The Union Church In Waban

“And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”
Isaiah LIV, 13

It begins with “wondering”
What does God look like?  Why do we die?
Was Jesus a real person?  Where is heaven?

Children ask a lot of questions, many of them spiritual questions. They seem to know intuitively that there is a sacred dimension to their lives. The Christian Education program at the Union Church in Waban tries to provide children with the words and means to name that spiritual experience, to recognize it, and to learn how that experience can shape, direct, and enrich their lives. Through Bible stories, art projects, drama and music, formal and informal gatherings, holiday events, and community service, the children of Union Church learn not only what it means to be good but to do good.

As an interdenominational church affiliated with the United Church of Christ, our congregation includes members raised in a variety of religious traditions; a significant number of our members are committed to interfaith marriages and partnerships. What this spiritual diversity means for our children is that while they experience a primarily Christian liberal theology, they learn to appreciate and respect other ways of “naming” the sacred. The children grow in relation to God using the rich resources of our familiar traditions while remaining open to the wisdom of other faiths.

Science can tell us the “how” of creation; we seek to help our children explore the “why.”

Responding to the wonder and mysteries of creation and the presence of God begins in childhood and, one hopes, continues for a lifetime. At Union Church, we strive to provide a comfortable environment which lends itself to asking questions and seeking answers openly and honestly. We nurture a sense of being at home so that our children might feel at home in church as adults. One of the ways we do this is by asking members of the congregation to volunteer as Sunday school teachers. It is an enriching experience for both children and adults. To meet the spiritual needs of our children, we provide the following age-appropriate curriculum:

Pre-K through First Grade
Godly Play is a curriculum developed by the Episcopal Church and used by many different denominations in the United States and Canada. Each session follows the pattern of a morning worship service including a “getting ready” time where the children settle down and focus inward; the telling of a Bible story by the teacher; a feast (juice and crackers) and a formal ritual for saying goodbye. The goal is to help the children become acquainted with the stories of the Bible and to experience the ritual and quiet reflection of a worship service. There is a very set order to follow and a box of materials (wooden figures, cloth and felt pieces) are used for each class session to aid in “telling the story.”

Second, Third, and Fourth Grade
Bible Quest is a Bible story curriculum developed by a group of ten denominations including the United Church of Christ. The lessons help the children to understand the Bible as narrative and invites them to make the stories their stories so that the lessons they impart can be woven into everyday life. The lessons are easy to teach with step-by-step instructions. There are take-home leaflets or story cards for each lesson.

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grade
Seasons of the Spirit is a curriculum developed by the United Church of Christ and other denominations that follows the Christian calendar. The lesson plans are based on the same scripture readings that the minister is using for the sermon and follow a three-year cycle. The lessons use Bible stories and activities that help the children make connections between church, home and the world. The lessons are volunteer-friendly with lots of teaching tips and multiple suggestions for discussions.

Confirmation Program
For those adolescents ready to make the commitment, the Union Church offers confirmation classes leading to church membership. Students reflect on the basic tenets of Christianity and explore the traditions of other religions. A mentor program provides an opportunity for faith exploration with an adult member of the church who has volunteered to attend specified class meetings and events. There is also a retreat with other young people from confirmation classes at other UCC churches. The confirmation program is offered every other year and is led by the pastor.

Beyond Sunday School…
There are many events held at the Union Church that focus on children and enrich their spiritual development. They include:

* Christmas pageants and decorating the sanctuary for Advent

* Maundy Thursday/Passover Seder

* Earth Sabbath Day and the Blessing of the Animals (pets welcome!)

* The Sunday School Fair which celebrates the children of Union Church and offers an opportunity for parents to learn more about our curriculum and to talk with teachers

* Community service projects such as baking Christmas cookies and taking holiday plants to shut-ins; participating with other churches in serving lunch to the homeless

* Intergenerational activities such as the “Tile Project,” where all ages came together to create spiritual art

* Performing in the Children’s and Youth choirs, directed by Bill Merrill

Infants and toddlers may attend the morning worship service with their parents or go to our childcare rooms where they are supervised by both paid and volunteer staff. Sunday school is not held the first Sunday of every month so that children may participate in communion services with their families.