Religion in Life is a program of study, reflection, and action for 12 to 18 year old boys in Unitarian Universalist congregations. The program has four purposes:

  1. Help boys in this age group learn about our faith, beliefs and history.
  2. Provide support to youth as they live their faith.
  3. Provide a program which can lead to the Religion in Life award medal.
  4. To recognize the achievements of youth in UU congregations.

Beginning in October of 2000, First Parish of Bedford will offer a course of study designed to support boys in meeting the requirements of the Religion in Life Award. The program will led by Mark Norton, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 194 in Bedford. Mr. Norton will be supported by the Director of Religious Education and Rev. John Gibbons. The course is expected to run 12 to 16 weeks and is offered as a supplement to regular RE classes. Classes will be held on Sundays after regular RE classes in a TBA meeting space. Classes will include discussions, exploration of the material, review of work submitted by the boys, etc.

Each boy should have the following materials:

  1. A loose-leaf notebook
  2. The UU Pocket Guide
  3. 100 Questions that non-members Ask about UUism.
  4. The Religion in Life pamphlet.
  5. Religion in Life support material.

Besides the notebook, these materials are estimated at $13.00. Booklets will be ordered after the initial meeting (Oct. 1, 2000).

Religion in Life Requirements


Part One: Our Worship, Our History, Our Congregational Life

  1. Intro. to UU Worship and Celebrations
    1. Read sections 5-12 of 100 Questions
    2. Attend two worship services
    3. Consider the four questions
    4. Red preface and Our Worship
    5. Discuss with mentor
  2. Intro. to UU History
    1. Read Our Roots
    2. Complete research project
  3. Intro. to Your Congregation
    1. Meet with minister
    2. Read Our Ministry
    3. Meet with DRE
    4. Meet with Church Treasurer or Lay Leader
    5. Learn about UUA
    6. Learn about role of youth in congregation
    7. Read Synapse
    8. Attend YRUU conference (optional)
    9. Discuss with mentor

Part Two: Living Unitarian Universalist Beliefs

  1. Living UU Values
    1. Read Our Faith
    2. Discuss UU principles with mentor
    3. Write essay on a UU principle
    4. Share essay with mentor
  2. Social Service
    1. Read sections of 100 Questions
    2. Read Our work for Social Justice
    3. Discuss articles with mentor
    4. Select a service project
    5. Complete a service project
  3. World Religions
    1. Answer the four questions
    2. Read a book on world religions
    3. Select a world religion
    4. Examine the selected religion in depth
    5. Learn about the IARF
    6. Discuss with mentor

Part Three: Religion in Your Life, Your Congregation, and the World

  1. Your Spiritual Autobiography and Religious Credo
    1. Read Our Religious Experience
    2. Write a Spiritual Autobiography or Credo
    3. Discuss with mentor
  2. Interview
    1. Interview the candidate about his religious beliefs
  3. Real Life
    1. Discuss closing questions

In addition to the personal requirements above, the group will discuss, select, and work on a group project. Possible group projects might include:

  1. Designing a Religious Service
  2. Running a Youth Con
  3. Participate in a Social Justice event
  4. Fund raising for the Church or Church-supported program
  5. Field trip to a UU event


Religion in Life Meeting Schedule


October, 2000

1 Kick-off Meeting, Parents Invited
8 Program review with boys, start of discussions
15 Council Camporee (no class)
22 Part One, Section 1: UU Worship
29 Part One, Section 2: UU History

November, 2000
5 Meeting with Lay Leader (ParCom Chair?)
12 Carter Mountain Campout (no class)
19 Part One, Section 3: Your Congregation
26 Part Two, Section 1: Living UU Values

December, 2000
3 Part Two, Section 2: Social Service / Discuss Projects
10 Part Two, Section 3: World Religions
17 Part Two, Section 3: World Relion Presentations
24 Christmas (no class)
31 TBD

January, 2001
7 Part Three, Section 1: Spiritual Autobiography
14 Cabin Trip
21 Part Three, Section 2: Personal Interviews
28 Group Project

February, 2001
4 Part Three, Section 3: Real Life
11 Wrap-up and Discussion
18 Presentation Ceremony
25