Children's Religious Education

Mission Statement

Our mission is to help children develop a sustaining faith and a total response to life composed of both spirituality and religious identity as Unitarian Universalists.
We explore religious, spiritual, ethical, and social issues, encouraging children to practice kindness, acceptance, and the courage to express their beliefs through the way they live.

What Parents are Saying

"I bring my children to RE at First UU because I want them to know that others really believe in the dignity and worth of every person, taking care of the environment, and furthering social causes in which I believe."

"The RE program at First UU provides many opportunities for the children to become aware and participate in Social Action Issues, preparing them to be compassionate, informed adults who make a positive difference."

"In the RE program at First UU, my child learns the values of religion, spirituality and the mystery and wonder of all life, surrounded by children and adults with open minds and giving hearts."

"When I brought my son to the Religious Education program in 2003 he was aged 8. He has built relationships with adults and children in the program. He likes attending. He gets lots of opportunities to contribute in many ways. He knows that he is an important member of our community. It's been an enriching experience."

"We bring our daughter to Religious Education because we feel the teachings guide her in the direction we want her to go. It also provides our daughter with a safe and happy place where she can learn, play, grow!"

"The biggest factor is my daughter's enjoyment of RE. She loves to come to 'church' so she can join the other kids and do the interesting activities."

Sunday School Curriculum



Sunday School 10:30 am Sundays, Sept. 2009 thru May 2010 Preschool/Kindergarten: Story Time
The curriculum for preschool and kindergarten offers a safe, supportive place for an introduction to Unitarian Universalism through chalice lighting, stories and activities. Children will learn about kindness, acceptance and caring for our world, while developing an awareness of their UU congregation as a pleasant place to be.

Elementary School: Cultural Tour of World Religions
Our elementary school students' program draws on the third source of our Unitarian Universalist living tradition: "Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life." Our Cultural Tour of World Religions provides in-depth exposure to world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Baha'i, Earth-Centered Religions and Unitarian Universalism. We explore beliefs, rituals, holidays and creation stories through active, hands-on experiences such as cooperative play, music, food and art.

Middle School and up: Popcorn Theology
This fun program takes our youth's natural interest in learning through the visual arts and channels it into specific learning opportunities. Using clips of popular movies to explore issues of theological and ethical relevance to our world, this curriculum seeks to help participants:
o To examine how the choices we make affect our lives and the lives of others
o To explore how concepts such as truth and meaning are related to perspective and point of view
o To understand ways in which the right of conscience calls us to do what is right despite possible negative consequences
o To consider ways in which Unitarian Universalism can help us understand our questions, seek answers, and deal with the trials of life
o To learn about other faith traditions and their responses to important theological and ethical issues

We Teach Our Children

Unitarian Universalist Children's Principles:


Lynn Stevens returns to us as Consulting Director of Religious Education after an absence of 5 years.  Lynn has many years of experience working with children and their parents. Lynn has been working with UU congregations for more than 10 years.