Parents and caregivers come to UUCMP seeking a community that helps guide children to be kind, respectful, fair–minded, caring, and courageous people who can make a difference in the world. Our Religious Exploration (RE) programs support what families teach at home by nurturing curiosity, spirituality, and moral values that grow with children over time.
Through story, song, art, movement, discussion, and play, our RE offerings engage many learning styles, abilities, and energy levels. Children and youth are invited to explore Unitarian Universalist values in ways that are age–appropriate, meaningful, and joyful.

Sunday Morning Religious Exploration

Staffed Nursery (Ages 6 months–3 years)

A safe, caring, and welcoming space is available for our youngest community members during Sunday morning services. The nursery offers free–choice play and attentive supervision so caregivers can participate in worship knowing their little ones are well cared for.

Religious Exploration Classes (11:15 a.m. Service)

RE programming is available for children and youth ages 4–18 during the morning service. On most Sundays, children begin worship in the sanctuary with their families. After the Story for All Ages, they are sung out to their classrooms for programming designed just for them.

पर Multigenerational Sundays, children and youth remain in the sanctuary for the full service and often help lead worship alongside adults. Quiet activities such as coloring, reading, and fidget toys are always welcome as part of our inclusive worship experience.

Our RE Classrooms

Lower Elementary Class (Ages 4–6)

Our Lower Elementary class focuses on building social–emotional skills and community, while introducing children to Unitarian Universalist values. Lessons are based on our Soul Matters curriculum, which follows the same monthly themes as out worship services. Children learn through stories, movement, art, imaginative play, and conversation in a warm and supportive environment.

Upper Elementary (Ages 7–10)

Children in Upper Elementary are learning Unitarian Universalist values through the JETPIG Cooperative Challenge Curriculum, which focuses on one major UU value each week through an engaging story about a pig trying to find its way home. Through play–based activities, stories, and creative projects, children gain an understanding of Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Gratitude, all powered by Love. Once a month, they do an additional activity focusing on how science and nature relate to UU values.

Tweens & Teens (Ages 11–15)

Tweens and teens follow the Soul Matters “On the Road Together“ curriculum, with the same monthly themes as adult worship. This flexible curriculum allows the youth to select the kinds of activities, including games, crafts, readings, and discussion, that are most meaningful to them, as they are guided by a team of congregation members. They also have opportunities to interview congregation members about their lives and discuss how those lives reflect Unitarian Universalist values. Youth are encouraged to discuss ethical questions and seek their own spiritual paths within a respectful, supportive community.

Welcome!

Newcomers are always welcome in our Religious Exploration programs. We are glad to partner with families as children and youth grow in curiosity, compassion, and connection. Be sure to visit the RE Table to meet one of our teachers and select a book or quiet activity for use throughout your visit.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Irwin, Director of Religious Exploration, at dre@uucmp.org.

Lower Elementary and Tween ?Teen – Soul Matters Themes for 2026-27 Year

• September: Beginnings
• October: Courage
• ?November: Healing
• December: Awe
• January: Thresholds
• February: Commitment
• March: Balance
• April: Emergence
• May: Play
• June: Horizons