Religious Exploration (RE)

We provide children, youth, young adults, and adults an opportunity to explore, reflect, and learn in a nurturing spiritual community. Unitarian Universalist religious education programs offer all ages inspiring ethical, social, and spiritual growth.

Religious exploration programs (also called religious education programs) include more than classes. Many programs incorporate social justice awareness, worship opportunities, service trips, fellowship, and fun. Our minister and RE staff lead many of our congregation's lifespan programs. Parents and other members of the congregation often lead them, too. Teaching can be a very fulfilling way to deepen one’s own faith.

Children and youth RE programs are offered on Sunday mornings during the 10am Worship service. Children attend the beginning of worship with their parents (or seated in the Kid's Corner with DREF, Emily) and are dismissed to classes after the Intergenerational Sharing time.

Contact our Director of Religious Exploration (explore@uufsd.org) to get connected.

Religious Exploration Mission & Principles

The mission of the Religious Exploration Program at UUFSD is to provide:

A community where children feel love, acceptance and belonging;
A religious and moral foundation for honoring life’s joys and tragedies;
A knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and exploration of other religions;
A recognition of our social justice responsibility to the greater world community and our planet;
Opportunities and resources for personal and spiritual growth.

Children’s Version of the Unitarian Universalist Principles

The following is a special version of the UU principles adapted for children.

Every person is important;
All people should be treated fairly;
Our churches are places where all people are accepted and where we keep on learning together;
Each person must be free to search for what is true and right;
People should have a vote about the things that concern them;
We should work for a peaceful, fair and free world;
We must care for our planet Earth.

RE FAQs

What will my children learn about?

God? Many people think that their lives are part of a much larger life force, and they call that force “God.” People the world over have different ideas of what God might be like. We share many of these ideas with our children, and encourage them to develop their own. Our children also learn that belief in God is not necessary to the living of a good and meaningful life.

Can I attend an RE class, and what if I am visiting?

Adults are always welcome in our RE Classes. In fact we are always looking for volunteers for various activities! If you would like to attend an RE class, just check in with the teacher and let him or her know you are visiting or observing for the day. We ask that you be respectful of the class and their activities.

Child visitors are welcome to join us in RE. Please accompany your child to the classroom and introduce yourself and your child to the teacher and please be sure to leave your contact information. After two visits we ask that you fill out an RE Registration Form. We love to see new faces in our classrooms – it means new friends to make!

What will my child's religious identity be?

In Religious Exploration classes we identify ourselves as Unitarian Universalists. All of our curriculums are based on the Purposes and Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The children learn about UU history, and the women and men who have exemplified these principles in their lives. It is our feeling that religious values are acquired through “deeds not creeds.” Our children are given opportunities to live their faith by participating in individual, class, and whole church service projects.

How does baby and toddler care work on Sunday mornings?

We currently do not have infant care available. Toddlers may join in the Chalice Children classroom. Staff and volunteers do not do any diapering, make sure you leave contact information in case we need to reach you during service. Please sign your child in and out of the room. Children may be dropped off after the intergenerational sharing portion of the service.