The UUCW Nugget
September 14, 2016
 
Office Hours
(Sept 1, 2015 - 
June 30, 2016):
Mon, Tues, Wed: 
9 am - 3 pm
Thur. 9 am - 2 pm

2016 Summer hours (July 1 - Sept 5 - Closed August 2 & August 15): 
Tuesday, 9 am - 1 pm 



Congregational Mission Statement
"The members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist 
Church of Worcester covenant to be a congregation of love, hope and justice inspiring people to take on the challenges of a changing world."
  
Welcoming Church 
Mission Statement 

The LGBTQI and Allies of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester strives to further the affirmation and celebration of LGBTQI individuals in all aspects of the church community. We also seek to increase the visibility of UUCW as a Welcoming Congregation within the greater community.
 
Exploring Our Religion


 
When the RE committee and I went away on our retreat last March, we began our meeting with a discussion about goals.  What are our dreams and  goals for the Religious Education Program that we serve?   We looked at what was already being accomplished and discussed how we could  more deeply integrate those things with societal trends , new great ideas,  and the realities we see while talking to our families who attend weekly.
 
 We saw very clearly that we should be offering a learning experience that is different from school.  This experience should be one that allows kids to take risks and express themselves, surrounded by others who are supportive and like- minded.  "Church school"  can be a place for kids to explore their beliefs through different modalities.  But it is really not school.  There is no testing, no memorization-  it's more like going on an expedition.... exploring what it means to be a human being,  Practicing love , respect and justice and the other important principals held up by  Unitarian Universalists.
 
We proposed : Change our program name from Religious Education to Religious Exploration

This name change better expresses the goals of our program. We are not trying to be a school-based model  but  one consistent with our principle of searching for truth and meaning.
 
This proposal  was approved by Rev .Aaron and the Board of Management-  and off we ran.  We introduced this change by way of presenting information at our final service last year on  RE Sunday.  We asked parents and teachers to speak at this service about why they bring their children to RE or why they choose to teach RE  classes every year.  We heard some very moving testimonials.  And some of the key points we heard went something like this:
 
Why do we bring our kids to church?

~~To connect with diverse group of peers.
 
 ~~For spiritual connection and expression.
 
~~To explore spirituality in a fun, engaging, and age appropriate way.
 
~~To discuss what is meaningful and in their hearts.
 
~~To learn about and respect other religions and our own.
 
~~To reinforce parents' values.
 
~~To easily get involved in serving others through the church's community service activities.  
 
 
Why Do I Teach At UUCW?
 
~~ It is my spiritual discipline.
 
~~It helps me feel connected to what my child is learning.
 
~~It allows me to have deeper connections with children, their parents, and other adults in the church.
 
~~It's educational and fun for me.
 
~~I know I am making a difference in a child's life.
 
~~It is a way to give back.
 
So as we begin another church year at UUCW, I am so excited to explore all the possibilities that can come about when we bring wonderful children and youth together with dedicated and loving teachers, advisors, mentors, and Program Committee members.  It is a win-win for sure!  I hope to see you all  on September 25th for our opening Religious Exploration Day!!   
 
In Faith and Peace,

Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration and Education.
Contact Information

Phone:

508-853-1942

Email:

office@uucworcester.org

Fax:

508-853-2065

Website:

www.uucworcester.org

 

 

 

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