARCH FOR UNDERSTANDING AND FOR WHAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT.

• There are times to cooperate and times to work independently.
• Put-downs and name-calling are not called for.

5. WE BELIEVE THAT EACH PERSON SHOULD HAVE A VOTE FOR WHAT CONCERNS HIM OR HER.

• Share your ideas.
• Express criticism constructively and politely.

6. WE BELIEVE IT IS OUR TASK TO MAKE THE WORLD A PLACE THAT IS PEACEFUL, FAIR AND FREE.

• Do your best to get along with others and to be helpful.
• Ask for help from an adult when you need it.
• Respond appropriately to adults or older kids who give reminders about behavior.

7. WE BELIEVE IN CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT.

• Help clean up.
• Be careful with our space, furniture and materials.
• Use only what you need.

Teachers: Teaching is a wonderful way to learn about Unitarian Universalism, our Judeo-Christian heritage, and World Religions.

 Teachers are provided with all necessary curricula, materials, and support.

A teacher orientation and get-together is held twice a year in September and January.

Assistants are needed every week in most classes.

Chaperones and drivers are needed for field trips and sleepovers.

Bakers and cooks are needed for Teacher Appreciation breakfasts.

Musicians, storytellers, and readers are needed for both the Moment for All Ages in the Sanctuary and during Youth Worship in the Unity Room.

All children and families will begin every Sunday morning in the Sanctuary. Gathering weekly as a church family strengthens the bonds of our intergenerational community.

By being together each week and participating together in opening rituals of chalice lighting, words and song of affirmation, we are affirming together the worth and dignity of each person.

 Intergenerational presentations, Moment for All Ages, will be offered monthly as part of our time together in the Sanctuary.

Childcare is provided in the Nursery each Sunday morning during the worship service for babies and toddlers.

 Children will meet briefly each Sunday morning in the Unity Room after sanctuary time.

The youth worship in the Unity Room will include a chalice lighting, children’s joys and concerns, meditation, gratefulness circle, and music.

After the youth worship, children will meet together in their Sunday School classes and teens will meet for Youth Group.

For the current Adult Religious Education Programs and Offerings, click here!

Babies and toddlers up to and including three years of age can be registered for care in the Nursery.

Please bring a diaper bag each week with spare diapers and a change of clothes.

No attempt is made to conduct a structured program for children of this age. We have, however, set the following goals for children of this age group:

good physical care is provided
toddlers are played with, read to, and kept as happy as possible
parents or guardians are encourage to stay with children until they are familiar with the sitter and the surroundings

Childcare is available in Nursery on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

One volunteer assistant is needed each week during the church service.

For parents wishing to keep their babies and toddlers with them during the service, the John Murray Room, located directly across from the rear of the Sanctuary, is available if they become restless. The church service can be heard in the John Murray Room.