Religious Education at MUF

Our Religious Education (RE) Program, headed by Karen Brown, the Director of Religious Education, is a rich opportunity for children to explore all belief systems in order to develop their own beliefs. This happens in groups of children of the same ages, in an atmosphere that is fun, supportive, and non-judgmental. Children of newcomers are welcome to attend our classes at any time. We do require basic registration information (such as name, age, parents) for our records. There is no charge for our religious education classes.

We also have adult religious education classes to enrich the spiritual lives of all of our members.

Program Description

Traditional Classes at 9 AM , Nursery Care at 11 AM

To enrich our children's opportunities for growth and learning, we alternate our children's curriculum in a two-year cycle of enrichment activities appropriate to their developmental stage and their stage of faith.

One year is centered on UU principles, service projects, peace and social justice work including conflict management techniques. Our faith has a proud tradition of social activism built on human dignity. We believe strongly in democratic principles and teach our children how to affect change through conflict management, beginning in their own lives.

The companion year focuses on learning about religions of the world. We think it's important that our children have a glimpse of the wisdom, practices and sacred texts of other religions. This knowledge and experience can enable them to develop a deeper understanding of their own values and beliefs by testing them against the beliefs of others. Our world can become a more peaceable place by diminishing fear of people with differing beliefs.

Our comprehensive Unitarian Universalist curriculum includes programmatic elements that touch on the following five areas: community building, worship and spirituality, social justice, leadership development, and learning.

Our Minister’s Perspective

The question I often have in mind with the religious education lens is “What kind of souls do we wish to grow?” here at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship. What do you notice that is different about individuals, young and old, who spend time on personal growth, religious exploration, spiritual practice, community building and justice making here at the Fellowship? I like to imagine that collectively, our congregational life together will make a notable difference in the lives of our members and the way we move individually and together in the larger community.

The Reverend Allison Miller

What Our Families are Saying - Why Does Your Family Come to MUUF?

"I want my children to have a sense of community and belonging."

"I want my children to have an understanding of different religious traditions and beliefs."

"I want them to feel like it is ok to believe."

"I want them to have a place where it’s ok not to believe."

"I like it that we have no set dogma and it's ok to ask questions."

"I want my children to have a place apart from the rest of the world, with moments of quiet for reflection and growth."

"I want my kids to learn compassion in a place where it's ok to be a kid."

The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association for Young People

We, Unitarian Universalists, believe that these principles are important in our lives:

We believe that everyone is special and important.
We believe that we should treat each other fairly and with understanding.
We believe that our churches and fellowships are places where all people are accepted and where we learn together.
We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
We believe that everyone should have a vote about the things that concern them.
We believe in working for a peaceful, fair, and free world.
We believe in caring for our Earth and all its inhabitants

Unitarian Universalists share an ongoing history from which we learn many things:

We learn that being a part of life is a wonderful mystery.
We learn about strong and good women and men who have lived fair and kind lives.
We learn to appreciate the wisdom of different peoples. This inspires us to live better lives.
We learn that our Jewish and Christian roots tell us of God's love and teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We learn from those that believe in the goodness of all human beings, the value of using our own minds as we
live our lives.
We celebrate the circle of life and rhythms of nature embodied in Earth-centered traditions.