1. Persons Like Me Project United Christian Parish Boy Scout Sunday
Steve Phillips
EDUC 301

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.”

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

12. 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