The UUSO Religious Exploration (RE) Curriculum is rooted in Unitarian Universalist principles and designed to help children grow as ethical thinkers, spiritual seekers, and compassionate community members.

Through age-appropriate stories, hands-on activities, world religious teachings, and experiential learning, our curriculum nurtures:

• Spiritual curiosity and the freedom to ask big questions
  
• Empathy and kindness through shared rituals, discussions, and connection
  
• A sense of wonder about the natural world and our place in it
  
• Awareness of justice and fairness, both locally and globally
  
• Respect for diverse beliefs, traditions, and identities 

 Our Core Goals Are to:

• Encourage spiritual growth and self-discovery
  
• Cultivate a deep respect for all people and the interdependent web of life
  
• Provide tools for children to live UU values in everyday life
  
• Build a caring and inclusive RE community where every child feels safe and valued 

Each month, we explore a central theme—like Justice, Gratitude, or Wonder—using stories, games, crafts, music, and movement. Our lessons are designed to help children not just learn about values, but practice and live them.

 What to Expect on Sunday Mornings

At UUSO, our Religious Exploration (RE) program is a joyful, inclusive space where children and families are supported in growing spiritually, ethically, and in community. Each Sunday, children are invited to explore Unitarian Universalist values through storytelling, play, creativity, and wonder.

 Schedule:

• 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
  
• Children will meet downstairs for RE Class 
  
• Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available across the hall, staffed by trained, loving caregivers.

 Our Class Flow

Each week, children in grades K–6 (ages 5–12) experience a structured but flexible class format that supports connection, curiosity, and spiritual growth:

• Chalice Lighting & Welcome
  
• Check-In & Joys and Sorrows
  
• Theme-Based Story or Exploration
  
• Discussion & Wonder Questions
  
• Hands-on Activity, Craft, or Game
  
• Closing Circle & Chalice Extinguishing

 

 2024–2025 Monthly Themes

Our RE lessons are built around spiritual and ethical themes that rotate each month, grounded in UU values and connected to world religions, nature, justice, and wonder.

September - Belonging

October - Courage 

November - Gratitude 

December - Mystery 

January - Justice

February - Love 

March - Transformation

April - Growth

May - Patience

June - Community

July - Freedom

August - Wonder

 Meet JETPIG, Our UU Superpower Acronym!

At UUSO, we teach our children that Unitarian Universalism gives us the tools to live with purpose and compassion. We remember this with our friend JETPIG, who reminds us of the key values we grow in RE:

• J – Justice 
• E – Equity 
• T – Truth 
• P – Peace 
• I – Inclusion 
• G – Gratitude 

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The UU Principles (Children's Version)

Each and every person is important.

* All people should be treated fairly.
* Our church is a place where all people are accepted and where we keep on learning together.
* Each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
* Everyone should have a vote about things that concern them.
* We work for a peaceful, fair and free world.
* We care for the Interconnected Web of All Life

A Note from Our RE Coordinator

Dear Families,

It is a joy to welcome your children into our Religious Exploration program. At UUSO, we strive to create a space where children are seen, heard, and celebrated, where they can ask bold questions, grow their spirits, and build meaningful relationships.

Through engaging lessons, nature-based learning, world religions, and UU values, we hope to nurture not only curiosity, but compassion, resilience, and joy. We look forward to getting to know your family and walking this journey with you.

In Wonder and Peace,
Hannah Amedure
Religious Exploration Coordinator
UUSO

 

Questions?

We’d love to connect. Please reach out to Hannah at dre@uuso.org for more information about RE classes, volunteer opportunities, or curriculum details.