To outsiders it might seem odd that a congregation without a creed should pour so much energy into educating its children, yet it was precisely because of a lack of dogma that Unitarian Universalist children needed more understanding of humanistic values.  Church school students glean wisdom from the world's religions and humanistic teachings to aid them in making moral and ethical decisions.

The Rite of Passage Experience class, ROPE was designed to ease the junior high school children into the high school programs.  This class would differ from other youth groups in that it was a Sunday morning class.  Adult advisors would stay with the group the entire year.   Seminars in values and decision making, ten weeks of UUism study, ten weeks of sexuality study, formed the core.  And one payoff for year's worth of effort was a trip to Boston, financed by ROPE fundraising activities.  Culminating the year was ROPE Sunday service in June.  Rope promoted a lasting bond between group members and between the youth and the church.

Artists feel at home at BUC . . .  An appreciation and enthusiasm for the creative process is alive in the church.  Art displays, performance events, children's arts and fabulous music are integrated seamlessly into the fabric of our church life.  John Glick

Passages selected from Birmingham Unitarian Church, The First 50 Years.

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