This Year in RE

2023–2024 Overview

Welcome to Religious Exploration (RE) and Faith Development at CUUC! Our theme in RE this year is Belonging and Beliefs, to honor the many beliefs we hold and affirm that those who seek a welcoming and caring community will find it here.

“Belonging is the invitation to be your full self … to learn, live, and love, to be honored, encouraged, and allowed to develop as you and as part of the group…” – Victor Cary
“Belonging happens when people feel safe, seen, and accepted” – Christine Wong Yap
“Belonging is tiered and stratified.” – Dr. Imani Perry, 2023 Ware Lecture at UUA General Assembly

We will explore what these statements mean and identify how we can be individuals and a community that invite belonging in the fullest sense. We celebrate the beautiful diversity of many religious traditions, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages and abilities. This is especially important as we live in a time when intolerance and hate are boldly visible. We respond by practicing interacting through our differences with compassion and kindness. We respond by working for justice. We respond by building beloved community that honors and celebrates the richness of our beliefs, identities, and experiences.

We offer parents and caregivers resources to support you as your young person’s primary educator. And, we cultivate multigenerational community through learning, action, and social activities. Stay up to date by receiving the weekly RE newsletter (sign up for RE Newsletter here; read past RE Newsletter Issues here) and weekly CUUC e-Communitarian (sign up for e-Communitarian here; read past e-Communitarian issues here). Find the upcoming schedule of RE activities online here.

My husband and I joined CUUC after not practicing the faiths that we were raised with for many years. We so appreciate the ethical and spiritual grounding that the religious education program has given our children. Serving as volunteer teacher has also been rewarding and joyful.
– Christine H.

Sept 2023~June 2024

Read the weekly RE newsletter for information 
about classes and activities this week.

Sunday mornings, we offer a mix of classes, youth group, chapel, whole congregation worship, and special programs such as PlaceKeeping, UU the Vote, and social justice learning and action.

Childcare, 9:45-11:45am (every Sunday)

Childcare for Meetings: Parents and caregivers may contact Diane directly to coordinate childcare when you will participate in Sunday meetings and need extended hours. Please contact her by Wednesday before the meeting. You may email Diane at dakmv@aol.com.

Classes, 10:00-11:15am (2-3 times each month)

K-1st grade

A World of New Friends is a curriculum designed to pique a child’s curiosity by using stories, art, drama and song to introduce our youngest children to the many truths and many faiths that richly color our earth and enrich our lives. Lessons include imaginary classroom members to introduce world religions and many beliefs. The teaching team includes Laura Sehdeva, Irene Cox, and Enid Press.

2nd-3rd Grade

4th-6th Grade

The Questing Year curriculum engages participants in quests to develop an understanding of UU religious identity, our CUUC community, and their own spirituality. It also cultivates a commitment to social justice and acceptance of diversity. The teaching team includes Laura Goodspeed, Matthew Darnall, and Amy Nathan.

7th-9th Grade

The Coming of Age year is a rite of passage as participants explore theology, spirituality, and religious history. Youth are paired with mentors who support them as they explore their beliefs and reflect on their spiritual journey at this point in their lives. The year culminates with the Coming of Age ceremony that includes the youth sharing their unique faith statements. The teaching team includes Kate Colson, Emily Economou, Nicholas Aska, and Tim Lynch. Additional mentors include Betsy Walkup, Erin Foster, Denise Tomlinson, Barry Litkofsky, Tori Weisel, Sarah Carr, Jared Economou and Mohammed Loutfy. 

10th-12th Grade

The Global Spiritual Traditions/Neighboring Faiths curricula provide youth with the experience of exploring diverse religions and spiritual practices through discussion, guest speakers, and visits to houses of worship and sacred sites. Participants build an appreciation for the diversity of followers within every faith, as they continue on the path of their own faith development. The teaching team includes Cyndi Tillman, Daniel Tillman, Gail Johnston, Gus Caro and Ryan Kirk.

Beyond Sunday Mornings

Social Events for all ages

Each month, we have fun community building activities for all ages. Join us for game nights, sing-a-longs, dance parties, picnics and more! Consult our calendar for dates.