Religious Education

Overview of Childcare and Religious Education

There are several levels of child programs at the Fellowship: Nursery care (for children up to age 4), Religious Education (for intermediate ages), and two Youth Groups (for teenagers). No preregistration to any of these programs is required for occasional visits. There is also a group for college students and other young adults.

Nursery care is provided during all Sunday programs. During the academic year, religious education for older children is available at one of the services or at both, depending on the age. During single services in the summer, multi-age activities are planned for children ages 4th-6th grade. Contact our Director of Youth and Children's Ministries (292-5960, dycm@uufames.org) for more information.

More information about all children's programs can be found in the Religious Education Handbook.

RE Registration Form [Front] [Back]

Director of Youth and Children's Ministries (DYCM)

Lori Allen
Lori Allen

Lori Allen has been a religious educator for more than 15 years. She served as the full-time director of lifespan religious education for the Des Moines UU congregation for four years (May 2000-June 2004). She came to us from the Unitarian Church of Lincoln, NE, in summer 2007.

Lori can be reached at dycm@uufames.org.


RE and Youth Calendar 2007

Religious Education Classes - Early Years

In the early years, classes for children are designed to provide a framework of ideas that children and families can use together to discuss and celebrate that which brings meaning, joy and purpose to their lives. Children in this age group begin to form their identities, and from there are able to move into meaningful relationships with parents, siblings and extended family members. Curricula in the early years focus on this developing identity and new- found relationships.

As the child grows, relationships expand to include peers and community. With the newly found relationships comes new understanding of belonging. It is during these stages that concepts of community building and social service can be very meaningful. At the same time, the children of this age are beginning to understand the values of freedom and responsibility. They are also just beginning to question the mysteries and wonder of life.

Religious Education Classes - Later Years

Curricula now expand to include the concepts of theology and relationships of self to the outside world. At this time, the youth are ready to explore the purpose and choices they have in the way they relate to the world. They are ready to begin to understand the values and ideals of Unitarian Universalism, of Jewish and Christian traditions, and of other world religions.

All of these concepts are explored more deeply as the youth continue on their path of discovery. As the relationships broaden and expand, so do the levels of interaction. The function of RE throughout this growth and development is to help youth organize and make sense of the relationships they are experiencing while at the same time encouraging them to use their mind, body, heart, and soul in bringing meaning and purpose to these new found relationships.

Children's Worship

When the children are not downstairs every other Sunday (except in the summer) they are upstairs meeting as a large group in what we call children's worship. This includes a chalice lighting and saying, a time for sharing, a story or commentary, and usually a song.

The Director of Youth and Children's Ministries facilitates this time with the purpose of creating a sense of unique community, enhancing UU identity and celebrating the different aspects of life in all its wonder and mystery.

A synopsis of what goes on in children's worship will be posted here in hopes that parents can have further discussions about the topic presented or simply to have some prompts ready when you ask your child, "What did you do in RE today?"

More information about all children's programs can be found in the Religious Education Handbook.

last updated: January 4, 2008
webmaster@uufames.org.