2008–2009 Religious Education Program Components

Faith in Action will encourage children to put their learning into action in the community.  The theme will coincide with the previous month’s Children’s Chapel service.  Following the service the children will divide into age groups (usually grades K–3 and 4–6) and work out a specific action they can take on in church or in the larger community that addresses the spiritual theme.  Faith in Action Sunday will usually occur on the first Sunday of the month.

The Guest Artist program invites a member of our community into the yurt to share his/her passion, often in the fine or performing arts.  The artist engages the children in his/her art and its connection to their faith, and invites the children to become artists of their own.  Guest Artist Sunday is usually the second Sunday of the month.

Spirit Play is a simple format for grades K–3, that is engaging both for children and for the adults who lead it. Spirit Play uses a form of story telling which utilizes small props and reflection. Once the story props are created, they can be used over and over again. The stories and the children’s “work” following the story use wonder, art, and activities to help the children make meaning of life’s questions. 

Deepening the Spirit will allow children in the upper elementary grades a chance to explore their own spiritual growth in an age-appropriate fashion. Spirit Play/Deepening the Spirit Sunday is usually the third Sunday of the month.

Children’s Chapel uses a simple child-centered liturgy including chosen readings, singing, and sharing, that allows children participate fully in worship, and that also provides an opportunity for children to actively participate in and lead their spiritual community.  Children’s Chapel usually occurs on the fourth Sunday of the month.