Religious Exploration

Our “Religious Exploration” (RE) responsibilities are to:

• Create a safe and supportive learning environment for our children, youth and adults that will encourage personal growth, self-esteem and an appreciation of diversity
• Develop friendships and a sense of belonging to the Fellowship and the greater community
• Reinforce spiritual, ethical and moral strengths that will help in responding to life's challenges
• Explore the history, heritage, traditions and principles of Unitarian Universalism as well as other spiritual and religious belief systems

The role of Religious Exploration in Unitarian congregations is to help individuals of all ages to experience connections, compassion, and creativity. Religious Exploration is full life span in scope and provides programming for all ages.

Children

Toddlers and Infants spend their time in a safe and comfortable nursery with a trained care-giver. Children 5 years of age and up remain with their parents for the first half of the morning service where they are honoured with a “story for all ages” and participate in sharing “joys and concerns” from their personal lives. They then leave the main room for their special time together before returning to join their parents or care-givers around Noon after the service has concluded.

While enjoying their special time the children are often engaged in creative and diverse activities, e.g. art, music, plays, story-telling, studying world religions and Unitarian-Universalist principles and values etc. These sessions take place in a classroom setting led by our RE teachers. Parents take turns assisting in the classroom and to ensure that there are 2 adults present at all times.

At several times during the year, the children participate in “intergenerational” themes allowing them to stay with the adults for the full service, enjoying special roles that actively involve them during the service.

Our children play a very special role in our congregation and are treated always with dignity and respect. They develop a greater sense of self-worth and confidence and recognize the benefits of a liberal education that encourages exploration and creativity.