From the 2014 Annual Report:

Religious Education – Children

This past year has been incredibly steady for our RE children's program. Attendance has been consistent for both our youngest group and our ten years and up group. This year our youngest group has been working on the approved 'UU Kids' coursework and the elder group on in depth look at Ancient Greece and their contributions to the world through Sciences, Arts, and Philosophy. The Greece course had been requested by this age group and has been supported by a patchwork of UU lessons. 

Summer plans have been discussed with our current RE staff and the idea of more outdoor activities has been brought up. We are currently looking at a Sunday on the waterfront, blueberry picking, and a meet up after The GorgeGrown Market, scattered throughout the summer months. Also, I have been in talks with another local congregation about a joint charity event toward the end of summer, and will present the possibility as the details get organized.

Looking ahead to next year, we are looking at courses that explore a different religion each month, much like the course from last year. I'm going to spend a little of the summer advertising in UU-minded locations to see if we can maybe bring in some new students so they can join up for this new lesson plan.

Religious Education – Youth 

 Our fellowship’s biggest youth RE accomplishment this year is that we sponsored a comprehensive sexual education program for 7th – 9th graders called “Our Whole Lives” with participants from both UU and community participants.  The course includes 27 sessions and was primarily held downstairs during our church services a few Sundays each month.  OWL has been led by four adult volunteers from our fellowship (who attended training to lead the program). 

 As a group, the youth (approximately ages 13 to 17):

  • Had a weekend retreat in February
  •  Hosted a youth service for the fellowship in March
  • Met infrequently downstairs during services and participated occasionally upstairs during services.  
  •  Held a few fun social gatherings.  

Additionally:

  • Two of our high-school youth regularly babysit and assist with the young children’s RE program during services.     
  • One youth also occasionally assists with the middle kids group. 
  • Three youth attended district assembly in Spokane in March
  • One attended UU youth chaplain training in February
  • Two youth attended the fall youth district conference and three youth will be attending the spring district youth conference
  • One youth organized UU youth to assist at FISH.  This may be an ongoing effort.  

Next year, our youth group will probably meet two Sundays per month 


Ongoing and Upcoming Events

Specific details about Religious Education programs and all other scheduled events are found in the Monthly Newsletter and Weekly Updates.