Religious Exploration

2012/2013 RE Futures Task Force Report

Topics in 9:30 a.m. RE

Topics in 11:00 a.m. RE

Searching for Truth and Meaning.

                                   Acting for Love and Justice.

                                                         Ministry with Children and Youth.
Religious education is the act of opening the mind, body and spirit to engage with the world. Unitarian Universalists are always asking “How can I be of service?” Our Religious Education Ministry invites children and youth to explore their authentic voice, learn about how others have searched for truth and meaning, and discover ways to live a life filled with goodness and love.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it has been a Director of Religious Education since 2002. She holds a bachelors degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Theatre Arts and Feminist Studies. She obtained a graduate certificate in Transformational Leadership from Antioch University and is currently completing the course work for a Master of Divinity from Seattle University with the goal of entering the ordained ministry. Michelle’s life is centered around her partner and their 5 children, who serve as a testing ground for all programs and activities (and they are very discriminating when it comes to engaging activities).

Michelle’s greatest goal in life, work and ministry is for every person to know they are loved and they have the capacity to love others. 

  Our elementary program is a cooperative; all parents not teaching will be scheduled to assist in the classroom once every two months.

The children and youth of East Shore are guided in their religious lives through a combination of worship, small group activities, social action, and fellowship. East Shore’s ministry with children and youth creates a welcoming, trusting environment in which each young person is nurtured spiritually, stretched mentally, and supported emotionally. Our challenge is to empower all youth and children to take responsibility for their beliefs and for their ethical and moral decisions.

Programs from Nursery through 12th Grade

The Building Blocks

Our Religious Exploration for Children is built upon the following foundation:

• Theological Reflection: We actively promote questioning and reflection. We engage our children in the exploration of the “Big Questions” of life. We examine universal truths found in story, art, religion, and science. Our children are guided through processes that help them develop personal meanings. They are also given the tools to ensure a lifetime of theological growth as their experiences and lives change. We empower all young people in our community to be theologians, to examine the world, and to articulate their answers.

• Spiritual Development: Spirituality involves personal exploration. We explore the wonder and awe of the universe. We create sacred space and explore our personal connections to the universe. We connect experiences with beliefs through the theological component of the program.

• Moral and Ethical Development: We examine how actions support beliefs. Social Justice and Social Action are components of the RE program. Several Sundays are designated for the children come together to engage in Social Service projects for the greater community. Through service to the community, our children strengthen their ties to Unitarian Universalism.

• Religious Heritage: Unitarian Universalist history is rich with passion and activism. Our children learn stories and principles of our rich liberal religious heritage. Our children are invited to attend the beginning of adult worship every Sunday and we hold several intergenerational worships through out the year. Children come to appreciate Unitarian Universalism as a living faith that will encourage and inspire them through all phases of their lives.

ESUC middle schoolers are offered a variety of fun activities throughout the year other than Sunday School.

Our Youth Ministry at East Shore empowers each youth to grow in Unitarian Universalist faith through theological questioning, moral development, spiritual exploration and connections to UU community and heritage.

Children's Programs Guide

Youth Programs Guide

Want to know more, or to register for Sunday School? Email our This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call her at 425-747-3780.