SPOTLIGHT ON: COMPASS POINTS

Nikkie Keck, Member of the Children’s RE Ministry Team

This month we are spotlighting the Compass Points class, which is offered to 6th and 7th graders on Saturdays, and just 7th graders on Sundays. This class leads the participants on a yearlong spiritual journey to:

• Sort out their feelings about themselves and their world as they do the difficult work of starting to create their adult selves.

• Discover what they believe about life’s big questions—the nature of humanity and God, beliefs about death and faith;

• Think independently, assume responsibility, make decisions, explore values and adopt the practice of radical hospitality.

• Acquire enough background in Unitarian Universalist history, polity and theology that they can know and express what Unitarian Universalism stands for;

• Understand that religious liberty is a hardwon legacy that continues to need protection.

The class is an open and inviting space where the kids can express their opinions and beliefs on a range of topics covered. They are encouraged to form opinions and after learning more about them, a chance to change their minds. As this is a time where our participants are becoming more aware of the world around them, this class gives them an opportunity to explore opinions and understand other’s points of view. Some topics covered include radical hospitality, images of the divine, ways in which the Bible is important to UUs, the merging of Unitarian and Universalism, our UU martyrs, Transcendentalism, and talking more in depth about the UU seven principles.

I met with the Saturday class and was impressed with how the kids were comfortable expressing what they have learned so far this year. They are finding their own voices and talking freely with the teachers about their opinions. Everyone is respectful of each other and has been contributing with their experiences in the world and as UU’s. When asked what they as the students felt about the class, one said the compass represents the journey we take in life, that it can change directions at any time.

Saturday’s class made treats at the Ronald McDonald House as their Faith in Action project. The kids enjoyed making goodies and were able to experience their good will with the treats disappearing quickly! Sunday’s class volunteered at The Boys and Girls Club, unloading donated toys and helping sort them for the winter holidays. Both were great opportunities for our kids to get out into the community and see the benefit of helping those in need.

This year we have 24 youth participating in our two Compass Points sections. Saturday teachers include Krista Leale, Susen Schroeder, Sylvia Ramirez, and Vance Miller; Sunday teachers include Jay Ranney, Terri Felton, Shelly Feaver, and Liz Preston. ◊