RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
Explore and celebrate UU beliefs.
Unitarian Church North (UCN) and all Unitarian
Universalist (UU) children’s programs build resilience and encourage children to
connect with their own quest for purpose and meaning. Youth learn respect for
themselves and others. They experience spiritual practices and learn ways to
center themselves.
For all grade levels, our programs create peer connections and genuine
friendships. UUA’s programs nurture children’s ethics, UU identity, knowledge of
other religions, and promote social justice principles.
UU 7 Principles
Youth Version
Upcoming Programming
Nursery
UCN’s nursey is staffed for the entire length of the service. The staff keeps the children engaged with a variety of activities, games and toys to provide them with an enriching experience.
2026/2027 School Year Programming
This year the Religious Exploration (RE) program will be offering three curricula for the K4 –2 nd graders, the 3 rd - 5 th graders, and 6 th – 9 th graders.
The K4 to Second Grade Class is working with UUA “Wonderful Welcome.”
This curriculum helps children explore welcoming as a core Unitarian Universalist value while practicing friendship, hospitality, fairness, empathy, and helping. Through age-appropriate activities, children discover the intangible gifts they give and receive—such as love, friendship, kindness, and compassion—and how these gifts help create a welcoming community.
The Third to Fifth Grade Class is using the “UUA UU Values Challenge” and “JET PIG” curricula.
Both focus on our UU values and principles (Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity) Together, they encourage us to
build a fair and diverse Beloved Community, keep learning and growing, honor differences, recognize our interconnectedness, and share generously; and explore ways they can aid them in addressing life’s challenges.
The Sixth to Nineth Grade Class will be using the UUA Riddle and Mystery curriculum that is directed toward assisting youth in their own search for understanding.
Each session introduces and processes a Big Question, including for example: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? Does God exist? and What happens when you die? The curriculum ends with UU related questions: Can we ever solve life’s mystery? How can I know what to believe? What does Unitarian Universalism mean to me?
In addition to the monthly Funology hikes, addressing the importance of respecting our role in nature, Spirit Play and Deeper Joy will also be offered as multi-age programming throughout the year. The latter will help students to live our UU values through group interaction.
Finally, we are working on building a teen cohort to participate in a Popcorn Theology program, in which they will watch movies and discuss the underlying social and ethical issues addressed in the movie.
Please feel free to contact Jessy Knox, Religious Education Family Programming Coordinator. Her office hours are Thursdays 10 AM – 3 PM and she will be present at Sunday Services to greet families and provide information. She also can be contacted at refpc@ucnorth.org.
See what RE has been up to!
Decisions at UCN are made by a vote of all the members, in keeping with our Principle #5 to respect the democratic process in conducting church business.
We start with what we call “Barn Banter,” an open discussion in our 8-sided barn church sanctuary. All have a turn to speak while the rest of us listen, and all ideas are recorded. On some topics, members may be in strong agreement. On others, not so much, and more time is needed for a consensus to develop.
In searching for a new Director of Religious Education, a Barn Banter was held to gather opinions about the future of RE at UCN. Those opinions have been transcribed, and a Committee is now meeting to consider next steps.
We take turns sharing our opinions.
We listen to each other.
We record ideas all have shared.
Coming of Age
A STUDENT PROGRAM AT UCN
As part of our youth Religious Education program, high school students may choose to participate in the year-long Coming of Age program. This program enables youth to develop their personal beliefs and deepen their Unitarian Universalist faith through study and reflection, workshops, retreats and social action/community service projects.
Each participant is paired with a mentor who helps guide his/her self-discovery over the course of the year. The program culminates in a special church service, where youth who choose to do so may share their spiritual journey with the congregation. At this point the Coming of Age youth may sign the church membership book and enjoy the voting privileges that membership confers.
