Religious Education

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 (ORE), which consists of our Director of Religious Education, Jessie McKeon (they/them) and our RE Coordinator, Bonnie Evans (she/her).

Registration is highly recommended for all minor participants in Religious Education. Completed annually, the registration includes permission to treat, media releases, and vital information about the children in the program. All registration information is confidential and shared only when necessary (food allergies, learning differences that affect RE classes, etc.)

NOTE: The Office of Religious Education stays in touch with registered participants and their parents/guardians/caregivers via GroupMe. This platform allows personal contact information to remain private while providing a robust and immediate form of communication for all involved. Links to the appropriate GroupMe groups are provided below.

Four kids holding up jars
Kid dressed up as an elf with a red pointy hat and a green shirt

Nursery Care

Nursery care is offered for infants and toddlers during the 11:00-12:00 worship service on the second and fourth Sunday of each 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’s Religious Education

On Sunday mornings, we offer Chalice Children Religious Education (CCRE) for children in grades K-5 before the service: 10:00 am-10:50 am. Middle and high schoolers may attend to help or participate as they feel led. RE curricula is curated and developed by the ORE team and led by trained, energetic volunteer educators. 

During the service, we offer Children’s Church as a supplement to the service topic. All ages are welcome to attend Children’s Church to participate in a short lesson with a song or craft, then an outdoor or indoor adventure as time allows. 

Child dressed up as an elf with a pink hat and purple shirt

Next Generation Youth Group

The Next Gen Youth Group (NGYG) is made up of our middle- and high-school-aged UUs uniting to put our faith into action every day by daring to be real, showing acceptance and support, leading with courage, and acting for justice. Events, retreats, and service work are also included in these activities! We typically choose a meeting time at the beginning of each school semester and have frequently landed on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. For the most current schedule and program information, contact Jessie McKeon at jmckeon@uuroanoke.org.

Teens giving a thumbs up with totes filled with bagged goodies

Young Adult & Campus Ministry

UUCR strives to provide opportunities for those aged 18 to 35 to develop values through deep conversation and social activities particular to this developmental stage of adult life. Informally referred to as YAC Ministries, this group is self-directed and supported by the Office of Religious Education.

Adult Religious Education

The Office of Religious Education exists to support adult religious education as well. We offer the following consistent sessions at UUCR:

  • 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.
  • Brown Bag Theology offers a chance to explore spirituality and Unitarian Universalism in a casual brunch-time setting on Saturdays. Offered as topics come up, this supplemental program is always sure to excite.

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! 

Keep your finger on the pulse of the Office of Religious Education by subscribing to receive email updates from UUCR.