Question about church and schooling...
Kiersten Pasciak
I was not brought up in any specific religion. In fact, quite the
opposite, my parents were outspoken atheists (formerly brought up
Catholics) who looked down on anyone "dumb" enough to believe in God.
In this environment, I learned nothing about "Faith". I am finding
myself constantly battling with depression and feeling overwhelmed
because I seem to lack the ability to truly feel that no matter what
comes my way, I WILL be able to handle it.
I am afraid to pass this attitude on to my children.
I have been trying to look into books on beginning spirituality and
have been researching our closest UU church.
My question is this...
If I decide to start attending church, how do I handle the issue of
Sunday school with my children? They are 3 and 1 1/2 and have never
been in a church or in any classroom environment. The only people
who have ever watched them have been family and close friends. I am
leaning towards leaving them home with my husband while I start to
figure out what is right for me, but I would also like my husband to
come with me (at least eventually).
How have you handled the issue of church/Sunday School within your
families?
Any help would be appreciated.
Kiersten
opposite, my parents were outspoken atheists (formerly brought up
Catholics) who looked down on anyone "dumb" enough to believe in God.
In this environment, I learned nothing about "Faith". I am finding
myself constantly battling with depression and feeling overwhelmed
because I seem to lack the ability to truly feel that no matter what
comes my way, I WILL be able to handle it.
I am afraid to pass this attitude on to my children.
I have been trying to look into books on beginning spirituality and
have been researching our closest UU church.
My question is this...
If I decide to start attending church, how do I handle the issue of
Sunday school with my children? They are 3 and 1 1/2 and have never
been in a church or in any classroom environment. The only people
who have ever watched them have been family and close friends. I am
leaning towards leaving them home with my husband while I start to
figure out what is right for me, but I would also like my husband to
come with me (at least eventually).
How have you handled the issue of church/Sunday School within your
families?
Any help would be appreciated.
Kiersten
Goza's House
Hi Kiersten.
I caome from a similar background...oddly enough I have faced the same struggles you describe and I'm often left wondering what to do. I do go to Unity Church of Dallas - love it so far. My kids are also 1.5 and 3.5...too young for Sunday School now but I know it's on the Horizon.
I'm just writing to say Hi and lety you know you aren't alone!
-Geneva
I caome from a similar background...oddly enough I have faced the same struggles you describe and I'm often left wondering what to do. I do go to Unity Church of Dallas - love it so far. My kids are also 1.5 and 3.5...too young for Sunday School now but I know it's on the Horizon.
I'm just writing to say Hi and lety you know you aren't alone!
-Geneva
----- Original Message -----
From: Kiersten Pasciak
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 2:03 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Question about church and schooling...
I was not brought up in any specific religion. In fact, quite the
opposite, my parents were outspoken atheists (formerly brought up
Catholics) who looked down on anyone "dumb" enough to believe in God.
In this environment, I learned nothing about "Faith". I am finding
myself constantly battling with depression and feeling overwhelmed
because I seem to lack the ability to truly feel that no matter what
comes my way, I WILL be able to handle it.
I am afraid to pass this attitude on to my children.
I have been trying to look into books on beginning spirituality and
have been researching our closest UU church.
My question is this...
If I decide to start attending church, how do I handle the issue of
Sunday school with my children? They are 3 and 1 1/2 and have never
been in a church or in any classroom environment. The only people
who have ever watched them have been family and close friends. I am
leaning towards leaving them home with my husband while I start to
figure out what is right for me, but I would also like my husband to
come with me (at least eventually).
How have you handled the issue of church/Sunday School within your
families?
Any help would be appreciated.
Kiersten
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[email protected]
> My question is this...As a UU, I can tell you that the Children's RE (Religious Education) are mostly very laid back and fun. The younger RE classes (like your children's classes) are mostly play and crafts with some talk about whatever religion or philosophy they are talking about. They are NOT classrooms like you would find in schools.
> If I decide to start attending church, how do I handle the issue of
> Sunday school with my children? They are 3 and 1 1/2 and have never
> been in a church or in any classroom environment.
The RE at the church we used to attend in Alabama was run by an unschooler who has 5 unschooled grandchildren. She would read stories, have crafts for them to do, engage them in play. She never forced anyone to do anything that they didn't want to do. Most children your children's ages haven't been in any kind of formal classes anyway.
I love the UU church and am glad that I found it. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Our church is filled with agnostic, atheist, Hindu, Pagan, "recovering Christian," Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and "other" believers. We have white, black, middle and far eastern, Native American, old, young, middle-aged, gay, straight, bi, transgendered, and everything in between working together under one roof and in peace. It's a wonderful example for me and my kids, who might not find the same support and acceptance if our odd little family was in a traditional church setting.
Michelle
J. Stauffer
<<<<How have you handled the issue of church/Sunday School within your
families?>>>>
I attend a UU church. I can't speak for all of them, but most work hard to be respectful of children and of family preferences.
My dh doesn't go (too many hawaiian shirts for my Bush-loving, big oil dh)and so the kids have the option of going with me or staying home with dh. Most of my kids choose to go every Sunday because they don't feel required to go.
My kids always go into the classes that are fairly developmentally based and really relaxed.
A friend doesn't like to leave her kids in the care of someone else....so she goes into the nursery with them. She sees it as building relationships for the future, more of religion in action.
Julie S.
families?>>>>
I attend a UU church. I can't speak for all of them, but most work hard to be respectful of children and of family preferences.
My dh doesn't go (too many hawaiian shirts for my Bush-loving, big oil dh)and so the kids have the option of going with me or staying home with dh. Most of my kids choose to go every Sunday because they don't feel required to go.
My kids always go into the classes that are fairly developmentally based and really relaxed.
A friend doesn't like to leave her kids in the care of someone else....so she goes into the nursery with them. She sees it as building relationships for the future, more of religion in action.
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: Kiersten Pasciak
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 2:03 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Question about church and schooling...
I was not brought up in any specific religion. In fact, quite the
opposite, my parents were outspoken atheists (formerly brought up
Catholics) who looked down on anyone "dumb" enough to believe in God.
In this environment, I learned nothing about "Faith". I am finding
myself constantly battling with depression and feeling overwhelmed
because I seem to lack the ability to truly feel that no matter what
comes my way, I WILL be able to handle it.
I am afraid to pass this attitude on to my children.
I have been trying to look into books on beginning spirituality and
have been researching our closest UU church.
My question is this...
If I decide to start attending church, how do I handle the issue of
Sunday school with my children? They are 3 and 1 1/2 and have never
been in a church or in any classroom environment. The only people
who have ever watched them have been family and close friends. I am
leaning towards leaving them home with my husband while I start to
figure out what is right for me, but I would also like my husband to
come with me (at least eventually).
How have you handled the issue of church/Sunday School within your
families?
Any help would be appreciated.
Kiersten
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rosefurney1111
--- In [email protected], "Kiersten Pasciak" <kjl8@c...>
wrote:
from a regular practice of meditation. There are many differents methods and
ways to meditate so you could try some and see what works for you. One of
the most effective and quick methods in our opinion is Holosync. Their
website is www.centerpointe.com
kids have enjoyed it. They've had their days when they want to sit with us and
so we let them. Usually they grew bored and wanted to go down to the
sunday school room! I always meet the teacher and see how she/he feels
and ask my kids questions afterwards. I know they'll let me know if they don't
like something! None of their teachers force the kids to participate if they don't
want to but ask them to be respectful of those who do and not be disruptive.
You could go with them the first time or two and ask them what they want to
do. My kids often don't want to go at the start of a new class but I ask them to
try once and then decide. So far they have decided to continue. I did tell my
14 year old that he had to go to the hs (Youth Of Unity) class. (I just had a
feeling that he'd connect) because we hadn't been going except once in
awhile and I wanted to start going more often. He didn't want to but I told him
he had to try it once. He was mad, at first, then he was the one asking me if
we were going to church or not. He actually made me go more regularly! Any
way, this is what we did. Hope it helps.
wrote:
>share with you how my husband and I am able to feel that feeling. It comes
> I am finding
> myself constantly battling with depression and feeling overwhelmed
> because I seem to lack the ability to truly feel that no matter what
> comes my way, I WILL be able to handle it.
> Hi Kiersten, I know you didn't ask for solutions for this, but I would like to
from a regular practice of meditation. There are many differents methods and
ways to meditate so you could try some and see what works for you. One of
the most effective and quick methods in our opinion is Holosync. Their
website is www.centerpointe.com
>Sunday school experience will too. We go to a Unity church and so far my
>
>
> How have you handled the issue of church/Sunday School within your
> families?
> I believe if you find a church that supports your life philosophy that the
kids have enjoyed it. They've had their days when they want to sit with us and
so we let them. Usually they grew bored and wanted to go down to the
sunday school room! I always meet the teacher and see how she/he feels
and ask my kids questions afterwards. I know they'll let me know if they don't
like something! None of their teachers force the kids to participate if they don't
want to but ask them to be respectful of those who do and not be disruptive.
You could go with them the first time or two and ask them what they want to
do. My kids often don't want to go at the start of a new class but I ask them to
try once and then decide. So far they have decided to continue. I did tell my
14 year old that he had to go to the hs (Youth Of Unity) class. (I just had a
feeling that he'd connect) because we hadn't been going except once in
awhile and I wanted to start going more often. He didn't want to but I told him
he had to try it once. He was mad, at first, then he was the one asking me if
we were going to church or not. He actually made me go more regularly! Any
way, this is what we did. Hope it helps.
Kiersten Pasciak
Geneva,
Any advice trying to head down this path???
It often seems to me that it would be so much easier to come from
one religious belief (any one) and then switch to a different faith
because the basics are usually about the same. At least there is a
belief in something!
It has taken me years to even accept the idea of a higher power.
I am kind-of at the stage of thinking about God being part of
everything and everyone.
On my good days, I can feel like a part of something bigger,
something connecting everyone.
On my bad days, all I can see is that the kids got up early and
didn't take naps, LOL.
Kiersten
--- In [email protected], "Goza's House" <goza@m...>
wrote:
do. I do go to Unity Church of Dallas - love it so far. My kids
are also 1.5 and 3.5...too young for Sunday School now but I know
it's on the Horizon.
Any advice trying to head down this path???
It often seems to me that it would be so much easier to come from
one religious belief (any one) and then switch to a different faith
because the basics are usually about the same. At least there is a
belief in something!
It has taken me years to even accept the idea of a higher power.
I am kind-of at the stage of thinking about God being part of
everything and everyone.
On my good days, I can feel like a part of something bigger,
something connecting everyone.
On my bad days, all I can see is that the kids got up early and
didn't take naps, LOL.
Kiersten
--- In [email protected], "Goza's House" <goza@m...>
wrote:
> Hi Kiersten.same struggles you describe and I'm often left wondering what to
>
> I caome from a similar background...oddly enough I have faced the
do. I do go to Unity Church of Dallas - love it so far. My kids
are also 1.5 and 3.5...too young for Sunday School now but I know
it's on the Horizon.
>]
> I'm just writing to say Hi and lety you know you aren't alone!
>
> -Geneva
Syndi
Just curious, what UU stand for?
:)
syndi
:)
syndi
Kiersten Pasciak
Unitarian Universalist.
I just used the abreviation because I saw a post a few days ago that
used it. Sorry if it was confusing.
Kiersten
--- In [email protected], "Syndi"
<justlikemama@y...> wrote:
I just used the abreviation because I saw a post a few days ago that
used it. Sorry if it was confusing.
Kiersten
--- In [email protected], "Syndi"
<justlikemama@y...> wrote:
>
> Just curious, what UU stand for?
> :)
> syndi
J. Stauffer
<<<What does UU stand for?>>>
Unitarian Universalist
Julie S.
Unitarian Universalist
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: Syndi
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 1:21 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: Question about church and schooling...
Just curious, what UU stand for?
:)
syndi
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[email protected]
> Just curious, what UU stand for?Unitarian Universalist. It is a mouthful to say so we mostly just say UU. :-)
> :)
>
If you want more information you can check out http://www.uua.org
Michelle
sandy lubert
Just thought I'd chime in and echo the sentiment that the UU church
has been just wonderful for our family. Because it celebrates
diversity, it embraces kids no matter what their needs are.
My boys were not comfortable with "Sunday School" at first, so our
minister said, "Hey, we need to provide a 'wider berth'; make this a
place where they DO feel comfortable..." Our RE staff is now looking
into much more of an "unschooling" approach (and seeking my advice)!!
As for you, K, I can only say that in many ways, our UU community
has saved my life. It's a soft place to fall for all of us.
As Michelle posted,
If you want more information you can check out http://www.uua.org
Good luck!
Sandy
has been just wonderful for our family. Because it celebrates
diversity, it embraces kids no matter what their needs are.
My boys were not comfortable with "Sunday School" at first, so our
minister said, "Hey, we need to provide a 'wider berth'; make this a
place where they DO feel comfortable..." Our RE staff is now looking
into much more of an "unschooling" approach (and seeking my advice)!!
As for you, K, I can only say that in many ways, our UU community
has saved my life. It's a soft place to fall for all of us.
As Michelle posted,
If you want more information you can check out http://www.uua.org
Good luck!
Sandy
Kiersten Pasciak
Sandy,
Thank you for the support.
I haven't attended yet as we have been very busy the past few weeks.
We have had lots of family stuff going on and Jacob just turned 3 on
Halloween!
I did go ahead and order the Holosync CDs to start giving myself
some meditation time. They should be coming in the next few days.
(Thank you Rose)
Looking forward to expanding my horizons a bit.
Hope I can give my kids a different start.
Kiersten.
--- In [email protected], "sandy lubert"
<slubert@y...> wrote:
Thank you for the support.
I haven't attended yet as we have been very busy the past few weeks.
We have had lots of family stuff going on and Jacob just turned 3 on
Halloween!
I did go ahead and order the Holosync CDs to start giving myself
some meditation time. They should be coming in the next few days.
(Thank you Rose)
Looking forward to expanding my horizons a bit.
Hope I can give my kids a different start.
Kiersten.
--- In [email protected], "sandy lubert"
<slubert@y...> wrote:
>church
> Just thought I'd chime in and echo the sentiment that the UU
> has been just wonderful for our family. Because it celebratesa
> diversity, it embraces kids no matter what their needs are.
>
> My boys were not comfortable with "Sunday School" at first, so our
> minister said, "Hey, we need to provide a 'wider berth'; make this
> place where they DO feel comfortable..." Our RE staff is nowlooking
> into much more of an "unschooling" approach (and seeking myadvice)!!
>
> As for you, K, I can only say that in many ways, our UU community
> has saved my life. It's a soft place to fall for all of us.
>
> As Michelle posted,
>
> If you want more information you can check out http://www.uua.org
>
> Good luck!
> Sandy