Children and Youth Religious Exploration

Are you a parent uncertain about the religious direction you want for your family? The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF), on Hunter Mill Road in Oakton, offers a rich and unique program that explores all religious traditions. The Religious Exploration (RE) program offers classes to over 300 children, from pre-K toddlers through high school seniors, on Sundays during worship services. Classes begin on Sunday, September 20th. Registration is now open; call 703-281-4230.

Unitarian Universalism, a liberal religion with Jewish-Christian roots, has no creed. It affirms the worth of human beings, advocates freedom of belief and the search for advancing truth, and provides a warm, open, supportive community for people to transform themselves, their community, and the world through acts of love and justice.

According to Parish Minister Rev. David Miller, “From our youngest children to adults, spiritual growth at UUCF emphasizes exploration of all religious traditions, allowing a religious path of one’s own determination. Our RE staff of 100 parent volunteers works very hard to introduce age appropriate materials to the children in a fun, interesting and meaningful way.”

Based in part on its unique educational programming, UUCF was recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in 2011 as one of only four Breakthrough Congregations. The UUA is a voluntary association of over 1,000 autonomous, self-governing Unitarian Universalist churches and fellowships. Examples of UUCF programs include the following:

• Neighboring Faiths acquaints middle schoolers with the diversity of faiths worshipped in the United States. Teachers introduce the foundations of various faiths and take the class on field trips to neighboring places of worship.
• Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education Program, for 5th to 8th graders, strives to create a society where sexuality is treated as a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of life.
• Tapestry of Faith, a new series of programs and resources for all ages, nurtures Unitarian Universalist identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love.

UUCF, located at 2709 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton, VA, is a Unitarian Universalist congregation of more than 1,200 adults, youth and children dedicated to “transforming ourselves, our community and the world through acts of love and justice.” All are welcome to attend UUCF worship services and RE classes on Sundays at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Read more about Unitarian Universalism at http://www.uua.org/. Read more about the RE program at UUCF at https://uucf.org/learn-grow/ or contact the Director of Religious Exploration, Linnea Nelson, at 703-281-4230 or uucf@uucf.org.