Religious Exploration - Family Ministry
In line with Unitarian Universalist values, the Anchorage UU Fellowship promotes knowledge as a catalyst for understanding and tolerance. Accepting and respecting diverse beliefs and cultures begins early and is founded in our robust Religious Exploration (RE) programs for children, youth and adults.
As a family ministry, RE programs are aimed at every stage of our lifespan.
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Children & Youth programs — age-appropriate curricula for toddlers to teens
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Multi-generation and Extra Curricular RE Programs — encouraging connection between all ages within and beyond AUUF walls
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Our Whole Lives (OWL) — sexuality education from kindergarten to adult
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Religious Exploration for Adults can be found as a component of the Adult Programs Ministry.
Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
Who, What When and Where
Who: 100+ young people (age 1 year through high school) annually enroll in classes and programs led by volunteer teaching teams with support from a Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration (DLRE).
What: They explore religious ideas through exciting themed activities, seasonal festivities, social service projects and classroom curricula emphasizing our UU heritage ― world religions, peace and social justice.
When: During the regular school year (mid-September to early May), a full RE program with age-grouped classes is offered during the 11 a.m. service. During the summer months, children engage in cross-age programs.
Where: Usually begin by gathering in Room 5 downstairs, before proceeding to classrooms. Children sometimes begin upstairs, joining the 11 a.m. service in the Sanctuary for about 15 minutes, before proceeding to classrooms. Updated signs in stairwells indicate where children begin.
What you need to know about our RE programs
Sunday Classes
Classroom Curricula
What will we explore?
Who leads and supports us?
RE Registration
How do we participate?
Where do we go?
Beyond Classrooms
(Fall Folic, Stay-n-Play + more)
(Spring Fling, Soup Sunday + more)
(Peace Camp, Scouting + more)
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
(Sexuality Education for all ages)
RE Resources
Books for Parents and Teachers
Stories, videos, activities for parents
Dates, times and themes
RE program paperwork
Child Care
During Services
During the regular school year (mid-September to early May), AUUF offers childcare for children ages 1-12 to enable parents to attend the Sunday 9 a.m. Speaker's Forum service. During the summer, childcare is not available for the 9 a.m. service, however, childcare is available during the 11 a.m. service.
Supporting AUUF Events
Childcare is also frequently available during annual fellowship events and other AUUF-sponsored activities to allow adults to take part in these programs.
Childcare Provider Opportunities
We welcome youth over age 14 and adults to apply to be a paid childcare provider. Contact the Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration.
