Our new Director of Religious Education is Cydney Badger, Licensed Minister, who will begin working at UUCR in August 2026. Stay tuned for more information about possible changes to our Religious Education (RE) programming as Cydney gets up to speed.

Generally speaking, religious education 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. 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! 

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

Nursery Coordinator – Position Available

Status: FLSA   Non-Exempt, Contract             
Reports to Religious Education Director, Minister (in DRE’s absence)
Part-time (2-3 hours/week), possible occasional hours may be available for special events

Summary: The Nursery Coordinator shall ensure that the nursery is safe, clean, warm and welcoming to parents and children who use it on Sunday mornings. The Nursery Coordinator will lovingly care for the babies and toddlers in the nursery on Sunday mornings and supervise the nursery assistants. The role of welcome is essential in that the nursery is sometimes the first point of contact for newcomers in the church.

Essential Functions:
 • Arrive in a timely fashion at 10:15 am. Make sure the nursery is clean; tables and toys are wiped down and disinfected.
• Greet parents and children beginning at 10:30 am.• Ensure all children are signed in with emergency contact information.
• Provide a loving, safe and caring environment when the children are in care. Play with and read to children.
• Communicate with parents about each child’s experience in the nursery.
• Supervise nursery workers or volunteers.
• Contact the DRE with any incident reports.
• Tidy nursery and put away toys before leaving for the day.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Experience working with babies and toddlers.
• Warm and friendly manner.
• Background check and good references.
• Openness and support of the wide variety of family diversity in the congregation.

Physical Requirements:
• Able to move freely about building with lifting required.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in this position and your résumé or CV.
Send application materials to: personnel@uuroanoke.org