R.E. News
Religious Exploration (R.E.) Bundle o' News
If you are interested in being added to the RE listserv or helping with these events please contact Kinsey Moritz.
We require a new registration form for all young people (age 0-18) involved in RE each year to ensure we have correct and up-to-date information for everyone.
Update for RE for week of 04/17/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth gathered to start a new theme of the month, embracing possibilities. This week, children and youth learned about embracing possibilities of building a better world!
The PreK/K group started the class by playing a fun icebreaker game! Then, they introduced themselves and talked about their favorite snack (peaches, candy, ice cream, and fondue were all discussed!). Afterwards, they read the book Say Something by Peter Reynolds and made speaking tubes as a craft!
Summer RE Volunteers Needed
Summer RE is rapidly approaching, and we are looking for a team of 10-15 volunteers to help assist on Sundays between 9:30-11:30 AM. You’ll get to learn and play with children of all ages, enjoy fun Summer Camp themed programming, and choose Sundays that work for your schedule. Even if you can only make one session, we would love to have you! Plus, there is no preparation required — just show up ready to help. If you’ve been considering volunteering in RE, this is a great way to try it out. Email Moritz at for more information and to sign up!
Update for RE for week of 04/10/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth gathered with the entire congregation for the multigenerational service. During the service, they participated in the annual ERUUF flower ceremony. They also listened to music, stories, and reflections. After service, all children and youth participated in an Easter Can Hunt, where they searched for cans.
In total, we donated over 100 cans of food to Emmanuel’s Pantry!
Emanuel Food Pantry's March Collection
Big THANKS to everyone who donated food in March and to the RE youth who helped sort the different varieties of proteins into boxes for delivery to the Emanuel Food Pantry. The partnership between the Multicultural Team and RE is an ongoing initiative to help address food insecurity in Durham.
- On Sunday, April 12, we will be collecting hot/cold breakfast cereals
- On Sunday, April 19, we will be collecting all varieties of protein.
We will be in the Fellowship Hall after both the 9am (4/12 only) and the 11am services.
Update for RE for week of 04/03/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth concluded the RE theme of the month, paying attention!
The PreK/K group learned about the importance of paying attention to water. They started the class by playing a fun movement game, then they introduced themselves to the class and shared their favorite outside activity. Afterwards, they observed some cool water, and read the book All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon. Then they did some water color painting!
The 1st - 8th grade group learned about the importance of paying attention to inequality. They read the book Something Happened in our Town: a Child’s Story about Racial Injustice, and they had conversations about injustice in small groups. After discussing, they played an unjust penny pick up game. Then they broke into groups based on interest, the craft group made an equity flower garden, and the activity group played a movement game centered around justice.
The high school youth group gathered after service to eat, chat, and play fun games!
Update for RE for week of 03/29/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth resumed RE classes, and continued the March theme of the month, paying attention!
The PreK/K group started the class by doing a fun finger breathing exercise, and introducing themselves to each other! Then, they read the book Moody Cow by Kerry Lee MacLean. Afterwards, they practiced deep breathing by trying to blow bubbles very slowly. While blowing bubbles, they played with each other on the playground!
Update for RE for week of 03/22/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth joined the entire congregation for our multigenerational service. They enjoyed hearing both children’s choirs sing, shared a joyful read-aloud with Rev. Jim, and listened as families reflected on their experiences at ERUUF. The service also featured an interactive sermon that invited everyone’s participation—and it was a lot of fun!
Update for RE for week of 03/15/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth gathered to continue learning about the March theme of the month, paying attention!
The PreK - K class learned about the importance of paying attention to inequality! They started the class by playing an unfair version of keeping the balloon off the floor, and discussed how the game could be more fair for everyone. Then, they read the book Malala’s Magic Pencil, and made their own magic pencil with drawings of change they want to see in the world! Afterwards, they spent time enjoying the nice weather on the playground (and playing fairly with others!).
Update for RE for week of 03/08/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth gathered to begin a new theme of the month: The Power of Paying Attention!
The PreK/K children started the class by playing a game of compliment toss, where they complimented each other and tossed a small ball around. Then, they learned about the importance of paying attention to our impact on others, and how nice words can go a long way. They also read the book Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, and enjoyed the nice weather on the playground!
Update for RE for week of 03/01/2026
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth gathered for the final Sunday of the month. They wrapped up the month by learning about how we can find resilience through silliness!
The PreK/K class jumped right into introducing themselves and everyone got to light their own chalice candle! Then, they read the book Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type! By Doreen Cronin, and they shared a good laugh during a whoopie cushion moment! They also did a silly craft, where they made their own silly sculptures. Toothpicks quickly became ‘spikes’ during craft time! They wrapped up the class by playing fun circle games and giggling together!
