Children are invited to join the R.E. (Religious Education) group downstairs, or they may remain upstairs with their parents. The groups are divided according to age of participants. A quiet room off the adult meeting room is available for parents with very young children when a retreat space is useful.
The R.E. classes are taught by volunteer members and friends using curriculums developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our curriculums emphasize a sense of community and cooperation, comparative religions, life beyond materialism, peaceful conflict resolution, and respect for diversity. Parents are invited to talk with teachers or the R.E. Director to learn more about the curriculum.
Our R.E. programs are held in space which is rented by Pleasant River School, a private, non-profit organization. All the educational equipment and supplies in the lower level are the property of Pleasant River (unless provided by through the R.E. program), and should not be used by the Free Congregation children. Also, our building, Park Hall, is a historic landmark containing many items of historic value, so we ask parents to please supervise their children after the adult program ends.
As part of the traditions of both the Freie Gemeinde (Free Congregation) and the Unitarian-Universalist movements, we make a concerted effort to teach our Middle School age students about our liberal religious heritage. We study the history and beliefs of our Congregation, including information about individuals (Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Robert Ingersoll, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Olympia Brown, and others) who were important representatives of our movement. In addition, we do a comprehensive study of the five major faiths in the world today. We make these faiths (Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim) come alive for our children by watching movies related to the various faiths, doing reading, and observing their services in person. Without question, we have designed a Middle School level RE program that teaches children important lessons in asking questions, making comparisons, and learning to understand the role of religion around the world. As part of this RE program, we ask that 8th and/or 9th grade students put together their own personal creed. In this way, each student pulls together the rich array of knowledge they have learned over their Middle School years. They put into words how their religious education will influence their conduct as they move toward adulthood.
© 2006-2007 Free Congregation of Sauk County