This guide was written as a resource in order to cultivate classroom worship in the Religious Education programs at church.

Why Worship in the Classroom?
Religious Education is more than imparting a didactic body of knowledge to our children. It encompasses rational knowledge, care and concern for each other, training in being "other-focused," and the experience of worship elements similar to what adults experience. When we offer our children the "direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life," we are educating religiously. As adults we seek the inspiration of a sermon, the peace of meditation, the comfort in voicing our cares and joys, and the sense of community when we light our chalice, the symbol we hold in common with others of our faith. This we would offer to our children as well, so that they my find a home in worship today and tomorrow, as children and as adults.

What Kind of Worship?
Worship with children can be for as long or as short a time as you and your class are willing to celebrate. Some things to keep in mind when planning worship are the age of class members and their personalities (for example, are you leading a worship for a bunch of gregarious children, kinesthetic types, pre-literate children, quiet, introspective nontalkers?).

What Goes Into Worship?
We begin with the elements of our intergenerational community worship. Music, reflection, affirmations, chalice lightings, lessons (sermons), cares and joys, hymn singing, words of meaning, time for silence, the visual feast of the sanctuary. These can be personalized for your classroom and your own leadership style. Do not think that you have to bring all of the elements of worship into every class session. You will need to consider time available, the personality of your group, and your own strengths when designing and implementing worship. For example, if you are uncomfortable with leading worship, a simple chalice lighting with a "canned" reading from curriculum resources or our hymnal can center the group and bring the spirit of "church" to "class." Or if you are conveying the spirit of religious practices, you may want to incorporate pieces of those worship traditions into your worship times. The following elements suggest some models for classroom worship.

Worship Elements
Select one or two worship elements, use them consistently, and lovingly share them with your class.

• Chalice lighting and accompanying song or reading.
• Chalice lighting, accompanying song or reading and sharing of cares and joys.
• Chalice lighting, accompanying song or reading, story, and sharing of cares and joys.
• Chalice lighting, accompanying song or reading, meditation, affirmation.
• Chalice lighting, accompanying song or reading, meditation, lesson, sharing of cares and joys.
• Chalice lighting and meditation.

You may notice a trend here: chalice lighting tops the list every time. Why? Because the chalice is the symbol that we commonly identify with as Unitarian Universalists. When the chalice is lit, our sanctuaries, classrooms, and meeting spaces become more than rooms filled with people. They become "church," where we are embraced by the transforming power of holiness made manifest in each other, in the world, and in our shared values. Chalice lightings are simple and easily done in any age or class setting. We have created classroom chalices for all of our rooms. Use a chalice that belongs to your class, further personalizing it.

Meditation tips: Often a sound (a chime or a single note sung) can be used to lead the children into silence. Ask the group to listen to the sound, and follow it to see if they can figure out where the sounds ends and the silence begins. Using a chime gives you about a minute and a half of silence. Three repetitions creates a five-minute meditation! Another cue for silence is "lights out." You may use a darkened room with a single chalice flame upon which to focus. With older children, art that they have created (mandalas) can work as focal points.

Music and engaging children in communal singing can present a challenge for those of us who do not consider ourselves musical. Start with a simple song/chant with repetitive lyrics or melody teaching line by line. The technique goes: Sing a line and have the children sing it back to you. When the song has been sung through in this fashion once, put two lines together and repeat the call and response singing. After a repetition or two, you're ready to put it all together!

What is a sermon if not a lesson? Anecdotes, questions, and food for thought are all part of our worship gathering. To frame your introduction to the theme of the day's class as worship may more fully engage the children in the "religious" aspect of religious education. Try it with a story or paragraphs from your curriculum.

Readings and stories abound. The religious education office has a number of anthologies, or you may find some in your curriculum. Perhaps a favorite poem or essay can speak to the class as profoundly as it has to you.

Check-ins or other sharings can be the class members' time to share the important events and feelings of their lives. As with adults, brevity wins points. To encourage this, offer the children a structure for their sharing. You may suggest a specific topic, relevant to the season (the beginning of the school year or vacation), family happenings, or the theme of the curriculum. Sharing doesn't always have to be limited to words. Artwork and pantomime can also elicit authentic sharing.

Cares and joys is a favored ritual of many children. If you are uncomfortable with candles, ask the children to place an object -- a shell or a pine cone or anything -- in a container to represent their joy or concern.

As religious educators, your attitudes and modeling of appropriate participation give your class important cues for taking part. You bring your own set of experiences and manner of presentation to your class, so consider the "technical" tips useful information to have as you and your class worship together in the spirit of authenticity and meaning.