The religious education program at Cedar Lane is our ministry to children and youth.
Our leaders are members of the congregation who serve as mentors and guides by sharing
their gifts and their commitment to our religious faith. They are a caring nurturing
presence.
Our program is grounded in our Unitarian Universalist history and heritage. It is about
courage and faith, reflection and action, ideals and hope.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are proud of our commitment to religious
education.
On behalf of the Religious Education Council, we welcome you to the Cedar Lane
Religious Education Program.
The R. E. council is a group of fifteen parents, teachers and church members. We work
closely with the R. E. minister and R. E. administrator to plan, implement and oversee
the religious education program for our children, teens and adults at Cedar Lane. The
Council meets monthly to plan activities and teacher training, evaluate programs and
curricula, and act as liaisons to our volunteer teachers and room parents. Holiday Craft
Day, Spring AB@, the teacher appreciation dinner and social action events are among the
annual activities organized by the R. E. Council. Each Council member serves a three-year term. The R. E. council is known for its enthusiastic, energetic and dedicated
members.
A lot of hard work goes into the richness of Cedar Lane=s religious education program.
The program relies not only on the dedication of our ministers, church staff, the R. E.
Council and our volunteer teachers and aides, but most importantly, YOU, the parents.
We ask that you take an active role in your child=s experience at Cedar Lane. Get to
know your child=s teachers and the other parents in your child=s class. Read the Family
Cooperation Form carefully, choose some activities in the program, and become
involved. The R. E. experience can be as rewarding for parents as it is for children.
Communication with parents is important to us. If you have a question about the R. E.
program, please call us and we will do our best to answer it.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Beavers and Holly Parker
R. E. Council Co-chairs 2001-2002
GOALS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT CEDAR LANE
The following religious education goals embody the vision we
have for our program, and are guides for the curriculum choices that are made
for each age group. Our curriculum encompasses all of our goals, but each group
has a major focus on one or more objective(s). Our religious education program
goals are to help our young people to:
1. Develop a sense of self worth
Story Time (two-year-olds)
Celebrating Me and My World (threes)
We Are Many, We Are One (fours)
DUSO (Developing a Sense of Self and Others)(fives)_
Haunting House (1st grade)
Our Whole Lives (8th grade)
Senior High Program
2. Develop an appreciation of religious, ethnic and cultural diversity
Around the Church Around the Year (2nd grade)
Festivals and Celebrations (3rd grade)
Bible (5th grade)
Junior High Seminar
Senior High Program
3. Develop a sense of belonging through participation in the Cedar Lane
community
Junior Choir
Worship
Teacher assistants
Youth groups
Social action service projects
4. Develop an appreciation of something larger than the self and a sense of
responsibility toward others and the environment
Social responsibility projects
In Our Hands: Curriculum for Peace and Justice
Growing-Up-Year (6th grade)
Junior High Seminar
Senior High Program
5. Develop an identification with Unitarian Universalism and our religious
heritage
Around the Church Around the Year
A Stepping Stone Year (4th grade)
A Growing-Up-Year (6th grade)
Junior High Seminar
You and Unitarian Universalism (You and UU)
Senior High Program
6. Ponder and celebrate the mysteries of life by participating in worship
experiences
Chapel
Family services
Classroom worship
7. Feel guided and supported in the development and expression of personal
religion in everyday life
A Growing-Up-Year
Our Whole Lives
Junior High Seminar
¨ Senior High Program
VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome in the R.E. program! Please arrive early before
services in order to obtain a guest slip at the Administration Table downstairs
in the lower lobby. The administrators will direct you to the right classroom
and introduce your child to the teachers.
Please note that ever third Sunday of the month is a "Family
Service," with young people joining their parents in the Sanctuary upstairs
for the first 15 minutes before going downstairs to the classrooms. On other
Sundays, children in first through fifth grades attend services in the Chapel
with their class for the last fifteen minutes of the session.
During the summer and on certain holidays, childcare or alternative programs
for youth may be in effect. Please check our Calendar or call the R.E.
Administrator during weekday office hours: (301) 493-8300.
REGISTRATION
We hope you will join us by registering each of your children in the R.E.
program for the school year. The R.E. program begins mid-September and ends in
April with the beginning of "Spring B." Registration
brochures are mailed to those on the church mailing list in May. They are also
available at the church in June at the R.E. office or on Sundays at the
administration desk downstairs near R.E. classrooms 1 and 2.
Registration for the fall session is accomplished by mail or in person, after
services or in the R. E. office. Register each child for Session I (9:00 to
10:15 a.m.) or Session II (10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). Reasonable class size is
key to assuring that sense of connectedness, and classes often reach capacity,
so please register early to ensure that you will be able to attend your
preferred session. Each registration is processed in the order received, and
priority will be given to members of the church.
Community building and belonging are integral parts of our program. The
program is a cooperative venture, planned and implemented largely by volunteer
R. E. Council members, leaders, assistants, administrators and chapel leaders
supported by behind the scenes "elves" who cook, set tables, wash
toys, clean up, telephone, type, shelve books, and lead Holiday Craft Day
workshops. In this way we share in our children's experiences while building our
church community. We ask each family enrolling children to help by signing up on
the Family Cooperation Form and pledging to earn points. Points are assigned to
various volunteer positions to provide an equitable sharing of the jobs that
need to be done.
We ask parents to make a financial contribution to the church. Without the
dedication of its participants, our program could not be the successful one that
it is recognized to be. Substantial church dollars are necessary to support it.
Roughly 16% of the church budget is devoted to religious education for children
and youth. The average cost of the R.E. program per year, including staff,
facilities and materials, exceeds $400 per child. We expect that families will
financially support this and other programs of the church in a responsible way.
In cases of financial hardship, please contact one of the ministers.
TEACHERS
Teachers minister to our children by example and deed. They
are a caring presence enabling new learning and religious growth.
Each year parents and non-parents alike volunteer to join teaching teams. Our
religious educator, the mentoring teachers and the Religious Education Council
provide training in classroom management and curriculum and help with additional
resource materials. We try to pair new teachers with experienced ones. Teachers
can turn to our minister, R. E. Council members, experienced teachers and other
resource persons, including room parents, for additional support.
Teaching is a cooperative effort. Experience is not necessary and newness to
the UU movement or to our church should not hinder you. If you bring a nurturing
spirit and a deep sense of caring for your youth to the classroom, you will
find, as most do, that teachers gain as much as the students from the teaching
experience.
MENTORING TEACHERS
Our mission is to help all our children have a
positive religious
education at Cedar Lane. Our classroom covenant and our Unitarian Universalist
Purposes and Principles are guides to how we relate to and treat each other. Our
mentoring teachers (six) are available to work with new teachers, especially in
classes where there may be a child or children with special needs. Conversations
between our staff and parents are critical to our success, enabling us to create
a positive learning environment for all our young people.
CODE OF ETHICS: FOR PEOPLE WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND
YOUTH OF CEDAR LANE
Adults and older youth who are in leadership
roles are in a
position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering development of both
individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially important that those
in leadership positions be well qualified to provide the special nurture, care
and support that will enable youth to develop a positive sense of self and a
spirit of independence and responsibility. The relationship between young people
and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if the positive potential is to
be realized. There are no more important areas of growth than those of self
worth and the development of a healthy identity as a sexual being. Adults play a
key role in assisting youth in these areas of growth. It is critical that
leaders not engage in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with youth. Neither
shall they sexually harass or engage in behavior with youth that constitutes
verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.
For the safety of all our children, we ask that every adult participating in
the R.E. program sign a statement agreeing to conduct himself in accordance with
this code and the laws of the State of Maryland.
SAFETY POLICY
The Unitarian Universalist Purposes and Principles and our classroom covenant
are the foundations for relationships we aim to foster in the Religious
Education Program. We are all expected to relate to one another within these
guidelines. The Religious Education Council has adopted guidelines developed by
the Task Force on Safety to help insure the safety of our children. The complete
set of Safety Guidelines is mailed annually to each family and is also available
in the R. E. office.
HIGHLIGHTS
For children through age eight:
- A parent or legal guardian must be on the church grounds during Church School
in the event of an emergency.
- Parents of chapel-aged children will wait for the teacher to escort students
back to the classroom at the end of chapel. This allows teachers to account for
all children before dismissing them.
- Parents will inform the teacher at the time of drop-off if someone other than
a parent will be picking up the child. Teachers will not release a child to
someone other than a parent or designee. Teachers will not release a child to
another minor.
For all ages:
Have an emergency phone number on file (on the registration card).
All parents will sign the Code of Ethics at registration. Teachers will also
sign the Code of Ethics.
¨ Notify the Religious Education
office about any medical issues.
OUR CLASSROOM COVENANT
I have a right to
be treated with kindness and respect in this room.
This means that no one will laugh at me, ignore
me or hurt my feelings.
This means that I will be kind to others,
include others, and be considerate of the feelings of others.
I have a right
to be myself in this room.
This means that no one will treat me unfairly
because I am fat or thin, fast or slow, male or female.
This means that I will treat all others fairly,
even if they are different.
I have a right
to
be safe in this room.
This means that no one will hit me, kick me,
push me, pinch me, tease me, or harass me.
This means that I will protect others from
harm.
I have a right
to
hear and be heard in this room.
This means that no one will yell, scream, or
shout, and that my opinions
and desires will be considered in any plans we
make.
This means that I keep my voice down.
I will listen to others and include their views
in our plans.
I will speak up about my opinions and desires.
I have a right
to
learn about myself in this room.
This means that I will be free to express my
feelings and opinions without being punished.
This means that I will hear what others say.
I will respect the difficulty we all have in
learning who we are.
I will participate in the program.
PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT
Our religious education program is
a cooperative effort. You, as
parents, play a significant role in the religious education of young people.
Your active participation is encouraged as we share this important
responsibility. Here are some of the ways you can help:
- Arrive on time and come
regularly.
Children develop a sense of belonging by attending regularly. Let the teachers
know if a child will be absent. Be on time to pick up younger children.
- Dress children in play clothes.
Save special clothes for all-church services.
- Introduce yourself to your children's
teachers. The minister of religious education and the volunteer staff
want to hear from you. Look over the available literature and follow the
activities of your child's class. Provide snack if you are asked.
- Spend time together at Cedar Lane.
Attend children's chapel and make a special effort to be with your children at
church family celebrations. Your presence and participation is appreciated. Our
children learn to worship by worshiping with us.
- Parents will be asked to help.
We ask that you budget your time to include periodic teaching/aide experience at
Cedar Lane. All teachers are volunteers. If no teacher is
available, parents may be asked to set up a "co-op" for the year.
Parents may also be called to work in the classroom at various other times. In
addition all families are asked to volunteer for specific jobs that help make
the entire R. E. program run smoothly. (These are described on The Family
Cooperation Form.) Religious education is a cooperative venture.
- Attend parent meetings. Some
meetings may be required, and they are designed to help you and your child. We
know that you are the primary religious educators for your children. It is our
responsibility to support you and your children as they make their way through
the R. E. program at Cedar Lane. In return, we ask for your support and time.
- Share your point of view. Let
your children know your thoughts, opinions and values. Be patient with them and
with yourself as you struggle to understand one another.
- Review the Safety Policies.
2002 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR
WINTER SEMESTER
| January 6
|
|
Classes resume
|
| January 11
|
|
Teacher Renewal
|
| January 20
|
|
Family Service
|
| February 17
|
|
Family Service
|
| March 1
|
|
R. E. Appreciation Dinner
|
| March 9 and 10
|
|
Senior High Dessert Theater
|
| March 17
|
|
Family Service and Teacher Recognition
|
| March 29, 30, 31
|
|
You and UU Class Trip to Boston
|
| March 30
|
|
Seder Dinner
|
| Mar 30 & Apr 7
|
|
Spring "B" registration
|
| March 31
|
|
Adult Service 7:30 -8:15 a.m.; Easter Family Services in the
Sanctuary at 9:00, 10:45 a.m. (at least one adult per family accompanies
children to the Chapel at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m.)
|
| April 14
|
|
Family Service and Growing-Up-Year Ceremony
Last day of R.E. classes
|
| April 21
|
|
Spring AB@
begins
|
| May 5
|
|
Senior High Graduates' Service
|
| May 19
|
|
Spring AB@
ends; all-church picnic
|
| June 2
|
|
Family Worship and R. E. registration for 2002-2003 program
|
PRESCHOOL
Our aim is to provide a comfortable, secure and
loving environment for your youngest children. We want children to feel good about themselves
so that they may respond to their world in a wholesome, positive way. In a warm
and empathetic atmosphere, our preschoolers will be encouraged to explore
relationships with others and discover more about themselves and their world.
Parents who have children who are babies through age five, may be asked to help
on a rotating basis.
BABIES
Up to age 2
9:00 and 10:45
Our youngest children are cared for in a warm and loving atmosphere through
the cooperative effort of parents and teenage assistants. Simple toys, picture
books, and music are a part of their environment.
STORY TIME
Two year olds 9:00 and 10:45
This group experience gives small children an opportunity to develop
independence, group play and ways to share. Through familiar stories, art,
puzzles and music, children begin to develop new skills and competence, and to
feel at home at Cedar Lane. The simple lighting of the chalice is an
introduction to ritual.
CELEBRATING ME AND MY WORLD
Three year olds 9:00 and 10:45
When you view the world through the eyes of a young child, life is full of
wonder. A child=s
religion grows slowly. This year-long program encourages the development of
wonder and questioning, discovery and new horizons. Through games, cooking,
stories and outside adventures the children begin to feel good about themselves
and others.
WE ARE MANY, WE ARE ONE
Four year olds 9:00 and 10:45
This program develops a child's sense of religious community and offers the
freedom to discover and express individual uniqueness. Some of the sessions:
- each of us is important and special
- differences are interesting
- we need our families
- we all belong to the family of the earth
- churches and places of caring
- we all have our own ideas about religion
ELEMENTARY
DEVELOPING UNDERSTANDING OF SELF AND OTHERS (DUSO)
Five Year Olds 9:00 and 10:45
Through stories told by DUSO the Dolphin, children will learn to value
diversity, appreciate similarities and differences and explore feelings.
Games, art and role-playing are designed to encourage cooperation,
understanding and connections to the Cedar Lane Community.
HAUNTING HOUSE
Grade 1 9:00 and 10:45
Why do houses fascinate us? What are houses for? Why do we love them?
Children, parents and teachers explore the universal need for a home - a place
of solitude, of dreaming, of memory building. Within the Ahaunting
house," there is an opportunity to explore relationships, share stories,
discover the natural world and talk about important religious questions
including birth and death. The class includes an important parent meeting that
deals with the sexuality and death units.
AROUND THE CHURCH, AROUND THE YEAR
Grade 2 9:00 and 10:45
During the year children will explore Unitarian Universalist faith and
practices and the Cedar Lane community. They will gain an appreciation of
Unitarian Universalist people, buildings, rituals and celebrations. They will
share ideas and stories from and about our Jewish/Christian roots.
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Grade 3 9:00 and 10:45
Festivals and holidays are the natural and age-old vehicle for religious
celebration and socialization. Through ritual observances we will learn about
the memories, beliefs, values, fears and hopes of people everywhere. By
understanding the religions of the world and their holidays and holy days, we
make a connection with all people everywhere. AUnder
the sky all people are brothers/sisters.@
A STEPPING STONE YEAR
Grade 4 9:00 and 10:45
Religion helps people find answers to important life questions and to
discover that some questions do not have answers. In this beginning course about
Unitarian Universalism, we listen to the ideas, beliefs and attitudes of others;
learn about famous Unitarian Universalists and begin to make connections between
the worlds of science, wonder and religion.
BIBLE: TIMELESS THEMES
Grade 5 9:00 and 10:45
This material is designed to give our young people an understanding and
appreciation of our Biblical tradition. The stories and themes are an
introduction to the rich literature and ethical issues that are basic to our
culture. Each person brings a Bible to class, learns about its roots, and how to
use and discover the rich content within its covers.
GROWING-UP-YEAR
Grade 6 9:00 and 10:45
During this transition year our young people focus on the process of growing
up, becoming a religious person, studying our Unitarian Universalist Purposes
and Principles and learning about some of the people who put these principles
into action. There will be discussions about moral and social issues and at
least one social action project. The year culminates with a passages ceremony in
a spring adult worship service.
JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH
JUNIOR HIGH SEMINAR
Grade 7 9:00 and 10:45
Through class discussion and social outreach projects, the class discusses
issues that relate to our Unitarian Universalist Purposes and Principles and how
they relate to our own lives and actions. During the year, we will also explore
the rich religious traditions of our Neighboring Faiths.
OUR WHOLE LIVES
Grade 8 9:00 and 10:45
In a safe, supportive peer group setting with specially trained leaders, our
young people will have the opportunity to explore values, sexual language,
respect, gender issues and roles, responsible sexual behavior, friendships,
anatomy, media messages, sexual orientation, love making and much more. The goal
of the curriculum is to nurture healthy, loving relationships with ourselves and
others. Parents must attend the orientation session. To provide the best
learning environment, gender balance and class size are carefully monitored
during registration. Rapport, honesty and trust are developed when young people
attend class regularly. Class attendance must be a high priority.
YOU AND UU
Grade 9 9:00 and 10:45
This introductory course to our Unitarian Universalist heritage offers a
chance to explore the beginnings of Unitarian Universalism, articulate personal
beliefs and make connections between the two. During the spring break, the class
makes a pilgrimage to Boston and vicinity to explore our UU roots. Note: regular
class attendance is required to participate in the trip. The Boston trip will be
at the beginning of the spring break. There will be a parent and student meeting
in early 2002.
SENIOR HIGH PROGRAM
Grades 10, 11, and 12, 10:45 a.m.
This year our numbers indicate that we will need to have two units for each
six or eight week period. A complete listing of topics will be mailed early in
the fall and will reflect input from the teens. Some of the topics will be:
Our Whole Lives: An opportunity to explore sexuality issues that are
critical to senior high young people. The class will have input into the choice
of topics that explore their questions and concerns. The class will be offered
to a maximum of fifteen young people.
Neighboring Faiths: The class will choose three or four religious
groups they wish to explore, including an opportunity to visit their houses of
worship and to talk to observers of that faith.
Exploring Your Values: What do you cherish? Where did they come
from? How will they change? How do they relate to our U. U. Purposes and
Principles.
Music: An exploration of music in our lives.
Small Group Ministry: A chance to explore spirituality, worship and
other issues chosen by the group.
Graduating Seniors: As seniors prepare to leave home, they will
explore their time at Cedar Lane prepare a special worship service for Sunday,
May 5.
Community Service: To assist in the need for school community
service hours, there will be plans for some community service projects.
FOR TEENS...
TEENAGE ASSISTANTS
Often young people in junior and senior high gain as much from guiding others as they would from enrolling in the religious education
program themselves. We expect that the young people attend one session of
religious education and help in the other. Continuing experiences with their
peer group enhances their religious growth and integrates them into the Cedar
Lane community. Teens who want to assist in a class MUST
participate in the teacher training sessions scheduled in the fall and winter.
YOUTH GROUPS
In addition to Sunday morning class, junior
high (grades 7 and 8) and senior high (grades 9, 10, 11 and 12) students have an
opportunity to participate in activities that are scheduled on evenings and
weekends throughout the year. See the brochure AYouth
Programs.@
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The religious education program is designed to
encourage our young people to develop a social conscience and to take action to
influence change. Our young people help with UNICEF, Martha=s
Table, Manna Food Bank, other projects sponsored by the Cedar Lane=s
Social Justice council and some of their choosing, such as raising funds for
shelters, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, The Heifer Project and
others. In recent years the R. E. classes have "adopted" the parkland
surrounding the church; the elementary classes planted bulbs and the junior high
classes spread mulch and painted playground equipment.
In addition, the R. E. program, in conjunction with the Board of Social
Concerns, has developed a special relationship with Beacon House, a Community
Ministry in Northeast Washington. Christmas toys and books have been collected
and Cedar Lane children have begun visiting Beacon House. We collect candy for
their Halloween party, sponsor a Christmas gift collection and participate in
other projects as needed.
WORSHIP
Worship is what we do when we come together to
celebrate the
community and all that is of worth in and around us. During these times
together, we acknowledge our heritage, share our values, and affirm who we are
and what we believe.
Our worship is enhanced by music, quiet reflection, stories, sharing and
simple rituals.
There are many opportunities for children for worship:
- in the classroom with their teachers
- with the "community of children" in the chapel three times monthly
- with the whole community for the first part of the service in the sanctuary
- with families in the chapel at Spring "B"
- when our senior high youth plan a service
September 16 Opening Chapel Service
October 7 Succoth
October 28 Pumpkin Homes for Light
December 9 Festival of Lights
February 10 Chinese New Year
March 3
Noah building Cedar Lane
April 14
Stepping Stone Ceremony
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
It is our goal to have our program available to
all young people. If children have special needs we want to know about them so that we can make
arrangements that meet their needs. Parents are the most knowledgeable about
their own children; we appreciate your help. Our staff, including our mentoring
teachers, are available to help.
CHOIRS
This is an opportunity to learn about music, singing, and
performing. The choirs will sing for children, family and adult worship, and on
special occasions. They will discover and share the special feelings that come
when music making is done well.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings in the chapel.
The Junior choir is open to third to sixth graders, and rehearses at 7:00
p.m.
The Youth Choir is open to seventh to twelfth graders (sixth graders by
audition) and rehearses at 8:00 p.m.
SPRING "B"
Spring "B" is our five week intergenerational event.
It creates the possibility for children, youth, parents, and adults to engage in new
activities, meet new friends, and share across the generations. The groups and
classes promote new learnings, explore new ideas and enjoy the challenge of new
skills. The Youth Adult Committee serves a continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m.
and there is a family chapel service at 10:00 a.m. The brochure of classes and
activities is printed and mailed in March. Spring "B" opens on April
21, 2002. Regular classes do not meet during this time.
STAFF
Betty Jo Middleton, Interim Minister for Religious Education
Glenis Bellais, Religious Education Administrator
Gale Gunther Luce, Religious Education Assistant
Roger Fritts, Minister
Douglas Taylor, Assistant Minister
Mary Darne, Junior and Youth Choir Director
THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
COUNCIL 2001-2002
Co-chairs: Bonnie Beavers and Holly Parker
Secretary: Naomi Manzella
Treasurer: Andy Wilson
Members:
Lucy Burge
Greg Cassidy
Rich Clark
Leah Evison
Carolyn Grassel
Terry Hanford
Lisa Kaeser
Cal Leonard
Catherine McKeon
Judy Rinard
Dawn Steinfeld
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
9601 Cedar Lane
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4099
Tel: 301-493-8300
Fax: 301-897-5713
e-mail: office@CedarLane.org
Sunday Worship Services at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.
© 1998-2001, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
The web site is being maintained by
Maury Merkin,
Robin Larkin
and Joe Perry
