From Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant together to promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The children’s wording of this principle is we promise to grow by seeking. The mission of religious education is to create opportunities for people of all ages to deliberately pursue this search and growth in community with others – and to do so in ways that are consistent with the rest of our principles and values. We strive to create a variety of experiences to match a wide array of interests, needs, backgrounds, learning styles, time availability, and other factors.

I am very excited about this year’s religious education offerings! For adults we have opportunities for spiritual growth through art this fall, and through poetry in the spring; there’s an yearlong circle for spiritual deepening (see the announcement below) as well as a circle focusing specifically on the spiritual growth possible with aging. There are courses in UU history, and an exploration of diversity among early Christian theologies. And programs focused on anti-oppression work and other social justice areas. In addition, there are opportunities to focus on specific topics, like mortality, and sexuality, through a UU lens. And there are ongoing opportunities to practice meditation and Tai Chi. Programs vary in format, length, and modality – they might be book discussions, one-day workshops, in person or Zoom meetings, experiential or discussion-based.

For children, in addition to our Sunday morning programming we will be offering Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education for grades K-1 and (separately) grades 4-5. Young people will also have an opportunity to join our team of Chalice Leaders – parents, watch for registration links in your email soon. And we’re planning special activities and events throughout the year.

The details for all these programs will be posted on our website soon; watch the Friday Updates for links!

Here are two things you can do RIGHT NOW. First, mark your calendar for the Religious Education Fair on September 10, following our in-gathering Water Communion Service. At this event you will learn about offerings for 2023-24, have a chance to meet facilitators and ask questions, and to register for programs. Second, if you are a parent, please register your child(ren) for the 2023-24 school year using this form. It’s quick and easy, and helps us prepare to welcome all the children at the start of our fall programming on September 3.