First Universalist Church in Rockland and Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Damariscotta are offering a combination of online and video offerings for children and youth with the theme of “The World Outside My Window” for this coming school year. All families are invited to participate.

“During these unsettling times when our world has shrunk and we are asked to keep our physical distance, we can explore the world in new ways,” said the churches, in a news release. “Offerings might be of special interest to parents and caregivers who are supplementing their children’s education.”

Books & Cooks Cultural Cooking is for all ages, and gives children a “taste” of different cultures around the world. Stories also illustrate lessons about helping each other, being part of a community, being adventurous, being independent, sharing and the importance of family.

Once a month through next August, those registered will receive a video reading of a children’s book, along with a recipe and activity that represents that culture to do together on their own time.

Children in grades 4 - 8 are invited to participate in a study of world religions using the app Minecraft as a vehicle to apply learned information. The group meets twice a month on Zoom, second and fourth Saturday, from 4 - 5 p.m., to be introduced to a faith and ask questions to guest speakers. Then they work on their own and with other youth in the Minecraft Realm to create rooms representing the different religions.

Youth in grades 7 - 12 meet twice a month on Zoom, second and fourth Sunday, from 4 - 5 p.m., to widen their world vision – featuring topics not deeply talked about in school. Youth will have opportunity to discuss different social justice topics throughout the year, guided by facilitators and their own learning. Youth can choose to increase their understanding of social justice issues by reading, listening or viewing books and media. Later in the year, youth might plan a social justice action project.

For a copy of the program guide, contact Carney McRae, director of Religious Exploration, at dre@uurockland.org.

To register for a specific program, go to: http://bit.ly/RE-Explore.