While we seek a new Religious Education director, our RE program is in a time of transition. We strive to offer nursery care each Sunday. We hope to reestablish regular children’s religious education in the latter half of 2026. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact our minister, the Rev. Jen Raffensperger (revjen@uuroanoke.org).

Religious Education (RE) is the act of catalyzing and nurturing learning and growth for all ages. Regular classes for adults, teens, and children are included in RE programming along with multigenerational events and adventures, worship services, camps and retreats, and other holistic and classroom faith formation activities and programs.

At UUCR we foster religious literacy and our individual and congregational UU identity by providing relevant, inclusive, multigenerational faith development opportunities. We act as individuals to develop our social conscience and take compassionate steps to love our faith in community. All RE programming originates from and is developed through the Office of Religious Education.

Nursery Care

We strive to offer nursery care for infants and toddlers during the 11:00-12:00 worship service on every Sunday of the month. On those days, our nursery is supervised by experienced caregivers who have undergone background checks. At other times, the unstaffed nursery is available for families to take a break with their littles during the service, as needed.

Children & Youth Religious Education

As mentioned above, we are grateful for your patience during this time of transition. Upon our hire of the new RE director, we hope to restart our children’s RE in the latter half of 2026. If you have questions, please contact our minister, Rev. Jen Raffensperger (revjen@uuroanoke.org).

Adult Religious Education

The Office of Religious Education exists to support adult religious education as well.

• Our Living the Questions Book Discussion Group meets every Sunday before the service (September to May) from 9:30 am–10:45 am. It’s a small and vibrant group that welcomes visitors and members who enjoy reading and sharing their ideas about spiritual and social issues.
• Popcorn Theology is a monthly movie night where we watch popular and pertinent films followed by a discussion. Anyone can suggest a film, whether or not they choose to lead the conversation. This Thursday night staple begins at 6:30 pm sharp when it is offered.

Additional short-term and longer-term opportunities often become available. From a Lenten spiritual exploration series to meditation groups to journaling activities, we have all sorts of options for adults. If you can dream it, we can help you realize it. Even if you just seek someone like-minded to share space with, we can support you! 

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