Religious Education
guiding our children, youth and adults:
Nurturing the individual spirit within our loving community
Understanding that we are part of Unitarian Universalist heritage, past, present and future
Cultivating curiosity about, appreciation for, and engagement with all faith traditions
Developing a lifelong practice of service
Encouraging mindfulness and a sense of wonder
Our Religious Education Offerings
-
Our nursery is staffed by two assistants and is for children ages Pre-K and under.
Are you ready to accept the gift of loving childcare while you attend services?
-
VALUES ROOM – ONE ROOM Schoolhouse GROUP – A (K through 3rd grades)
Lessons occur in our Values Resource Room – The Tomlinson Room, where children will learn about our UU Values in an experiential, hands-on, activity-based environment. Specifics are to be determined based on enrollment.VALUES ROOM – ONE ROOM Schoolhouse GROUP – B optional (4-year-old Pre-K level w/ PARENT Aide)
This offering is available provisionally – a parent or caregiver must accompany each pre-kindergarten child. Parents assisting their children are not part of the Religious Education teaching team; they will be the designated classroom aide for their children. Lessons occur in our Values Resource Room – The Tomlinson Room, where children will learn about our UU Values in an experiential, hands-on, activity-based environment.
Reminder: As the developmental gap between a Pre-K student and a Kindergarten student is huge, we can only integrate Pre-Kindergarten 4-year-old children who are 4 years old in September of 2025 into our one-room schoolhouse Values Room program with parental accompaniment.Are you ready to explore UU values through experiential play-based lessons?
-
The U-YG loosely follows traditional self-exploration lessons and ideas found in our programs with the added benefit of peer modeling by older youth. The U-YG is designed to promote and enhance the development of our youth by instilling a sense of competence, purpose, and belonging. There will be many opportunities for the youth to grow and learn more about being UU, all while having fun. They will explore our Beloved Community through service opportunities and interactions within the ministry areas of UUCM, and engage in Youth bonding experiences through regular peer meetings.
Are you ready to give your teenager the gift of a supportive spiritual community?
-
In-depth learning about self, where we are in the world, and the UU Universe. The COA program offers ninth and tenth graders an engaging and structured environment to explore significant issues at this transitional stage of life.
Are you ready to help your adolescent explore their values, identity and purpose in the world?
-
OWL is a comprehensive, age-appropriate, lifespan sexuality education curriculum for use in secular settings and faith communities. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision-making, and has the potential to save lives.
Are you ready to delve into the complexities of sexuality in a spiritual, values-driven way that honors all identities and expressions?
-
A creative role-playing game where students create characters that offer kids who are already grappling with complicated questions about their lives ways to explore different aspects of themselves and society safely. Drop-ins are limited (available only with advanced notice/Teacher permission). There is an ability level and age requirement for this class: 4th grade and up. EXCEPTIONS to this requirement must be approved by the Dungeon Masters. This activity is also conditional upon the student’s UU knowledge base.
Are you ready to explore teamwork and spark imagination by participating in adventurous problem-solving?
-
Meeting once monthly on 1st Wednesdays in the Peierls Room at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair.
High school Youth through folks from the “Greatest Generation” are welcome and encouraged to enroll.
Led by Lee Wilson, a card game champion and proponent!
We will learn some great games while learning a bit more about what it takes to have fun.
Register Here -
Adult Religious Education occurs throughout the year. Specific programs are advertised in our weekly email blast (email us to join our mailing list.)
Here is our Annual plan for Adult Education. To engage with any of these offerings contact Rev. Scott at revscott@uumontclair.org.
Early Fall – Great Works – a class that dives deeply into a classic work with contemporary resonance.
Late Fall – UU Theology – a class that serves to orient newcomers and help long time Unitarian Universalists engage more deeply with our tradition.
Early Winter – Spiritual Practice or Institutional Development – a single session opportunity.
Early Spring – Bible Study and theology – an opportunity to engage classic texts in liberatory manners.
Late Spring – Leadership Training – an offering for leaders to connect with one another and develop new skills.
