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 both 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 4–15 during the 11:15 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.
Naka-on 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 while introducing children to Unitarian Universalist values. Lessons are thoughtfully planned around themes from Bluey, using stories and play to explore concepts such as kindness, cooperation, empathy, and fairness. Children learn through movement, art, imaginative play, and conversation in a warm and supportive environment.

Upper Elementary (Ages 7–10)

Children in Upper Elementary engage with our Soul Matters curriculum, which follows the same monthly themes as our worship services. Through play?based activities, stories, and creative projects, children explore topics such as Belonging, Inclusion, Gratitude, and Hope. This shared congregational theme helps create a cohesive spiritual experience for children and their families.

Tweens & Teens (Ages 11–15)

Tweens and teens meet together with peers for programming that is more discussion?based and reflective. Sessions often include conversations about ethical questions, current events, and real?life challenges, all grounded in Unitarian Universalist values. Youth are encouraged to ask questions, share perspectives, and practice respectful dialogue in a 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 Shannon Morrison, Director of Religious Exploration, at dre@uucmp.org.