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Religious Education
Religious Education
Religious education is the smaller-group work that encompasses: religious learning (Unitarian Universalist history and theology, our UUA sources, and the study of world religions), exploration of our world and how to be kind, just, and fair people, skill-building to cultivate a centered, mindful presence for ourselves and others; interpersonal growth; relationship-building; and life skills.
I am a passionate teacher and supporter of religious education. I am certified to teach Our Whole Lives (grades K-1 and 4-6) and I am certified in Spirit Play and have taught in both programs in different congregations. I have taught mindfulness workshops for children, youth, and adults. I have developed curricula and collaborated with teaching staff.
Mandala-building from a mindfulness series that I developed and led for children.
I co-led two Coming of Age heritage trips to Boston with youth from Denton and Dallas. Here we are at King's Chapel for Sunday morning worship.
Part of our work together is learning about our world and promoting justice in it. Children and adults learned together about how our spending changes our world. This learning culminated in a Fair Trade pop-up market during coffee hours.
I believe that Unitarian Universalist congregations can serve as a vibrant community-wide resource when they offer educational aspects that schools cannot or do not cover. During my time in Denton we added classes/workshops in financial management (for adults and then expanded to high school aged youth), marriage enrichment, Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexuality education (grades K-1, 4-5, middle school, and high school), spiritual practices (all ages)), world religions (all ages), anti-racism (all ages), reproductive rights, compassionate listening, and leadership skill building (all ages). Prior to community marches and rallies, we held sign-making parties to help prepare participants (of all ages) to do the work of amplifying their voices. We rolled out Faith Forward (from First Unitarian Church of Dallas) offering a path for newcomers to learn, connect, and engage with others and with our UU faith.
Teaching a group of new and prospective members about Unitarian Universalism.
In addition to other spiritual practice workshops, I led annual Vision Board workshops in January to help folks set intentions for the new year.
I also believe that Religious Education is not separate from the other activities of the congregation. We are learning and growing together in multiple ways through: worship, classes, book studies, small groups, workshops, community marches, and conversation in coffee hour. It is all part of our work together.
Finally, I believe that as Unitarian Universalists, Religious Education is not necessarily directed learning, but a mutual form of wonder and insight. I love the Spirit Play model of telling a story and wondering what it means. I wonder who you are in the story of Noah and the Ark. I wonder why this story is important. I wonder how Noah felt when so much life was destroyed. I wonder whether this story happened as it is written.
Unitarian Universalist religious education is, at it's core, the work that helps us be our best selves and affirm and promote our principles in the world.
Prior to the women's march on the square, our congregation opened our doors (and our art supplies) to anyone in the community who wanted to make a poster for the march. It was a tremendous success and people of all ages laughed, cried, and found hope in their time together.
In the community, I served on panels at the nearby universities, among interfaith events, and at local nonprofits. This photo was taken during an interfaith event where speakers talked about their tradition's beliefs regarding death and dying.
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