We've expanded our offerings to three classes: Elementary Learners, Advanced Learners and the Teens. We are excited to have many of our Early Learners grow into a new class with a curriculum that will help them consider their own beliefs and theologies. The teen class is becoming more of a youth group, with conversations with the minster and times together to cook and share food.
Classes are on Sunday mornings. The children and youth start in the service. After Together Time with the minister and then assisting collecting food for Clemson Community Care, they go to classes. Elementary and Advanced Learners finish by 11:40 (usually around the end of the service.) Teens go a little longer, until noon.
Elementary Learners:
Spirit Play
Kindergarten through 3rd grade (Ages 5 – 8)
Spirit Play, modeled partly on the Montessori method of
learning, encourages children to ask questions of wonder. Stories from all
traditions, including our own, introduce children to promises (principles) of
Unitarian Universalism. To reinforce these, children have independent work time
as part of the lesson. The stories this fall will mainly focus on the themes
and historical UU’s explored by the congregation each month, as well as
earth-based holidays, and some of our basic UU lessons.
Teachers: Beth Carraway,
Kari Carson, Kathy Gillcrist, Rhonda Powell, Christine Prado, Olivia Sparkman,
Pamela West
Advanced Learners: Toolbox
of Faith
4th through 7th grade (Ages
9-12)
Toolbox of Faith invites participants to reflect on the
qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and
love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith.
Each of the 16 sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of
our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape),
and justice (a flashlight).
Teachers: Sarah
Harcum, Karen Hiebel, Meg MacArthur, Carl Thompson, Martha Thompson
Teens: World
Religions Exploration
8th grade through 12th grade (Ages 13 -18)
This fall the teen program will utilize a Youth Ministry
approach with teens in the service on first Sundays and meeting afterward for
lunch and discussion with the minister, other Sundays will focus on Social
Justice discussions, Coming of Age activities, and Food & Fun in the
kitchen (life skills preparation).
Teachers: Mandolin
Bright, Chad Carson, Cindy Lee, Riley Stevens, Kristin Trowell
We hope you consider bringing your children to these classes to help them consider their spirituality.
Also, we thank everyone assisting in these classes. If you are interested in being involved, teaching is an excellent way to learn and develop your own theology as well.