Persons Like Me Project United Christian Parish Boy Scout Sunday Steve Phillips 02-25-2014 EDUC 301

Introduction I attended a Multi-Cultural Church Service at United Christian Parish (UCP) of Reston, VA. It was UCP’s Boy Scout Sunday celebration on February 9, 2014 I went into UCP as a Visitor I met Sandy Wallace, a church member and volunteer

United Christian Parish In this building 4 different denominations are represented: - the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - the Presbyterian Church - the United Church of Christ and - United Methodist Church All four churches recognize and participate in two sacraments – Baptism and Holy Communion

The Service on Feb 9, 2014 The service was very different to what I have experienced. The pastor is a female, Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes The Gospel was the first reading (not last) All readings were read by lay persons from the congregation (none from the pastor) Big choir with a loud organ Congregation was friendly and visitors were acknowledged

Meet Sandy Wallace Sandy is a mother of two Eagle Scouts (highest rank in Boy Scouts) Sandy believes that you do your duty to God. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points of duty. Sandy says “The celebration of Scout Sunday helps us to remember our duty to God and to others every day. It is a celebration of the value that scouting adds to our lives.”  

How Sandy and I Contrast Steve Sandy Learning to find my religion College student Youth Group Supporter Single No children Not involved in scouts Very religious Working Adult Supportive Parent Married Has children Helps out Boy Scouts

How Sandy and I Compare Similarities Have a passion for children Members of religious groups Leaders of youth groups

Connections Related to EDUC Teachers need to have an introductory background of faiths to respect all populations Our readings state “Multicultural education- is an insurgent of educational equality and excellence” Gay (1994) We as professionals, need to be culturally respectful to all families and faiths in the classroom

Parallels to Future Teaching with Diverse Learners I am eager to learn about different faiths It will help me learn how to better respect culture, children and their families

Synthesis/ Conclusion Multicultural education, especially in regards to religion will help me understand the separation of church and state that has reference to the classroom (i.e. Pledge of Allegiance) Cushner (2012)

Conclusion Sandy and I have our unique similarities and differences We both support religious groups, though different We both are passionate in inspiring youth

References Cushner, K., McClelland, A., & Safford, P. (2012). Human Diversity in Education: An intercultural approach (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Gay, (1994). Beyond Brown: Promoting Multicultural Education. Seattle: Washington College of Education. Photos from google.com/images United Christian Parish 11508 N Shore Dr, Reston, VA 20191