Religious Education2
Cultivating a lifelong, free and responsible search for truth and meaning
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Our Vision for Religious Education
A Free and Responsible Search...
So the vision for RE is simple: We exist to cultivate a lifelong, free and responsible search for truth and meaning. As adults who are balancing the need for security and the joy of that which is new, or as children and youth who are in exploration mode, the Religious Education programming at BRUU is fertile ground for those who desire to be a part of a community that seeks truth, finds meaning and celebrates the journey of every person.
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Summer RE Program
Sunday Morning RE
Religious Education classes for children and youth are held from 10:00AM – 11:00AM during the regular Sunday service.
During RE hour, students learn more about Unitarian Universalism and how their faith can influence their choices. Teachers work with a carefully chosen curriculum that reflects the BRUU mission of enhancing our spiritual, intellectual and social development. Sunday Morning RE classes provide a consistent and reliable place for the children and youth to express themselves through crafts, conversations, and community. Sunday Morning classes are the core of our Religious Education program.
Grades K - 5
Celebrating Rainforests speaks to the 7th principle of Unitarian Universalism. Our fragile planet calls us to help children honor and care for it. This program is one answer to the call, and gives children a way to connect to our Earth and be empowered to help make a difference. This curriculum joins children in grades K - 5 for the summer to explore our rainforests and learn how to preserve this vital resource.
Youth (Grades 6 - 12)
Popcorn Theology takes the concept and popularity of movie night and uses it to explore issues of theology and ethics in popular film. Youth advisors facilitate discussion while youth lead one another toward a better understanding of themselves and others. Movie clips, conversation and community: This is a casual and comfortable environment for youth who are new to BRUU or are just enjoying a summer with their church family.
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Fall/Spring Preview
The Fall 2009 - Spring 2010 season will be filled with new opportunities for our children and youth to discover how our Unitarian Universalist values are acted out in the real world. Pulling resources from the Unitarian Universalist Association, the K-2nd grade class will explore the “Tapestry of Faith” series, while our Junior and Senior youth will continue to experience the diverse faith of our neighbors and share relevant conversation with their youth advisors. Your 3rd - 5th grade teachers are also energized with new team members and seasoned mentors. Please email to register your child or inquire about how you can volunteer.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum that offers young people the opportunity to explore their values and gain accurate information that will help them lead sexually healthy, responsible lives.
Coming of Age (COA)
Every spring, RE offers a diverse Coming of Age (COA) program for 8th graders. COA includes discussions, a retreat and other activities that emphasize self-awareness, confidence-building and service to the church and community.
Adult RE Classes & Discovery Dinners
There are always new classes offered in Adult RE. Send a message to for more info.
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RE Leadership
- Director of Religious Education
- Position open
- RE Coordinator
- Chris McCann
- RE Council Chair
- Lisa Johnston & Gretchen Almstead
- Youth and Adult Committee Chair
- Denise Smith
- Children's Committee Chair
- Lisa Boggis
- Adult RE Committee Chair
- Susan Padgett
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Volunteer Oppotunities
Research shows ...
- On average, volunteers watch approximately 15 hours of television per week, compared to approximately 23 hours for non-volunteers.
- Volunteers from ages 25 to 55 overall spend substantially more time caring for children than either former volunteers or non-volunteers do.
- In 2007, 60.8 million Americans volunteered 8.1 billion hours.
- Volunteering and physical well-being are part of a positive reinforcing cycle.
- Volunteering leads to greater life satisfaction and lower rates of depression.
- Most RE volunteers at BRUU spend less than 2 hours a week volunteering. In less than 2 hours a week, you can get healthier, build your social network and cultivate the free and responsible search for truth and meaning for all ages!
Source: Volunteering in America, Corporation for National and Community Service, July 2008.
Childcare Volunteers
Childcare volunteers can volunteer as little as once a month, to assist in the nursery and pre-K rooms. This is a great opportunity for parents to get to know other parents and share the responsibility of childcare at BRUU.
Youth Advisor
Advisors follow a curriculum and also facilitate discussion topics presented by the youth. Advisors can teach in Sunday morning RE or in the BREW youth group. Volunteers are asked to commit to the classroom 2 times a month.
Classroom Teacher
Using a professionally written curriculum, teachers prepare for class as necessary. Volunteers for these classes typically serve as an assistant one Sunday a month and as a lead teacher the following Sunday — thus two regular Sundays a month.
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Dates to Note in RE and BRUU Life
Please check the online calendar for full view of our church calendar.
- July 12
- 1st Day of Summer RE
- August 2
- All Church Sunday
- August 30
- Last Sunday of Summer RE
- September 6
- First Day of Fall/Spring RE
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Things to Remember
All Church Sunday
On the first Sunday of every month, the children and youth have the opportunity to be in the worship service with the entire church family. For the first 15 minutes of the service, our entire BRUU family is together and celebrates the presence of children and youth in the sanctuary. After the children's message, the congregation sings while the children and youth go directly to their classrooms.
Fifth Sunday
There are no RE classes on the fifth Sunday of the month. Nursery and pre-school care is still offered while all other children and youth are encouraged to attend the worship service.
Sunday Superintendent
The Sunday Superintendent is available during the RE hour for guidance about classroom locations, teacher schedules, volunteer opportunities and general questions about RE programming.