Children and Youth
Welcome
Welcome to the Religious Education (R.E.) program for our Children and Youth! We are glad you are here. Every Sunday, a committed and enthusiastic team of volunteer teachers, parents, and staff create a nurturing space to explore liberal religious life with creativity, curiosity, and openness. Together we worship, we explore sources and traditions of our Unitarian Universalist faith, and we search for meaning in life’s big questions. We use our bodies, hearts, and minds to care for ourselves, each other, and our world. The Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship seeks to support and deepen the spiritual lives of people of all ages, races, genders, backgrounds, and identities. We are a congregation of open hearts, open minds, and open hands. Welcome!
New families are invited to sign-up for the ERUUF Parents google group listserv. This listserv provides key communication in order to stay up to date with R.E. programs, events, resources and to connect with other ERUUF families. If you'd like to be added to this listserv, please contact ERUUF Religious Education.
What is Religious Education for Children and Youth at ERUUF?
Religious Education for Children and Youth at ERUUF provides children and youth an opportunity to learn about Unitarian Universalism, our Jewish Christian heritage, world religions and social justice. We support them in developing a UU identity through knowledge of our principles and the sources we draw from.
Read more: What is Religious Education for Children and Youth at ERUUF?
What is the ERUUF philosophy of the Religious Education for Children and Youth?
The mission of ERUUF Religious Education for Children and Youth is to deepen spiritual growth in a joyous covenantal community with inclusive, diverse, and multigenerational experiences within and beyond our walls.
Read more: What is the ERUUF philosophy of the Religious Education for Children and Youth?
What is Taught in the Children's Classes?
Religious Education for Children and Youth focuses on creating a welcoming environment for children and youth that reflects our UU values.
When Does the Religious Education Program Begin?
Classes usually start the second week of September and end the week before Memorial Day weekend. There is Hot Summer RE programming offered for all ages starting in June and ending when regular school year programming starts.
What Are My Responsibilities as a Parent?
You are your child's primary spiritual nurturer. Our job is to assist you in your faith formation so you can support your child's spirit journey. We recommend you get to know your child's teaching team and volunteer in his or her class regularly. Most importantly try to bring your child on a regular basis. This communicates to them that their spiritual development is important. Consistent attendance also helps your child develop a sense of community and belonging. Please register for Religious Education.
What if I am new?
New families should plan to arrive a few minutes early and to make their way to the front of the CARE building to connect with Religious Education staff and volunteers. Any of the staff and volunteers will be able to direct you to the meeting spaces for PreK and elementary-aged children, middle and high school youth, and adult programs. *All of our programs are currently outdoors, masked, and distant.
Our Teachers, Staff and Volunteers
The Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s Religious Education program is a collaborative ministry supported by both professional staff and volunteers from the fellowship community.
Expectations of Child/Youth Behavior and Parent Consent
Positive behavior, interaction and participation are the basic principles of a healthy and safe learning environment. Negative behaviors detract from the learning environment we strive to create in the ERUUF Religious Education programs and the CARE building. These behaviors include disruptive activities, refusing to positively participate in activities, disrespect of others. No violence in word or deed. No “put downs”, only “pull ups”. No weapons, real or imaginary. No exclusive behavior.
Read more: Expectations of Child/Youth Behavior and Parent Consent
Teacher Resources
Covenantal relationship is part of the mission of ERUUF. Modeling and expecting respectful behavior is how we affirm the inherent worth and dignity or all people and to all living things. Setting clear and limited expectations and consequences with children and youth in your care is how we model respect. The suggested covenant below can be used for younger children up to 3rd grade. Covenants for older youth can be created together, again limit the expectations and the consequences. Use only affirmative language (e.g. Refrain from using the words ”not," or “no” when creating expectations)
Who do I contact with questions?
Rev. Jim Lewis, Minister of Lifespan Faith Development and Pastoral Care
Melissa Smith, R.E. Assistant
Appointments by arrangement.
Inside
Sing-a-Long Album
Free for all to use, Unitarian Universalist Sing-a-long Songs have been curated to be used in RE classes and events. Audio and workbook media are available below.
