1 Benevolent St.
Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401-421-7970
Fax: 401-276-4291
Map & Directions |
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 lifespan faith development
infants, children & youth
The Spiritual Pathways Program of the First Unitarian Church of Providence is committed to creating a nurturing community that facilitates a lifelong spiritual journey of learning, faith development and social action based on the mission of First Unitarian Church of Providence and the principles and purposes of Unitarian Universalism.
–Mission Statement adopted 2/95, revised 5/04
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Spiritual Pathways Program
We are proud to offer a diverse array of experiential curricula that encourage Unitarian Universalist faith development and connection to the living tradition of the UU movement. This season, we are pleased to introduce several new curricula from the new UUA Tapestry of Faith curriculum series. The programs focus around four themes: Living Faith, Seeking Truth, Creating Love and Serving Community. A guiding concept is that we need to learn Unitarian Universalism with our minds, hearts, and hands. We need meaningful, integrated experiences that are anchored by soul-stirring narratives. We need experiences that nurture a belief in the transformative power of justice and love. Programs include teacher preparation and parent information. The most current resources will be incorporated as they become available.
How Our Cooperative Sunday School Works
The Religious Education Team
All aspects of the Religious Education
Program are implemented through contributions
of time and energy from more than
100 adults in the congregation. The quality
of the cooperative program depends upon
our generous volunteers. Parents choose
how they will help when registering their
children in September. There are also
diverse opportunities for participation for
non-parent adult volunteers.
Volunteer teachers
Volunteer teachers are guided in facilitating
deep and meaningful connections and
experiences with our young people. Rituals
and creative opportunities through the arts,
sharing of food and peaceful time together
are considered priorities here amidst our
hurried world.
The Religious Education Committee for
Children and Youth
The Religious Education Committee holds
ultimate responsibility for the program for
children and youth. The R.E. Committee’s
six to eight members each serve three-year
terms. They meet at least monthly and support
and attend religious education and
other congregational meetings and events.
Meetings are open to the congregation.
Young People
Young people are valued members of our
congregation. The enthusiasm and joy that
they bring to our church school are the key
to its success. The hope is that children and
youth come with a willingness to be themselves
and to share in a safe, supportive
atmosphere.
Parents
Parents are the primary religious educators
for their children. Our faith development
program provides pathways to support families
in that venture. It is important that children
and youth attend regularly to develop
a sense of belonging. Parents are encouraged to introduce themselves to
group leaders and to ask questions about
the program; put down roots in the religious
community by getting involved in the
life of the congregation; get to know other
families; become voting members of the
church; share their interests and concerns
so that the D.R.E. and/or the Minister may
be more effective in ministering to their family.
Contact the Director and/or the
Minister for help.
Parents are responsible for the supervision
of their children at all times other
than class hours. Parents must remain on
church grounds between dropping off and
picking up their children.
The Director of Religious Education (D.R.E.)
The Director of Religious Education, Cathy
Seggel, provides leadership and acts as a
spiritual resource for the religious education
staff and community. She is responsible
for planning and leading the program
and worship for children and youth, based
on the church and R.E. missions, and provides
staff support and guidance to the
Adult R.E. Committee. She works collaboratively
with the Minister, Administrator,
Music Director, staff and lay leadership to
fulfill the congregation's mission and goals.
The R.E. Assistant
The R.E. Assistant provides support for the
Spiritual Pathways Program. She assists the
D.R.E. in many ways, including administrative
tasks, communication with volunteers,
resource management and worship planning
and leading. This ten-hour per week
staff position is held by Jill Cicero. Claudia
Hawkes provides additional assistance on
some Sunday mornings.
The Minister
The Rev. James Ford provides spiritual leadership,
vision, pastoral care, guidance and
teaching to the congregation. He works collaboratively
with the Director of Religious
Education, Administrator, Music Director,
other staff and lay leadership to fulfill the
congregation's mission and goals. |
Common Threads & Goals
Woven throughout our programs are:
Worship
To gather to celebrate life and to consider
things “of worth,” including the seasons/
cycles of the year and our shared values.
Worship is the anchor of our program,
reinforcing all elements.
Social Justice
To encourage social responsibility and
an awareness of current events, promoting
a connection between faith and
action, promoting the goal of world
community with peace, liberty and justice
for all.
UU Identity Building
To develop an understanding of the history
and liberal tradition of UUism. To
learn and integrate understanding of
shared values as articulated in the seven
UU Principles.
Personal Growth
To develop self-confidence, trust,
respect, and leadership skills while
learning to respect and affirm others.
Community Building (from local to
global)
To encourage fellowship and connections
between people of all ages.
Study of Faith Traditions
To learn about Earth-based, Eastern,
Judeo-Christian and other world traditions
and how they are sources that UUs
may draw upon in their beliefs throughout
their lives.
All that we do as a congregation is part
of our curriculum for all ages. |
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