FAQ

Frequently asked questions:

Is this the church for my children and me?

It is if you believe…

  • that all religions have something good to teach, and that no one faith is exclusively “right”,
  • that all people are unique and should have the opportunity to discover for themselves what they believe to be true,
  • that we are interdependent with the natural world and that we have a responsibility to be respectful stewards of the earth,
  • that it is all right for people to have different ideas about God, creation, death, and explanations of natural phenomena,
  • that the spiritual dimensions of human experience can be explored at all ages, and are enhanced in a caring religious community.

What religious exploration programs are available for children and youth?

Programs are available on Sundays for children of all ages. Infants and preschoolers are welcome in the nursery program. Our primary program is for children from Kindergarten up to and including Grade 3, and our intermediate program is for Grade 4 through Grade 6. We have a youth group for all high school grades. The children and youth are welcome to gather in the sanctuary with their parents to participate in the beginning of the worship service.

What will my child learn about….
…God?

Many people think that their lives are part of a much larger life force. People the world over have different ideas of what “God” is like. We share many of these ideas with our children, and encourage them to develop their own. Our children also learn that belief in God is not necessary to the living of a good and meaningful life.

..Jesus?

Our children learn about the historic Jesus, his life and times and the impact of his ministry. They learn that Jesus was a loving human teacher who helped people to understand each other and be kind to one another. In following the guidance of the ideals of love, peace and forgiveness taught by Jesus and others, we make the world a better place to live.

…the Bible?

The Bible is a collection of books telling about the early days of the Jewish people, their ideas about God, the teachings of Jesus, and what some of his followers said about him. The Bible is not taught as the “singular word of God”; rather we sometimes use Bible stories to illustrate a lesson, and acquaint children with their Judeo Christian heritage.

…World Religions?

The children will learn about the scriptures, deities, holy days and customs of a variety of world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, First Nations earth-based teachings and feminist theologies. Through these studies we hope to show our children that there are many spiritual paths people take to find meaning, and there is no one path that is right for everyone.

What will young people learn about themselves?

We encourage young people to examine and act upon their growing moral, ethical and spiritual qualities. Our programs help them to develop and apply leadership skills and gain knowledge through carefully designed curricula and planned activities. Young people gain a sense of individual responsibility, ownership and power to make a difference in the world by planning and taking part in social and environmental action projects. They make universal and inner connections in a dynamic exploration of worship and ritual. Children and youth nurture meaningful friendships and learn that our church community is a safe and accepting place to celebrate and grow.

How can I be involved?

Parents and guardians are encouraged to become actively involved in our programs in whatever way they are able. You may wish to support the program as teachers, Young People’s Religious Exploration Committee members, classroom helpers, and volunteer organizers of social activities for children and youth. As you give your time nurturing, learning, teaching and sharing, your children will see you as an active contributor, a leader in the church community. And in the process, you will become connected to families who share your values.

We welcome your inquiries.

For further information about programs for children and youth, please call Carla Arnold, Director of Religious Exploration
250-890-9262 or e-mail cvufdre@shawbiz.ca