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 03/09/2025
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth kicked off the new RE theme of the Month: Trust! The kids tapped into their inner superheroes as they explored the power of self-trust, creating their own unique superhero masks. The younger children enjoyed the story I Can Do Hard Things, while the older ones read the wisdom story The Little Engine That Could. It was a fantastic way to begin the month of March!
We’d love for you to join us next Sunday as we continue our exploration of trust. The children will discuss the importance of trusting one another, engaging in stories, games, and thoughtful discussions. It’s going to be another great week!
Update for RE for week of 03/02/2025
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth gathered to continue their journey through February's theme of inclusion, diving deep into the concepts of self-care and self-love. It was a wonderful day filled with affirmations, creative crafts, and exciting games! The younger children enjoyed the heartwarming story Chrysanthemum, decorated mirrors, and celebrated with an energetic affirmation dance party! Meanwhile, the older children listened to the timeless wisdom of The Ugly Duckling, created their own mirror art, and played a fun game of "I Love My Body" charades.
We invite you to join us next Sunday as we begin exploring March’s theme of trust! Children and youth will delve into the importance of trusting yourself, enjoy inspiring stories, and unleash their creativity by making superhero masks.
Child Dedication March 30 and Child Dedication Orientation March 9
NEW DATE: Child Dedication March 30
NEW DATE: Child Dedication Orientation March 9
ERUUF will have our annual child dedication on March 30 during the 11:00 am service. If you are interested in having your child or children be part of the dedication, please plan to attend our child dedication orientation on Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 am. Register here. If you have questions about what a Child Dedication is or what it means in a UU congregation, Rev. Jim welcomes your questions.
Update for RE for week of 02/23/2025
RENews:
This past Sunday, children and youth came together to deepen their exploration of our February theme of inclusion. The younger children enjoyed reading Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, and explored a selection of inclusive children’s books from our fellowship. Meanwhile, the older children engaged with the wisdom story “Milk and Sugar” and collaborated on a fun and creative Lego activity.
Our middle school class took a closer look at the Islamic faith in preparation for their visit to the Islamic Center of Raleigh this upcoming Sunday. Both youth groups enjoyed a delightful bagel feast, with the middle schoolers also going ice skating!
We invite you to join us this Sunday as children and youth continue their RE classes. We’ll be focusing on self-care and body positivity, with all children participating in uplifting affirmations and listening to inspiring stories.
Update for RE for week of 02/16/2025
RENews:
On Sunday, children and youth of all ages participated in a multigenerational service focused on making the world a better place. It was an inspiring and interactive experience, and it was wonderful to see so many people come together! This upcoming Sunday, we'll continue exploring our February theme of inclusion. Specifically, children and youth will engage in a discussion about the importance of including all stories in history. All children will also have the opportunity to listen to impactful stories, play a game, and take part in activities centered around the theme of inclusivity.
Pulse Survey and Donuts for Parents on February 16
Fill out the Pulse Survey
Commons Room after 11:00 am service
CEM is providing donuts!
Each year, the Committee on the Evaluation of Ministry (CEM) conducts the Pulse survey to tell the Board, Ministers, and Staff of ERUUF how you feel things are going. For more information or to fill it out before it closes at the end of February 23, click here.
Because we know that family schedules can get full (and filling out a survey can easily slip out of the mind), we invite you to join us in the Commons Room after 11:00 am worship on Sunday, February 16 where the CEM will offer donuts and coffee and time/space for you to fill out the Pulse survey while your children play on the playground.
Coming of Age Boston 2025 Fundraiser Goal Met!
Thanks to your generous donations, we raised more than our goal of $5,000 to help offset the cost of the Coming of Age trip for the families of our youth. We couldn't do this without you! We look forward to updating you on our pilgrimage after we have taken it this summer.
Update for RE for week of 02/09/2025
RENews:
On Sunday, our children and youth explored the theme of inclusion. The younger children enjoyed a story about inclusion, created their own imaginary pets, and engaged in thoughtful discussions about the importance of including everyone. The older children took part in an inclusion circle, listened to the story of The Fox and the Stork, and went on a scavenger hunt around the fellowship to discover examples of inclusion in action.
This coming Sunday, we’ll have a multigenerational worship service focusing on how we can embody love and inclusion in today’s world. We hope you'll join us!
Photos from the morning can be found here.
Update for RE for week of 02/02/2025
RENews:
This past Sunday, we said a heartfelt goodbye to Melissa Smith. Our children and youth made gifts, enjoyed delicious food, and played fun games. We are deeply grateful for all of Melissa’s contributions to the RE program and will miss her greatly
We invite you to join us this upcoming Sunday, as we start a new topic in RE: Inclusion! Children and youth will explore the ways people can be left out, and learn about how we can create a welcoming environment by including everyone in our circles, stories, and fellowship.
Photos from the morning can be found here.
Update for RE for week of 01/26/2025
RENews:
This past Sunday, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a morning full of inspiration and fun. We explored how stories can inspire social change, read books about MLK Jr., and shared meaningful conversations. The younger children took part in a lively percussion circle to the song "Building a New Way," while the older children played a twist on Jenga, asking that each time we move a brick, we consider in what way could we make the world better, and acknowledging that sometimes things fall apart and we have to rebuild.
We invite you to join us this Sunday as we gather to formally say goodbye and extend our heartfelt thanks to Melissa Smith for her dedication and hard work in the RE program. It will be a time of gratitude, with snacks, fun activities, and, of course, plenty of joy shared among our community!
Photos from the morning can be found here.
