Religious Exploration for Families
Maggie Halpin, Children's Activities Director
MaggieRE@uupok.org
What is religious exploration? Religious exploration is an open-ended personal and/or community journey to discover truth, meaning and values without relying on a fixed religious dogma.
Key Concepts
- Lifespan Learning: Programs span from childhood nursery care through adulthood, honoring each person's unique spiritual growth.
- Nurturing over Indoctrination: Instead of teaching a specific set of required beliefs, facilitators provide tools for individuals to build their own moral and spiritual foundations.
- Core Values: Activities emphasize compassion, equity, personal responsibility, and respect for interconnected communities.
Common Activities
- Open Discussion: Participants explore big life questions and share personal insights.
- Creative Expression: Lessons use art, storytelling, music, and cooperative play to teach empathy and inclusion.
- Ethical Action: Groups engage in community service, social justice projects, and earth-care initiatives.
For the 2026-2027 worship year, we will be learning about the six shared values of Unitarian Universalism, using "JETPIG" as the framework for our exploration. The values, with love at the center, are:
Justice
Equity
Transformation
Pluralism
Interdependence
Generosity