The Life and Teachings of Jesus

			The Life and Teachings of Jesus

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Authors: Donna Wheelock and Judith Hoehler

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship

Pub. Date: 1980

Available From: The UU Christian Fellowship, c/o First Church of Christ Unitarian, PO Box 66, Lancaster, MA 01523-0066. Phone (508) 365-2427

Theme and Description Explores the events of Jesus' life, his teachings, and the customs of the times. Offers opportunities for discussion, activities for enrichment, and celebrations.

Goals for Participants

To learn about Jesus' life and teachings
To discover what life in Palestine was like in Jesus' day
To formulate their own understandings of the meaning of Jesus' life and teachings.

Age Range Age 10

Size of Group 5 to 20

Space Requirements A medium-sized room, with space for drama and activities

Number of Sessions 25

Length of Sessions 1 hour

Leader Training The curriculum offers suggestions for background reading for leaders. Leaders should be familiar with the developmental characteristics of the age group and with teaching methods and techniques.

Leader Preparation 2 to 5 hours per session

Strengths

Introduces children to Jesus' life and teachings, and to the New Testament
Includes varied activities--such as drama, word games, craft projects, and cooking ideas
Contains clear, easy-to-follow session plans
Provides opportunities to discuss the birth stories, miracles, and the resurrection.

Limitations

May need to be adapted to engage more of the children's own creativity
Makes no suggestions for music, but music could be used--and would enrich the program
Children will need help in understanding the patriarchal nature of Jesus' times and the masculine images used for God, while leaders might want to substitute the biblical language and images with more inclusive ones.

Adaptability Appropriate for any upper elementary group

Unitarian Universalist Values Lessons 23 and 24 offer a specifically Unitarian Universalist approach to the resurrection stories. The program implicitly affirms these UU Principles and source: a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the inherent worth and dignity of every person; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; experiences of transcending mystery and wonder; and acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.