Religious Education News: The Essence of our Religious Education (RE) Program

30 January 2018

Note: In this issue of The Torch, our Religious Education Director Julie Miller introduces new and prospective members of First Church to the essence of our Religious Education (RE) Program.

First Church’s RE curriculum, based on Unitarian Universalists’ values, enables us to embrace an inclusive, multigenerational church community that comes together on Sunday mornings and weekdays to do many things—share ideas, work on social projects (Refugee Resettlement, support for Homeless Teens, for example), enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people and reflect on uplifting sermons. We embrace liberal religious values and a commitment to social justice and community action.

For infants and toddlers from birth through 3 years old, being a Unitarian means “I know that I am safe and loved.”

For Pre-K and Kindergarten: “I know that I can have fun and that I am a valued participant in our church.”

For 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders: “I am learning about the Unitarian Universalist Church.”

For 5th & 6th graders: “I’m learning about other religions and how they may be similar to—or different from—Unitarian Universalists.”

For the middle-school years: “I know what I believe.”

For high school students: “I can connect my Unitarian identity to my life and my chosen faith community.”

For adults: “I can maintain my commitment to service and community involvement and to my chosen faith.”

Through our Sunday worship services, and our educational and cultural activities, our overriding objective is to provide opportunities to reflect, serve and learn in a supportive environment We’re always looking forward to meeting new friends.

As Unitarians, we are:

Learners seeking experiences that instill wisdom and guide us toward an ethical and spiritual life

Explorers from many faith traditions as well as multiple ethnic, racial, sexual and cultural identities

Doers, standing on the side of love, with helping hands and thinking minds who value deeds above creeds

We enthusiastically invite all such seekers to join us here at First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City.