GENERAL INFORMATION Registration Registration is required for children and teens (From Nursery through High School) who attend more than three times. It is a courtesy to our volunteer staff, and the information that you provide helps us to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for your children. We ask that you give consideration to becoming a Religious Exploration volunteer, after 6 months attending. Worship From the Sunday after Labor Day to the second Sunday in June, services are at 10:30 am and are led by our minister or a guest speaker. During this time, children attend the first part of morning celebration with their families in the Sanctuary. In the summer the services are also at 10:30 am but are informally led by a member of the congregation, or guest. Children start out down in classes during summer religious exploration. Schedule Religious Exploration classes begin with the congregation singing the children downstairs. Classes start with a Children’s worship service that begins around 10:45. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate with their children whenever they wish to. Parents should come to pick up their children (Nursery through third grade) as close to the conclusion of classes as they can, or meet your children at the top of the stairs. Safety should always be paramount, and we do not want young children leaving the building without a parent. Classes end at around 11:45. Nursery Care Nursery Care is available during services and is staffed by Religious exploration Volunteers and paid attendants. It is geared towards infant through Preschool ages, and provides a comfortable place for children to play, do crafts, and listen to stories. Commitment Our Religious Exploration program is a cooperative effort. Parents are urged to become a part of the program through volunteering, donating supplies, and helping during events. Parents should also attempt to bring their children regularly to their R.E. classes. Family commitments are crucial to the success of any RE Program, and to the building of community for our children and youth. RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION OVERVIEW MISSION STATEMENT AND VISION Mission Statement Our Mission is to provide a liberal religious education in a nurturing environment that promotes ethical values, builds compassionate community, and encourages individuals to search for their own truth and meaning. Vision The foundation of our mission involves respect, consideration, acceptance and appreciation for the many different belief systems of the world, UU principles and values, responsibility on all levels from the inner self to the world around us, and connection to the larger Unitarian Universalists community. 2912 Club House Road Finksburg, MD 21048 410-861-8820 Website: http://www.cedarhurstuu.org/ Director of Religious Exploration: Jennifer A. Harvilak, 443-789-0552, or email to cuudre.jh@gmail.com Religious Exploration – Children & Youth Our religious Exploration Program is theme based, from month to month, and utilizes the model of “Spirit Play”, combined with Small Group Ministry for children and Youth. Our goal is for our classes to facilitate connections by placing an emphasis on relationships, rather than “Teaching”. We also seek to give students enough time to experience sacred space and worship time, together. Classes delve into Unitarian Universalist history and philosophy, look to the wisdom of other faith traditions and our six sources, and establish a youth and child centered atmosphere. We build on our 7 Unitarian Universalist Principles, while focusing on our abilities to make a difference in the world through social action projects. Some benefits of this model include: • • • Children/youth develop spirituality in the context of a particular faith tradition by examining their own lives and experiences in the light of the wisdom from the tradition. It is in examining and exploring their own experience as it intersects with wisdom from our Unitarian Universalist Principles, Sources, and tradition that children/youth develop a Unitarian Universalist identity and spiritual practice. Allows for meaningful social action projects, with ample time to reflect on the experiences, rather than just doing a service activity without thought to how it affects the world. Allows for more meaningful Chapel time that builds on itself, and helps students to form community • • relationships as young Unitarian Universalists. Allows leadership roles for older students, and provides opportunities for deep sharing and discussion. Having lasting themes through the month allows students to really grasp a topic and discuss it at length, rather than jumping from lesson to lesson. Religious Exploration - Adults Adult Religious Exploration includes programming for members and friends 14 years and older. These programs take many forms, from casual forums to more structured classes, and cover a wide range of topics. Having a broad selection depends on member support and participation. If you are interested in facilitating a course or have a suggestion for the Committee, please contact Jennifer Harvilak. In addition to special programs that are offered periodically, the following Adult RE classes are currently being offered at Cedarhurst on an on-going basis: Taiji & Chi Quong: The Three Treasures Taiji Class offers instruction at Cedarhurst to all who are interested in the Old Northern Yang Taiji Chi and Quong classes. Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Shoes are optional. Instructors : Bruce Payne and Maureen Harvey. The cost is $5.00 per person, per session. 410-795-3117 Qi-Gong: Bob Campaglia offers instruction in this form which helps to energize the mind, body and soul, followed by stretching and meditation. Nominal Fee required. For more information, please contact Bob at robc923@aol.com or at 410-804-5758. Continued..... Roots and Branches Small Group Ministry: These small group ministry discussion groups are held (Usually) on the third Sunday of each month, following services. All are welcome to attend these theme based sessions. Simply get some refreshments and come and join in. The group meets in the sanctuary, beginning around 12 – 12:15. *Roots and Branches takes a break through Summer, and runs from September through June. The group is facilitated by Jennifer Harvilak and Guest facilitators. For more information about the group, or to be a guest facilitator, contact Jennifer Harvilak. Any Questions may be sent to the Director of religious Exploration at: cuudre.jh@gmail.com