2824 E. 18th Avenue.
Anchorage, AK 99508
Tel: 907-248-3737
All are welcome to our Fellowship of diverse people who come together to nurture each other, to grow ethically, spiritually and intellectually, and to help create a just, safe and caring community.
Key RE People: Staff, teachers, teams and helpers
AUUF's highly regarded and popular Religious Exploration program for Children and Youth requires the time and commitment from staff and a care of dedicated volunteers drawn from the fellowship and parents.
Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
Jennifer Bluntach
The DRE oversees and organizes the fellowship's numerous RE programs for children and youth. She provides leadership for the Children and Youth Committee as it carries out RE program activities, trains and supports RE teachers, and advocates for children throughout AUUF programming. She assists and collaborates with various ministry teams and committees as they carry out fellowship functions and activities.
The DRE's office is located downstairs at the AUUF facility. Typical hours Jenn is available in her office are Sundays 9am-11am, Tuesday and Thursdays, 11am-3pm, and by appointment. You can reach Jenn at dre@anchorageuuf.org. Please feel free to reach out any time with questions, concerns or suggestions. Thank you!
RE Support Teams
Children & Youth Religious Exploration Committee
The Children & Youth Religious Exploration (CYRE) Committee works closely with the DRE to plan, implement and oversee the Religious Exploration program for our children. These volunteers have often been previously involved as teachers and classroom helpers, and they use this experience to develop and coordinate programs, activities and enhancement. Our amazing current CYRE committee includes Annie Belts, Andee Cordano, Mary Prestage, Katie Melrose, Kalen Saxon and Elayne Hunter.
Youth Advisors
Youth Advisors are dedicated and enthusiastic adults who work closely with the DRE in engaging the HS youth program. Youth Advisors serve as resources and assist not only Sunday mornings but with the Coming of Age program.
RE Teachers and Classroom Helpers
Teaching and mentoring is at the heart of RE. AUUF people from all walks and phases of life contribute their time and talents to teach UU values and principles. Class ages include toddler to High School Youth.
Parent involvement is important. We believe that parents are the child's primary religious educator and as such, parents are expected to play an active role in supporting their child's involvement with our Religious Exploration program in some way. The program can not run without committed volunteers, and many hands taking turns in RE.
There are many ways to volunteer--dropping of snacks, helping in RE Sunday classes, seasonal projects, celebrations and festivities; or supporting one-time program events.
Contact Jenn if you have interest in helping in any area of our RE programming. We would be thrilled to have you!