Children's Religious Education (CRE)

At First Unitarian, our children have the benefits of a thriving Children's Religious Education program.
This includes Sunday school, as well as additional programs throughout the year.
CRE integrates children into church life and offers adults an opportunity to make a difference in kid’s lives —
and learn from them as well.

Our Program is Designed to:

Develop the children's sense of their own worth and dignity and that of others;
Promote their responsibility and responsiveness toward others;
Challenge them to think creatively and act courageously;
Promote their appreciation of, pride in, and identification with Unitarian Universalism;
Increase their understanding of humanity's search for the meaning in life and the expressions of this quest; and
Provide opportunities for community service.

Our Ministry Together

Sunday Mornings: 11:00 to 12:30 - from September 14 to June 7

A Children's Corner in the sanctuary is reserved for little ones whose parents are not ready to take them to the church school. Here they can draw, color, or look at picture books.

The Nursery, located in the room beyond the kitchen, provides the setting for tender loving care for children through the age of 4 by experienced caregivers.

Children begin their Sunday at the first part of the worship service in the sanctuary, after which their teachers lead them to their Sunday school classes. These classes offer arts and crafts, discussion, instruction, games, and other activities that reflect and reinforce class themes. Parents are always welcome to visit, observe, and participate.

Director of Religious Education (DRE) Advisory Council exists to help facilitate the health and well-being of the Religious Education Program through supporting the professional life of the DRE. The council supports the DRE in his/her professional activities and advocate for the DRE within the Church organization. Three members served staggered terms; members are appointed (one each) by the Board, the Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth, and the DRE.

Curriculum: 2008 - 2009

Each class focuses on what it means to be Unitarian Universalist. The curricula, chosen by the Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth, was written for UUs by UUs. We hope the kids will find the lessons fun, engaging and meaningful to their daily lives. In addition, throughout the year we will be learning about and exploring the concept of Home in conjunction with our congregation's ministerial search.
Sprouts (PK-K) - Lessons from a variety of UUA curriculum including "We Are Many, We Are One," "Celebrating Me and My World," and "Creating Home"
Explorers (1st-6th elective) - "Creating Home"
Spirit Play (1st-6th elective) - "Spirit Play" is a Montessori-based UU curriculum Youth Group (7th-12th) - "Living in UUville" role play gaming curriculum For more information about classes.
Please see Class Descriptions

Intergenerational services: As well as joining adults for the first part of each Sunday service, children and youth have opportunities to participate in services. During special events, like children dedications, membership Sundays, and fests, our children will be part of worship services. Layleaders look for opportunities to include children in planning for services. Becky Brooks, DRE and the CREC are always available for assistance in these plans.

Special programs: Religious education doesn’t happen only in Sunday school. Special programs like Mystery Buddies (see Photos), a rousing Halloween party, and social justice activities not only let the congregation get to know our children and youth, but also infuse fun and learning outside the classrooms.

Do you have gifts to share? Of course you do! Here are some ways to share your talents:

Become a Teacher
Join the CRE Committee
Volunteer for CRE events
Sign up to be a Mystery Buddy
Help clean up a Sunday School room
Coordinate a social justice project
Remember CRE in your leadership responsibilities
Say hello to our kids
Thank a teacher or committee member

Visit RE-Connect Baltimore, our Religious Education blog, for news, announcements, resources, links to websites and documents, polls and more that relate to Religious Education at First Unitarian.

Brochure

Registration Form

More Info:
Idalee DiGregorio
RE Committee Chair