What's Going On Around Here?
Questions and Answers about our Religious Education Program
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
2931 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
What will my child(ren) learn about . . .
- God? We present many different ideas about the concept of God. Many people think that their lives are part of a much larger force, and they call that larger force "god". People the world over have different ideas of what God is like. We share many of these ideas with our children and encourage them to develop their own. Our children also learn that belief in God is not necessary to the living of a good and meaningful life.
- Jesus? Our children learn about the historic Jesus, his life and times, and the impact of his ministry. They learn that Jesus was a loving human teacher who helped people understand each other and be kind to one another. In following the guidance of the ideal of love, peace and forgiveness taught by Jesus, we make the world a better place in which to live.
- The Bible? The Bible is a collection of books telling about the early days of the Jewish people, their ideas about God, the teachings of Jesus, and what some of his followers said about him. The Bible is not taught as the "singular work of God" - rather Bible stories are used to teach a lesson, and acquaint our children with their Judeo-Christian heritage.
- World religions? The children learn about the scriptures,
deities, holy days and customs of a variety of world religious including
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Judaism, Baha'i, Paganism
and Native American religious. Through these studies we hope to show
our children that there are many spiritual paths people take to find
meaning, and there is no one path that works for everyone.
What Will My Child's Religious Identity Be?
In our Religious Education program, we identify ourselves as Unitarian Universalist. All of our curricula are based on the purposes and principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association, as follows (children's version):
We believe
- That each and every person is important
- That all people should be treated fairly and kindly
- That we should accept one another and learn together
- That each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
- That all people should have a vote on things that concern them
- In working for a peaceful and free world
- In caring for our planet earth, the home we share with all living things
The children learn about UU history and the women and men who have exemplified these principles in their lives. It is our feeling that religious values are acquired through "deeds not creeds." Our children are given the chance to live their faith by participating in individual class, and whole RE, service projects in the wider community.
How Does Your Religious Education Program Operate?
- Religious Education classes (seven levels) are offered for children three years old through high school at 11:00 on Sunday morning.
- Children in Kindergarten through 7th grades attend the first part of the Sunday morning worship. (Occasionally they meet in the Fellowship Hall during this time.) 8th Grade and High School go directly to class.
- Classes are over at 12:15 p.m.
- During the summer, June through August, classes are offered for preschool, Kindergarten through 2nd, 3rd through 6th and 7th and 8th.
- A nursery/toddler room is offered from 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. all year long.
- New families are asked to fill out a welcome card on the first day of attendance.
- Visitors are welcome to our classes, but we ask that parents register their children after attending three times.
- In addition to classes, our program offers opportunities for worship, social outreach projects, and socializing events.
- Children attend the entire intergenerational worship service in the Sanctuary on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other special days.
- Our Religious Education program is a cooperative. We thrive through the donated time and resources of volunteers. Parents are expected to share their talents with the larger community.
- A team of four volunteers serves as teachers in each class. These volunteers rotate the responsibility of teaching and helping in the classroom, with two adults being present each Sunday.
- Decisions about programs for children and youth are the responsibility of the Religious Education Committee, with input from parents and teachers.
- Our Religious Education Director is a full-time employee of the congregation.
Thank you for your interest in our Religious Education Program. If you have additional questions or would like more information, please contact:
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