Religious Exploration

Children’s Program - RE

What is RE?

RE stands for Religious Exploration. And that is what we, as Unitarian Universalists, feel religion should be: an exploration, a journey into the unknown. The RE program allows your child(ren) to explore the idea of religion in a safe and open environment.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster compassionate, connected, reverent, hopeful children and youth who are engaged citizens, grounded by the UU Principles. (Adopted by the UU Church of Belfast Life Span Education Committee, 2008)

Children’s Version of Our 7 Principles

1. Each person is important

2. Be kind in all you do

3. We are free to learn together

4. We search for what is true

5. All people need a voice

6. Build a fair and peaceful world

7. We care for the Earth

Typical Sunday Schedule

All children are invited to attend the first part of each Sunday service in the Sanctuary unless other activities are planned. This portion of the service consists of church announcements, welcoming newcomers, the lighting of the chalice, opening words, and the Story for All Ages. For the story, children and youth are invited to sit at the front of the sanctuary so that they can hear and see the story better. After the story is finished, the congregation sings the children out of the sanctuary and into their RE classes upstairs. Once church is over, children and youth in the Intermediate and Elder groups may meet their parents downstairs in the Hospitality Room. Parents of children in the infant/toddler room and Primary rooms are asked to pick their children up promptly after the service.

Parents of very young children may bring their children directly to the infant/toddler room before the service if they wish. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children as soon as they have picked them up after the service or when their children arrive for hospitality hour.

Occasionally, the church will have “Intergenerational” services. During these services, there is no RE and the children/youth stay in the sanctuary for the entire service. These services generally have lots of child/youth participation.

The Curriculum

Our core curriculum is divided into four areas of focus Pillars: UU Identity, World Religions, Social Justice and the Environment. Children and Youth are broken up into age appropriate groupings.

Infant/Toddler Room

Childcare is offered for infants 6 weeks and older, toddlers to age 3. Two teen providers are always present on Sunday mornings. Please be sure to sign your child(ren) in and out. Additionally, our hospitality room is equipped with speakers and is available for nursing mothers or parents who wish to sit with their children outside the sanctuary.

Primary Room (Age 4 to Grade 2)

This group will share a story and/or activity on the given Pillar and then enjoy structured “free play.”

Intermediate Room (Grade 3- Grade 5)

This group will dive a little deeper into the Pillars using sessions that ask some bigger questions and participate in activities to reinforce the Pillar and prepping them for the Coming of Age program.

Elder Room (Middle School)

This group will use the Pillars as a backdrop to a 2-year “Coming of Age” program. More information on the Coming of Age program can be obtained by contacting the Director of Religious Exploration (DRE).

Youth Group (High School)

This group meets as schedules permit. They attend Youth Cons, sleepovers, and outdoor activities as interest demands.

A registration form can be downloaded here. Completed forms can be dropped off at the office or mailed to UU Church of Belfast, Attn: DRE, P.O. Box 452, Belfast, Maine

More information and a detailed calendar of events can be found in the RE Handbook available at the front door, on the Bulletin Board in the Hospitality Room or in the RE rooms upstairs. You can also contact the Director of Religious Exploration, Danielle Bannister, at 342-2096 or e-mail her at grandchawhe@msn.com