Religious Education for Children

Religious Education Philosophy

Message from the Minister

The Unitarian Universalist way of being in the world, our way, is a good way. We aim to educate our young in this human experiment in religion. We cherish the fact that we are non-doctrinal, non-creedal and non-dogmatic. We hold that the individual conscience is the final arbiter in distinguishing right from wrong. Our religious education supports and enhances the process of values building which belongs first to parents. We hope to help young people and not so young people affirm the good and make right choices. We have neither catechism nor doctrines to pass on to our young but we believe that a grounding in our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes can only lead to the living of a meaningful life of service. It is a cooperative effort led by trained professionals and enhanced by the efforts of people who care about the future of humankind and the destiny of the Second Congregational Society, Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, New Hampshire. I am glad and proud of this noble venture.

Marcel P. Duhamel

Message from the Director of Religious Education

To the children:

You are special and important to all of us at church, and we are glad you are part of the Church School. Each week we will talk, listen, tell stories, ask questions, learn and play together. We want church to be a happy place, where you feel comfortable. I hope you will help that happen by coming to me or your teachers with any ideas that might make Church School a better place for you.

To the adults:

The children’s religious education program of our church is here to support you in nurturing your children’s spiritual development. You can help your children to gain the maximum from their church experience by insuring their regular attendance and by participating. Our program is a cooperative one that involves people in many ways, including teaching and helping with special activities. It takes many of us working together to make it happen.

We want our children to feel that they are unique and greatly valued in our spiritual community. It is our hope that their Church School experience will foster feelings of self confidence and acceptance. Our program is planned to express our Unitarian Universalist values and principles, while nurturing and embracing the children as individuals. Members of the Religious Education Committee and I are always glad to hear your thoughts and feelings about the program.If you have any questions, or if I can help you, please phone me.I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you and your children

Ellie Smith-Sykes

The Religious Education Committee

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Religious Education Committee is to develop, maintain and evaluate a program which is based on the Unitarian Universalist Principles, provides an environment that fosters spiritual growth, and seeks ways to integrate children into congregational life. 

Our purpose is to facilitate the sharing of our UU values with children and youth, and to promote their sense of belonging to our Concord UU Church, and the greater UU community. We want the children's religious education program to be strong and thriving, because we believe it is the foundation of our congregation's future.