Union Congregational Church

The Nursery School is a department of the church and shares its Judeo-Christian heritage. Its purpose is to help children and families grow, emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually. As a part of the United Church of Christ, it seeks to promote the love of God, neighbor, and self. It encourages the development of faith and respects other traditions.

The school was formed by members of the church in 1968 and used United Church of Christ resources as its first curriculum. The township approved it because it was a part of the church. In fact, within a few months, another church was denied permission to house a school because it was a tenant rather than part of the church's program and ministry. Recently, we have received favorable variances, in part, because the school is part of the church.

Part of our understanding of Christianity is to give thanks for the ways that Jesus and his followers have helped us to know God. Symbols of our faith are found in common spaces. At the same time, we know that God is not limited to our partial knowledge or our belief system.

Our practice is to encourage the spiritual development of children. To that end, we will:

• Practice open enrollment and employment in keeping with the policies and practices of the church and the school.

• Provide information about faith systems, knowing that children are natural explorers and learners. When appropriate, we will focus on the holidays and beliefs of the children in particular classes, knowing that they are naturally curious about their own experiences and those of their friends.

• Use prayers and songs that are inclusive and do not ask children to make faith claims that vary from their family's tradition.

• Encourage families in their own faith traditions and invite those of no tradition to experience ours.

In recognition of the relationship with the church and the responsibility its members have for the school, membership is one of several categories taken into consideration when accepting applications. It is based on prior attendance, support and involvement with the congregation.

Visit the Union Congregational Church Website