Religious Exploration
We offer an active, planned curriculum for all ages.
During Sunday services, children can attend fun, friendly classes taught by trained adult volunteers. For September through May, the 2019-2020 curriculum focuses on two themes:
- Love
- Many forms of faith
Whether a three-year-old or a high schooler, RE participants will be unwrapping and exploring these challenging topics. Your children may leave an RE session with more questions than answers—a sure sign that learning has happened!
Religious Exploration time on Sundays begins after the Time for All Ages portion of the worship service, when children and youth head to classrooms with their teachers. RE time runs until 12:00 p.m.
Inclusion is a priority. No child or youth will be excluded from our programming due to their gender-identity, race or ethnicity, ability, nationality, citizenship status, sexuality, socio-economic status or religious beliefs.
Pre-K to 8th Grade
We follow the modular Tapestry of Faith sequence curricula, available online at https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/. Several times a year, the children enjoy Activity Sundays, such as Chalk Art Day, Movie Day, Water Day, and Field Day.
9th-12th Grades
We have a vibrant Youth Group for high school age. In addition to just having fun, our youth provide service to our congregation and the wider community. Completed Inclusion Center training; helped feed homeless persons; organized at the Utah Food Bank; wrote letters of appreciation to U.S. military veterans; packed lunches for the Homeless Youth Resource Center; hosted a Candlelight Vigil for Transgender Youth; and attended Pride, Clean Air–No Excuses, and Equality Utah events.
Summer Classes
In the summer, children and youth combine into two groups based on age, and they explore topics in a new way.
Our RE Staff
Teachers
Our teachers are dedicated, caring and just plain fantastic. Some have taught RE for years; others are joining us after having grown up in our RE program. For many, this work is their favorite thing about South Valley. Each teacher brings a unique perspective, and we welcome newcomers to the team. For information on becoming an RE teacher, contact [email protected].
Director of Religious Exploration
The Director of Religious Education establishes the schedule and policies for the RE program, leads many classes and events, assists and guides teachers, and sets the tone for the program. In 2019-2020, our Acting DRE is Rebecca Britt.
RE Council
The RE Council, consisting of parents and teachers, meets monthly to discuss where we are succeeding and where we can grow. The RE Council also sponsors special events that bring us together to share in the joy of religious exploration.
