Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland Coming of Age Program Overview

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1 Overview Purpose: The Coming of Age program prepares youth to look at Unitarian Universalism, their faith, and their lives. The youth are encouraged to discover what they believe and how they want to live their lives as a Unitarian Universalist. It aims to aid youth in the transition to adulthood, helping them to become committed, informed, engaged members of this Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and to develop a sense of self as a UU within the context of the larger world. Age: The is open to students in seventh grade or higher. Goals: 1. To help participants develop a knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of UU belief and world religions 2. To help participants develop a statement of personal belief 3. To educate participants about the Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism 4. To facilitate the transition between traditional Religious Education programs and full participation in the Fellowship. Expectations: 1. Meet in a classroom setting for eight class sessions, and do the assigned reading in preparation 2. Meet one-on-one with mentors at least twice during the period. 3. Attend one board meeting (or first half) 4. Attend one committee meeting 5. Complete a service project 6. Attend at least two Sunday services 7. Attend the overnight/team-building event 8. Develop a Credo statement 9. Read and present on a book that presents a UU outlook on religious questions or world religion(s), or on any approved subject or book of choice Recognition: The will culminate in a special Recognition Service in December, honoring class participants and recognizing their accomplishment of these goals and expectations. This ceremony will allow the youth to present to the congregation their expression of what they have experienced and will give the congregation an opportunity to acknowledge and welcome these young people as a part of our community.

2 Meeting Synopsis In 2007, there will be eight meetings of the whole group, with mentors. Rev. Thickstun will lead, but these are intended to be discussion sessions, not lectures. *1. (Friday, January 27 th ) Overview of program, UU history video, discussion of special reading projects and social justice project 2. (Friday, February 17 th ) Church history through UU s in Reformation Overnight/team-building 3. (Friday, February 24 th ) UU history and polity - England and America 4. (Friday, March 10 th ) Midland Fellowship history and organization 5. (Thursday, March 23 rd ) World religions *6. (Friday, April 7 th ) Credo workshop *7. (Friday, April 21 st ) Discuss observations of board and committees and service project, Presentations on readings *8. (Friday, May 12 th ) Finish presentations on readings, finish credos, rehearse ceremony. Ceremony Sunday May 21 st *Mentor attendance

3 Suggested Reading List The following are suggested sources to help go a little deeper into a particular topic of special interest. Participants will do a presentation on the topic, essentially a book report, in one of the last two classes. The Pocket Guide to Unitarian Universalism Classics from Unitarian Universalism: Jesus, the Carpenter s Son The Old Story of Salvation Who Do Men Say That I Am? The Drama of Ancient Israel Moses World Religions: Buddhism Hinduism Islam Judaism Christianity - Catholic Christianity - Protestant

4 Service Project Suggestions Open Door-serving food Mercy House-serving food Shelter House- Midland Area Homes- Voluntary Action Center- Food Pantry- Work with intergenerational group on community service project

5 Role of the Mentor The mentor provides support for the participant through getting to know him or her, participating with him/her in aspects of the, and sharing something of his or her own religious journey. Mentors are adult members of the congregation, not related to the youth, who develop personal, one-to-one relationships with the young people. Mentors help the youth discover who they are and what they believe. Mentors are expected to attend some of the class sessions, help their youth with their service projects, and help their youth prepare presentations to be given at the Coming of Age ceremony. Mentors should be aware of the parents needs but be able to keep the youth s confidences. Being a Mentor requires dedication and time commitment, and the reward, in terms of applying personal values and truly making a difference in a young person s life, is significant. Expectations: 1. Attend the introductory class session, and the three last ones, which include the Credo Workshop and student presentations, and preparation for the Recognition Service. 2. Meet one-on-one with participants at least twice outside of class to establish rapport and develop credo. 3. Attend the overnight/team-building event 4. Work with student on service project. The mentor may also choose to accompany student to a board meeting or committee meeting, although this is optional. The mentor may also attend any or all class sessions.

6 Role of the Participant Participants are expected to: 1. Attend the eight class sessions 2. Meet one-on-one with mentors at least twice during the period. 3. Attend one board meeting (or first half) 4. Attend one committee meeting 5. Complete a service project 6. Attend at least two Sunday services 7. Attend the overnight/team-building event 8. Develop a Credo statement 10. Present to the class on a subject or book of choice 11. Participation in the Recognition Service in December. Participants are encouraged to share their Credo, but it would also be appropriate to share anything from their experience in the program, like reporting on a social action project, or on the reading they did, or on the experience as a whole.