The Learning Community (Religious Education for Children and Youth)

Sunday Religious Education classes are held during the same hour as our morning worship services: from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. and from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (classes for 10th-12th grades are at 11:15 a.m. only) in the Eliot Center; enter via the alley mid-block on SW 12th Ave. Stop at the RE Information Desk right inside the door. 

Mission: The Learning Community is a diverse group of children, youth and adults who covenant together:

• To create a welcoming, safe and caring learning environment;
• To teach and promote love, reason and freedom in religion;
• To foster life-long spiritual growth; and
• To seek peace, liberty and justice in our world

Religious Education for Children (Nursery-6th Grade)

Cathy Cartwright, Credentialed Director of Children’s Programs

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The Religious Education (RE) Program for infants, children and youth at First Unitarian Church is called The Learning Community. A life-long journey of spiritual growth in a church setting begins here. Religious growth and learning is fostered in our children by providing an environment where young people and adults share, interact and explore life-questions within a climate of discovery, cooperation and tolerance. We use curricula developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association along side community building, worship, leadership, social action and fellowship as components of our programming.

The Learning Community offers Sunday sessions from 9:15–10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. for children ranging from infant through 12th grade. Over 100 volunteers staff the program, which enrolls almost 600 children and youth. Parent help is expected in this cooperative endeavor.

Religious Education for Youth (7th-12th Grade)

Dana Regan, Credentialed Director of Religious Education for Youth

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The goal of First Unitarian Church’s youth program is to involve all youth in the total life of the church. The balanced program includes the major components of a strong youth program: discovery, worship, social action, and ministry within the congregation, leadership and fellowship.

A Sunday class is offered during each worship service for both 7th graders and 8/9th graders. Young Religious Unitarian Universalist or YRUU (grades 10/12), meet during the second service only from 11:15–12:30 p.m. Monthly social events, music programs, and traditional events are also available.

The Youth Council, a group of elected youth representatives and interested adults, meets monthly to plan the YRUU program. High school youth also serve on church committees, usher at services, or teach in Learning Community classes.

More detailed information about the program can be found in the Learning Community Calendar, Religious Education for Children and Youth, at the RE Table in Fuller Hall, at the information desk in Eliot Hall or from the church office.