Religious Education Update: April 6, 2008

Raising Good Citizens

The Reverend William Doherty of the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis gave a lecture on Religious Education at the 2007 General Assembly. He stated,

“I begin by offering twin goals for the religious education or
faith development of Unitarian Universalist children:
1. First, they grow up spiritually alive, free, and engaged with
the world.
2. Second, they grow up as citizens in our living religious
tradition.”

The point of Rev. Doherty’s second goal was that our youth and children need to be active participants in the work of the congregation, so that they can learn to be good citizens of their faith.

At last Sunday’s Time and Talent Auction, our children and youth ably demonstrated how to be active citizens of our congregation. Five of our youth- Amy, Bailey, Lizzie, Sophia, and Zoe- prepared lunch for the congregation. The menu was planned and prepared by the youth, under the guidance of their adult advisor, Lara. Many of the younger kids decorated cheesecakes with fruit, and created candy butterflies and dragonflies on cupcakes. The lunch was delicious and the desserts were beautiful!

The children and youth were active participants in the auction as well, as donors and as bidders. Laura and Rosemary donated their pet sitting talents, and others decorated tote bags and aprons. As bidders, they enthusiastically supported our congregation. By actively participating in the work of the Time and Talent Auction, our kids learned about being good citizens of UUP, and gained the satisfaction of knowing that they can contribute to the health of our community in meaningful ways. I was very proud of them!

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education