James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation offers Children's Religious Education (RE) programs for elementary and middle school students, high schoolers, preschool children, and a supervised nursery for children two and younger.
RE classes meet from September through May during the 11:00 services only; children leave the worship service for classes during a designated hymn. During the summer months, JRUUC offers supervised activities for children who choose not to participate in our 10:00 service. Children engage in crafts, stories, outdoor activities and service projects.
Our Religious Education programming for children is staffed by volunteers from our congregation. JRUUC encourages parents and other interested adults to assist with classes.
For more information about RE at JRUUC, pick up a brochure in the JRUUC lobby. Children are welcome to visit or join an RE class at any time during the year. Children three years of age and older who attend classes regularly should be registered at a cost of $30 per child for member families and $45 for nonmembers. A registration fee waiver is available.
Caroline Hardin - Director of Religious Education
Caroline Hardin, DREI grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin where, oddly enough, my first job was supervising a church nursery! When I went to college at UW Madison, I was first an Archaeology major, then a Early Childhood Education major, before finally following my love of computers and getting my B.S. in Computer Science. I worked in the Twin Cities doing Java Programming and Tech Support until 2007 when I joined the Peace Corps. I spent the next three years teaching computers in Ghana, West Africa to children, teens and adults. Some of my favorite work was creating and sharing new educational technologies, improving libraries, and helping to run student clubs in HIV/AIDS, girl empowerment and Linux. Though Internet access was scarce, I downloaded the sermon podcasts from First Unitarian in Madison whenever I could, because I wanted to maintain my connection to Madison and Unitarian Universalism.
As luck would have it, when I returned to Madison in 2010, I landed in a co-op near Warner Park. I was so excited to find the warm and engaged James Reeb UU community was just a short bike ride away! I worked as a program chair and adjunct instructor of IT at career colleges while my partner, Grant, started his Binary Sprocket web design business. When I'm not working, I volunteer with the Grassroots Leadership College doing database and website support, and enjoy reading, costuming and weaving. I started as the DRE in November, and I am so thrilled to be involved with our wonderful Religious Education program, all the dedicated and creative volunteers, and all the playful and inquisitive children!
Intergenerational Services
On certain Sundays, JRUUC offers an Intergenerational Service during which children stay for the entire service and participate through special activities. During Intergenerational Services there are no Religious Education classes. Childcare for nursery-aged children is not scheduled for these days, but parents are welcome to use the JRUUC Nursery.
Children's Religious Education
Our RE programs for elementary and middle school children follow a three year cycle. Each year’s curriculum focuses on one of the following themes:
Year One is devoted to exploring the history, people, and principles of Unitarian Universalism.
Year Two focuses on the Christian and Jewish traditions from which Unitarian Universalism grew.
Year Three provides an introduction to a wide variety of the world’s other faith traditions, with the goal of gaining a basic understanding of their origins, histories, and ideas.
Youth Religious Education
High school students may participate in YRUU (youth group), attend worship services or assist with RE classes for younger children.
We offer two programs for teenagers in alternate years
Our Whole Lives, the acclaimed Unitarian Universalist curriculum on human sexuality (grades 7-9), which is being offered this year. Steve Elmore (of Reeb) and Teresa Coffman (of FUS) will teach OWL on Sunday mornings beginning in September. An nformal information session will be held on Sunday, August 29 after the service. Please contact Virginia Harrison, DRE, at re@jruuc.org with questions or to RSVP.
Coming of Age, where students work with an adult mentor to explore their spiritual path and prepare themselves for membership in our congregation if they so choose (grades 9-12).
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists
Youth members determine their own programs of social action, fellowship, leadership development and worship. For the 2009-2010 year, the youth group meets twice a month during the 11:00 am service. Members can attend three weekend conferences and a week-long summer “continental conference.” All high school youth are welcome.
Adult Religious Education
Compassionate Communication 101 Nonviolent Communication
The toddler seated on his mother's lap eyed the old man's orange. With his mother's permission, the old man kissed the orange and gave it to the toddler. In his 65 years he'd learned always to "give from the heart." How can we learn to better give from our hearts? Join us for Compassionate Communication 101.
During this eight class series, we will be studying Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg and using the Nonviolent Communication Companion Workbook for the exercises.
The book and workbook are not required for participation in the class, but we do recommend reading the book. There will be a reference copy in the library, and there are still several sets of books for sale at a discounted price. The book is also available through the Madison library. If you do wish to purchase a copy, you can find it on Amazon from $12, or check with local used bookstores. For more information, or to purchase a discounted book and workbook set, contact Colleen O'Hara at ohara1945@gmail.com.