Children’s Church (Sunday School, Religious Education, or RE)
Known by many names, the Unitarian Universalist approach to RE is that it is life-long. We consider one’s education regarding theology and how to live a moral life to be in constant formation. UUs are famous for their varied curricula designed to help one think for themselves as opposed to being told what to think.
Pullman Memorial Universalist Church benefits from its smaller size when it comes to Youth RE. Classes for children are more intimate and open to a broader range of participant ages (somewhat akin to a one-room schoolhouse). In our program, older children interact with younger ones – and mentoring relationships between them may develop that can span transitions from child to teen to young adult.
Our main RE room is filled with stimulating materials which include art supplies, books, chalkboard, music, and more. We believe hands-on activities can teach more, and have longer-lasting effects, than lessons simply read from a handbook.
Members of the church take turns leading the children’s RE classes. And, of course, children and youth are invited to attend “adult” RE programs when appropriate.
Adult Religious Education at PMUC also takes a variety of forms. There is a monthly book discussion group, and also a monthly “Movie with the Minister.” Both are designed to present a topic or concept (such as ‘Faith’, or ‘Water’) to delve into and compare ideas and opinions on. Being open to thinking about subjects from other perspectives is key to growing one’s own set of beliefs, and our RE programs for adults build upon what we’ve already learned to enhance our understanding of life.
Overall, we strive to be as inter-generational as we can. We view our members as coming together to form an “extended family” and we want all ages to be in relationship. We like to have children in our worship services for at least part of the time, and ministers usually have a story to share with them before they go off to Sunday school. Our pot-luck suppers are enriched by having both kids and adults “breaking bread” together. The goal at Pullman Memorial is one of creating an environment where all are honored, respected, and loved – not in spite of one’s age, but because of it.
