When we think of Unitarian Universalist Religious Education there are three elements that our programming for children and youth focus on. These elements are social justice, faith identity, and “the other” (world religions).

Faith identity is woven into every Sunday class, multigenerational service and youth events. It is a process of not only learning about our faith but experiencing community: where we are known and accepted for who we are and endeavor to reciprocate that in our relationships with each other.

Social Justice is a spiritual practice in this faith community. There are so many social justice activities happening at any time at UUC for adults. When the youth group was formed this year, the youth explicitly stated that they wanted to primarily engage in social justice activities and they have stayed true to their mandate of service. Did you know that our Sunday class collects food for immigrant families and to date they have donated over 70 lbs of food?

World Religions: Central to our faith is the practice of accepting differences in others and  cultivating knowledge, respect and relationships with persons of other faiths. Our Sunday class curriculum Holidays & Holydays invites our children to learn about spiritual practices, beliefs, and celebrations of other faiths and religious traditions. Important to any exploration of world religion is comparing and celebrating the similarities and differences between our UU faith tradition and these other faiths.

On May 31st we will gather for RE Sunday as we celebrate our children, youth, teachers and helping hands. We will trace the path of exploration our children and youth have made this year and celebrate them with song, story and creative ritual. We need you present to witness this vibrant community within a community that is UUC.

When I think of the three elements of religious education: faith identity, social justice and exploring the other, I am inspired by the affirmation we say each Sunday:
Love is the spirit of this congregation
and service its law.
This is our great covenant – 
                To dwell together in peace, 
                To seek the truth in love, 
                And to help one another. 

Many Blessings,
Jeanne Nametz
Director of Religious Education