Home  | About Us  | News and Events  | Programs & Services | Search  

  Programs & Services
  
Sunday Morning Religious Education Curriculum
Chalice Children
Preschool & Kindergarten
Chalice Children is designed to help young children learn about their church and congregation. This curriculum is based on the belief that children of this age gain a sense of belonging to their religious community and the Unitarian Universalist faith when they have concrete experience with its people and places.
Experiences With the Web of Life / Super Heroes
Grades 1 & 2
Experiences With the Web of Life provides the building blocks toward respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. This curriculum uses a variety of sources, emphasizing both scientific observation and spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions that celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Super Heroes introduces children to the stories of people from the Bible who have acted with courage and wisdom in their attempts to lead their lives fully and make the world a better place for others.
In Our Hands / Celebrating Our Origins in the Universe
Grades 3 & 4
The In Our Hands curriculum allows our children peace and fairness through stories, discussions and activities. They will learn constructive ways of resolving conflict and promoting peace in their own lives. Celebrating Our Origins in the Universe is designed to introduce children to scientific concepts about the Universe and the origins of life, including human life, on Earth. Its goals include learning about and using the scientific method, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things and satisfying children’s innate curiosity and interest in the world around them – to address the ever-present “why” question.
The Kingdom of Equals / Our Whole Lives
Grades 5 & 6 
The Kingdom of Equals curriculum draws on the four Gospels of the New Testament, enlightened by twentieth-century findings and interpretations. Lessons deal with central messages of the Jesus teachings and themes relating to our UU Principles and Purposes, such as tolerance, forgiveness, and reverence for life. Stories covered in this program were chosen on the basis of two criteria: the strength of their religious message, and their general fame. Stories which our students might encounter in the culture at large, including the birth and Easter stories, are presented in the context of Unitarian Universalist perspectives. The overall goal of Our Whole Lives is to create a positive, comprehensive lifespan educational program that helps participants gain the knowledge, values, and skills to lead sexually healthy and responsible lives. This program is based on relevant and holistic attitudes and values, including self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, justice, and inclusiveness. Leaders are specially trained to facilitate the program for this age group.
Neighboring Faiths
Grades 7 & 8 
This curriculum introduces youth to the faith traditions and practices of other religious groups in their community. This year our focus will include the study of Islam, Native American Spirituality, Earth Centered traditions, Hinduism and Buddhism. The curriculum provides a number of processes for engaging participants in a religious journey that invites the participation of parents, other interested adults and religious leaders in the congregation and the community. This journey builds community among the youth, connects them with their congregation and the larger community, and helps them clarify and strengthen their Unitarian Universalist identity.
Coming of Age
Grades 9 & 10
With guidance from their leaders and mentors (to be chosen from our congregation), these youths will be engaged in activities, experiences and discussions which will lead to the development of their own personal belief statement. A weekend pilgrimage to Boston – the center of our historical UU beginnings – will round out the year. In sharing our faith and mission, this program provides our youth with opportunities to explore our Unitarian Universalist history, to understand our purposes and principles, and to create and participate in meaningful projects or social outreach.
Other Children's Curricula
We have used other curricula in the past and may do so again in the future as interests of our parents and children warrant. See what we've been up to!

First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, NJ - "Imagine a Religion where All are Welcome"
Serving The Plainfields, Piscataway, Metuchen, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield, Cranford, North Edison, Middlesex, and Greenbrook since 1889.