Religious Education Program
In the Religious Education Program we guide children and youth in the liberal search for truth and meaning while building community for their present and their future.
- A sense of belonging is built via classroom community and worshiping together.
- Families of all kinds are affirmed and receive support to help children develop healthy minds and spirits.
- Children develop their own spirituality rooted in Unitarian Universalist values.
- We explore the wisdom found in the world’s religious traditions and beyond.
- Social justice education and opportunities help our young people identify and shape their place in the world.
Youth Groups
- Our core youth program for high school students provides experiences in community building and fellowship, worship and congregational engagement, social action, living UU values, and leadership.
- Middle school youth work, reflect, and laugh together. They learn what it means to be “UU”, explore the beliefs and practices of many faiths, and learn the value of putting their faith into action by engaging in social justice.
2023 – 24 Course Descriptions
Unitarian Universalist Church West offers religious education (RE) programs for children and youth, starting Sept. 17 and running through May 19, 2024.
- Nursery: Infants and toddlers 4 and under receive care and supervision from a Lead Caregiver and volunteer parents and/or teen RE Assistants during Sunday worship services.
- Primary RE: “Soul Matters” (4/5K – Gr. 3) — Children begin with their families in the Sanctuary for Worship at 10am, then leave for classes with similarly-aged peers after a Story for All Ages. Students build community and explore monthly themes through wondering questions, and hands-on activities.
- Elementary RE: “Hogwarts UU” (Gr. 4-6) — Teamwork and friendship are essential in the Harry Potter stories. Here, too, aspiring wizards work and play together, finding ways to express the UU values of love, justice, and peace in their lives. (We are aware of the original author’s publicized socio-political views, and of critiques of how certain characters were written. But the focus of “Hogwarts UU” will be exploring the powers we all hold to make positive choices and to help create a better community and world.)
- Coming of Age (Gr. 7-9+): Recognition and celebration of the transition from childhood to young adulthood. Reflection on personal beliefs may include the guidance and wisdom of UUCW Elders, and concludes in Spring with a special worship service led by participants.
- YRUU (Gr. 9-12): The HS youth group meets, usually after the worship service, for fun, fellowship, and future planning. This can include regional UU Youth events, service opportunities, Boston UU Heritage trip, and personal/educational goals. Involvement in regular youth group meetings, worship, community service and action events develops Leadership skills.
To be sure of receiving the most current RE information, please register your family by submitting the information requested at the link below. Please contact Dave Cicero, DLRE if you run into any problems or have questions.
UUCW’s RE program is a cooperative one, meaning it relies on volunteers — especially as co-leaders of classes (but other opportunities also exist.) Orientation and ongoing support are provided. Families are not charged fees for RE but pledges to the congregation are requested, to support all ministries — including the liberal religious education of children, youth, and adults.
