Religious Education
Religious education programs for children, youth and adults are central to our ministry.
We teach the daily application of ethical and religious values in an atmosphere that nurtures each child's individual dignity. We encourage them to delight in nature, in ecology, and to understand the interdependent web of the universe. We rejoice in artistic and scientific accomplishments of humankind. We acquaint them with the heroes and heroines from our history, bible stories, and teachings from all the major world religions.
Because of our belief that religious education should go on throughout the span of our lives, our Adult Education groups focus on spiritual, personal, and intellectual growth.
- Children and Youth
- Adults
- Director
- Calendar
Mission Statement
At the Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation, our goal is to provide a joyful environment in which children may grow – intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
We fulfill our mission by:
- Teaching the beliefs embodied in our living tradition and the seven principles and purposes of Unitarian Universalism
- Fostering social responsibility
- Teaching our children to question and find their own spiritual paths
- Welcoming our children into our church community and the greater UU fellowship
- Providing an emotionally and physically secure environment.
Class Time
Classes meet on Sunday mornings concurrently with the service at 10:30 AM. On most Sundays, children will come to the service at the beginning and then are ‘sung’ to their classrooms. Some days there will be a “Time for all Ages” and on occasion the children will stay throughout the whole service. After class the children will be on the playground. They must be signed out by 12:30, unless special arrangements have been made in advance.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum addresses timeless themes, which we rotate.
- Unitarian Universalist history and identity
- Our Jewish and Christian heritages
- Diversity, including the wisdom of other world religions
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)
YRUU was established for 14 to 20 year olds as a “religious organization dedicated to such purposes as fostering spiritual depth, creating a peaceful community on earth and peace within us, and clarifying both individual and universal religious values as part of our growth process”. It is designed as a youth-adult collaboration, with the adult referred to as “advisors”. There are a variety of activities both at the congregational and district level.
Special Events and Activities
Throughout the year, we hold special events and activities for our community. Some of them include:
- Water Ceremony
- Halloween Party
- Winter Holiday Performance and Party
- Christmas Eve Celebration
- Val Pals (Valentine Day’s Party)
- Easter Celebration
- Religious Education Celebration and Picnic
- Blessing of the Animals
Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Welcome! I have been a member of this congregation
since 1991, when my husband and I were looking for some type
of inclusive religious education to give our two sons. We
found it here, and our sons, now ages 19 and 23 basically
grew up in this congregation.
Since coming here, I have always been involved in the Religious
Education program, both as parent and teacher. I have served
as chair of the Religious Education Council, and have been
in the position of Director of Religious Education since
July 2001.
Although my educational background is in cultural anthropology,
I also have an excellent foundation in child development.
I continue to read, attend seminars and other events, and
became a Credentialed Religious Educator, Associate Level
in March 2006. This is a program for professional religious
educators who are committed to Unitarian Universalist religious
education, designed and encouraged by the Unitarian Universalist
Association.
Our philosophy is to provide a joyful environment in which
children may grow -intellectually, emotionally, socially,
and spiritually. We have many engaging classes and fun social
activities. The program needs everyone’s assistance
to keep it vibrant. There are many opportunities to help.
Please check out our program, and feel free to contact me
at with any suggestions, questions, or assistance.
Special Events
| September 7, 2008 | New Education Year Begins |
| September 27, 2008 | Homer Davis Day – Family Activities with Montessori; Dedication of new youth area |
| October 12, 2008 | Walk for the Hungry – Community Outreach Event |
| October 25, 2008 | Congregational Halloween Party |
| December 21, 2008 | Children’s Winter Program & Winter Holiday Party |
| February 8, 2009 | Val Pal Party |
| April 12, 2009 | Easter Sunday |
| May 15-17 | de Benneville Retreat |
| June 14 | Children’s Program/RE Celebration & Picnic |
Fall Semester - September 7 – November 16
Children’s Worship
- September 7
- October 5
- November 2
Activity Sunday
- September 21
- October 19
- November 16
Winter/Spring Semester – January 4-April 26
Children’s Worship
- January 4
- February 1
- March 1
- April 5
Activity Sunday
- January 18
- February 15
- March 15
- April 12 (Easter Sunday)