Why volunteer in RE?

Peek into our Religious Exploration (RE) spaces on any given Sunday, and you might find stories, crafts, experiments, discussions, music, poetry, laughter, worship, games, or thoughtful sharing. It is a wonderful community to be part of, and those of us who know this secret wonder why we don’t have waiting lists.

From religious educators across Canada, here are some ways volunteering in RE can’t be beat:

• Children get to know you and it’s the most amazing feeling to run into them in another context, see them smile and say, "I know you!" (Mystery Buddies know this too!)
• The schedule is flexible – you can still get to services, help with coffee, be an usher, or sing in the choir. Teaching RE is part of church life, not all-consuming.
• Connect with new families in the congregation, and get to know other volunteers better.
• The pressure is off! You are not expected to know all, teach all, or impart Great Wisdom that you should already know.
• Our lesson plans ask questions and explore concepts in a way that children can understand… so adults can too!
• You’re part of a team, and the Religious Exploration Committee and the Director of Religious Exploration have got your back.
• Explore and further your own spiritual development, in a hands-on way.
• Children and youth often bring deep questions, a sense of fun, and passion for things they believe in. They are teachers in this equation too.
• Hold yourself accountable to the Principles (with the added bonus of relearning what they are!)
• Stay young at heart, see the world through a child's eyes, and have a chance to play.
• Where else will you hear two 11-year-olds discuss the beginning of the universe and quote Homer Simpson – in the same sentence!
• Learn about Unitarian Universalism while making a contribution to the congregation.
• Learn or renew an understanding of our sources and history.
• Feel good, knowing you’re support the RE volunteers who are already doing this important and rewarding work.

Want some of this for yourself? Please speak to me, or to one of the members of the Religious Exploration Committee: Lorna Turnbull, Margo Lane, Claire Rudyk, and Myrna Lou McGregor.

Love,

Andrea