While each of us chooses to be involved in a church for any number of reasons, we believe that religious education is and should be up near the top. Our Religious Education Program helps children and youth develop a world view that will support and provide an ultimate context for their developing lives. It encourages a sense of awe and reverence and the development of the spiritual dimension of life. It helps them to develop positive values for living and offers them a grounding in Unitarian Universalism. Our approach is liberal and expansive - encouraging the deepening of the spirit and the growth of human understanding and healthy commitment.

The RE Program is an essential part of a family's church experience. Many parents first come to our church primarily seeking an open and nurturing religious education for their children. At FPUU we recognize that all of us, not just parents, are responsible for the religious education of the children and youth of the congregation. An essential element of our mission is to build a brighter future through the religious education of our young people.

The success of our program depends on the cooperative efforts of the entire congregation. Each parent is expected to volunteer in some capacity throughout the year (e.g., lead a group, help with special events, or read a story). Adults in the congregation who do not have children in the program are also encouraged to volunteer.

Regular attendance builds community and a sense of belonging. At the same time, we welcome all children and youth no matter how often they come.

Our religious tradition draws from many sources: wisdom from the world's religions, Jewish and Christian teachings, Humanist teachings, Earth-centered traditions, and the deeds and words of prophetic women and men from all cultures and all times. Our RE Program reflects these diverse sources. Children and youth learn to respect themselves and the diversity of other human beings, to consider the relevance of the teachings of many varying religious traditions, to reflect upon the wonders of the world in which we live, and to develop their own sense of spirituality.

As UU's, most of us spend our entire lives formulating our religious beliefs - it's a part of what we are all about! Since we have no creed, we don't try to give our children religion. Instead, we help them develop their own, to question and to wonder. We teach them how to think about religion, not what to think about it.

Special Events

We begin the year with an Intergenerational Water Gathering Service on Sunday, September 11. Groups begin meeting on September 18. Other special events include an Intergenerational Blessing of the Animals Service, a Chili Luncheon and Talent Show, the Annual Holiday Pageant, and Valentine Crafts. Service oriented activities include Guest At Your Table, Food Collection and Easter Basket Collection.