Children’s Religious Education
Welcome to Children’s Religious Education (CRE) at First Unitarian Church of Orlando, a Unitarian Universalist congregation. We are so glad you are here! We serve families with children 9 months through 12th grade. We offer a theme-based approach so that everyone is learning something similar: kids, youth, adults, groups, and worship services alike.
Here’s a look at our themes:
2018–2019 | Serving with Joy & Generosity
2017–2018 | Understanding Racism
2016–2017 | World Religions
2015–2016 | Changing the Climate
Online enrollment is open.
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Nursery – Every Sunday, All Year
Nursery care, located to the left of the Enrichment Center breezeway, is available for children from 9 months through 5 years of age from 9:15 am to 1:00 pm each Sunday.
Wiggle Room
Our Sanctuary features a Wiggle Room for families and their little ones. This space allows parents to see and hear the worship service during those times when their active little ones need an opportunity to wiggle, gurgle, or play.
WHERE DO WE START?
VPK (age 4) through 12th grade students begin their Sunday Religious Education (RE) with their families in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am. After “Words For All Ages” they are escorted to classes.
SPECIAL DAYS
One-Room School House
There is much value in multi-age classrooms. Roughly once per month, depending upon events or our learning goals, children will attend One-Room School House. We may host guest speakers, prepare for an upcoming service, or organize a community outreach project. On these Sundays, we still begin in the Sanctuary; parents can sign-out their child(ren) in the Assembly Room at 12:15 pm.
Intergenerational Worship
Several times a year we have intergenerational worship, and children remain in the Sanctuary with the adults for the entire service. These services typically in include our Water Communion, Easter service, and Flower Communion.
Please check the church calendar for additional “kid-fun,” such as parties, field trips, and more!
ADDITIONAL GROUPS AND CLASSES
Yuuth Group
Yuuth Group is for students 7th grade (and 12 years old) through 12th grade. We then meet on the first and third Sunday of the month from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Please see the Youth page for additional information.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
OWL is is the age-appropriate compliment to any parents’ human sexuality education efforts. This secular curriculum is based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice, and inclusivity. We offer four of the six OWL courses: K–1, Grades 4–6, Middle School, and High School. Please see our OWL page for additional information on upcoming classes.
OUR PEOPLE
Our Director of Children and Youth Ministries (DCYM), Jessica Hunt, has a background as a children’s librarian and, in that context, has developed and implemented many programs for children, youth, and intergenerational audiences.
The RE Committee is our governing body. Committee members, in partnership with the DCYM, serve hours upon hours planning classes, trainings, events, and curricula as well as budgeting, decision-making, and preparing monthly, term, and annual reports and evaluations that maintain a healthy program.
Our Nursery Staff has a deep affection for early childhood development. They are well trained, CPR-certified, and experienced with the specific needs of this age range. Most importantly, these people love your kids.
1U Volunteer RE Teachers are background checked, vetted, and matched to a position in keeping with their skills, talent, and passion. They are not just incredible people doing great things for kids: RE Volunteers are the teachers you wanted when you were a child; they are making an impact on your child’s faith formation.
The congregation at large has a powerful influence on our children. They lead by example and live their values here on campus and out in the larger community. We are proud of our members that live their true selves, stand up for injustice, and make the world a better place.
All of our people are helping to raise the next generation of UUs. We have a wonderful village, and we hope to see you in it soon.
GET INVOLVED!
We are helping to raise the next generation of UUs—informed and engaged community activists with progressive values. We all have a part to play. What skills and talents would you like to share with the kids of 1U? Please visit our Volunteer Page to start your journey.
For more information, contact:
Jessica Hunt, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, DCYM@OrlandoUU.org