Welcome to the religious education program of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. Our program is a cooperative one; we ask everyone who registers a child in religious education to participate in the program with the child. Our registration form lists ways in which you can become involved. A professional Unitarian Universalist religious educator staffs the program along with volunteer teaching teams and the members of the Religious Education Committee in partnership with the parish minister.
FAQs
When are religious educations classes held?
We hold classes on Sundays during the second service (10:30-11:45 a.m.).
What do you teach?
We teach Unitarian Universalist values and ethics, world religions including our own Judeo-Christian heritage, life skills, sexuality education (for specific age groups) and a wide variety of spiritual practices.
What values do you mean?
We are a liberal religious community and use denominationally agreed upon principles and covenants as a starting point. These principles and covenants weave throughout our programs and relationships. The children learn the following:
As Unitarian Universalists, we promise to:
- Respect every individual and treat
them with dignity;
- Treat everyone with kindness and
fairness, accept and celebrate our differences of thought,
religious belief and the differences in our families;
- Discover for ourselves the meaning of
life and faith;
- Work for a just and fair world;
- Give everyone a vote on matters that
concern them; and,
- Understand that we share the earth with other creatures and work to preserve the earthís gifts.
How do you teach these things?
By using a variety of curricula and resources, incorporating different learning styles and offering children and youth experiential sessions that reflect our religious beliefs.
What about spirituality?
We gather as a whole community before each religious education session in the sanctuary and participate in chalice lighting, opening words, hymns, community joys and concerns and a time for all ages. There are several intergenerational worship services throughout the year as well. On the first Sunday of every month, the children and youth conduct their own worship service in the religious education great room.
Who teaches the children?
Volunteers from the congregation work in teams. The Director of Religious Education provides support and resources along with the parish minister, the members of the Religious Education Committee and the members of the congregation. The teaching team members sign a Teaching contract that includes a Code of Ethics.
What about family activities?
Picnics, potluck suppers, community nights, camping and other family activities are all offered within the context of our church community. There are many opportunities to socialize, attend classes on parenting issues, and participate in activities intended to enhance spiritual growth. An events calendar is available in our weekly Order of Service and in The Light, our monthly newsletter.
I have more questions, who can answer them?
Please direct additional questions about our religious education program (curricula etc.) to our Director of Religious Education, Susan Freudenthal. Her office hours are Tuesday and Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. We recommend that you call ahead for an appointment.
Telephone (505) 522-7281
Email: office@uuchurchlc.org
Religious Education for Unitarian Universalists is a life-long process that begins in early childhood. William Ellery Channing, a nineteenth century Unitarian minister and educator eloquently speaks to the heart of our program. "The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to stir up their own; to look inquiringly and steadily, with their own eyes; to inspire a fervent love of truth, to awaken the conscience, the moral discernment. In a word, the great end is to awaken the soul, to bring understanding, conscience, and heart into earnest, vigorous action on religious and moral truth, to excite and to cherish spiritual life." (Adapted by S. Freudenthal 2004)