People's Church
Religious Education

People's Church
Children's Choir


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Link to the UUA

         2007-08 RE Calendar

       9/14 - Jr. High OWL Overnight
       10/5-7 - Middle School UU Retreat
       10/5-7 - District High School Conference
       10/12-13 - Elementary Church Sleepover
       10/28 - Halloween Party
       11/18 - Guest at Your Table Kick-off
       12/16 - Intergenerational Church Service
       12/21 - Winter Solstice ritual for Families
       3/7-8 - Elementary Church Sleepover
       3/14-16 - Jr. High District Conference
       4/18-20 - Heartland District YRUU Social
           Justice Conference @ People's Church
       4/20 - Intergenerational Church Service
       4/26 - Earth Day Action Project
       5/4 - RE Volunteer Appreciation Party
       5/16 - Jr. High OWL Overnight
       6/1 - Youth Sunday


Religious Education

Religious Education

Our religious education program for children and youth consists of classes and activities designed to create a safe and nurturing place for our children to blossom and flourish. Children are a vital part of this unique intergenerational community of free thinkers seeking truth and valuing justice and compassion in our daily lives.

Our Unitarian Universalist Principles (for kids)

     We Believe:

  1. That each and every person is important
  2. That all people should be treated fairly and kindly
  3. That we should accept one another and keep learning together
  4. That each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life
  5. That all persons should have a vote about the things that concern them
  6. In working for a peaceful, fair and free world
  7. In caring for our planet earth, the home we share with all living things

The program consists of annual rotating curriculum pillars which focus our religious learning. These pillars include World Religions, Unitarian Universalism and Peace and Social Justice. This year we have two themes that are each studied half of the year.

Our Jewish and Christian Heritage (September-January)
Our 1st-6th grade classes are learning about our Jewish and Christian Heritage for the first half of the year. An educated and informed religious person in our society must have some biblical literacy and we feel it is important for us to provide an introduction to these traditions, especially because of their influence on our culture and political world. We also teach Bible stories to add to our children's store of wisdom about how to live lives of peace, compassion and justice.

Keepers of the Earth (February-May)
This winter and spring the 1st-6th graders will be immersed in learning about the interdependent web of life. Through hands-on activities and Native American stories, the children will become intimately acquainted with many of the earth's cycles and how everything is connected.

Infants and Toddlers
The babies and toddlers in our nursery and toddler room are lovingly cared for by WMU students Stephanie Schmidke, Abby and Anna Smallcombe. Aided by volunteers, they provide a safe, fun and consistent atmosphere for our youngest children each week.

Pre-School/Kindergarten
This year's curriculum for this age group is entitled "Chalice Children." Much fun is shared by this group as they gather to learn beginning UU rituals such as lighting the chalice, singing an opening song, participating in a sharing circle and enjoying a lesson with an activity. There is also time each week for snacks and free play with their classmates.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education Class
Our 7th and 8th graders are participating in a 27 week class on sexuality. The goal of this course is to provide these youth with the information and life skills to help them apply the values of respect, responsibility and fairness to their behavior. Included is the course schedule.

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)
High school students gather weekly after church in the loft to learn more about UUism, conduct social justice projects, have fun together and prepare for their trip to England to take place in June of 2008.

Specialty Classes
On the first Sunday of most months, we offer a choice of special classes for all 1st-6th graders. A highlight among the children, these specialty classes are designed to be fun activities that provide the opportunity to learn new things and interact with a wide variety of other kids and adults. Examples of activities include crafts, sports, drama, baking, games and much more. Signup sheets are available in the front entryway on those days.

How to Help Your Child Get the Most From Religious Education classes at People's Church:

  • Attend Regularly - Children develop a sense of belonging to their class when they attend consistently.
  • Volunteer to Help - Religious education is a cooperative effort, your involvement is welcome.
  • Set a Good Example - Participate in your church community for the sake of your child and yourself.
  • Support Your Church - Your generous financial and volunteer support will provide us with the resources to continue having and outstanding religious education program.

Young Adults
People’s Church also supports the Kalamazoo UU Liberal Students (KUULS) organization for area college students. For more information see the KUULS site.

Adult Education
A wide variety of classes and groups are available at People's Church from fall through the spring.

People's Church RE Director:
Diane Melvin
(269) 375-3262
re@peopleschurch.net