Religious Exploration at Shoreline UU

Were you a child whose questions made the Sunday school teacher squirm? Those questions are welcome in our church!
Unitarian Universalists believe that questions, curiosity, and doubts can be useful tools to further our individual and collective spiritual growth.
In the early years, our religious exploration (RE) classes offer stories, rituals, and activities that provide a firm grounding of moral and ethical principles. As children mature, critical thinking, social engagement, and introspection come to the forefront of their faith journeys.
Unitarian Universalists believe that questions, curiosity, and doubts can be useful tools to further our individual and collective spiritual growth.
In the early years, our religious exploration (RE) classes offer stories, rituals, and activities that provide a firm grounding of moral and ethical principles. As children mature, critical thinking, social engagement, and introspection come to the forefront of their faith journeys.
Religious Exploration for Kids and Youth
Current and upcoming offerings for children, youth, parents, and families: Nursery / Preschool class (Sunday mornings during church) A combination of free play, learning about what we do at church, and occasional explorations of the current worship theme when it is developmentally appropriate. School-age RE class (Sunday mornings during church) After the story for all ages, the kids will gather in the Threadgill Hall for a sharing circle, short discussion of the story they just heard, and a choice of activities, each of which relates to the story and current worship theme. Middle School class (first, second, and third Sunday mornings during church) As with the younger children, 6th-8th grade youth engage in discussion and activities which relate to the story and current worship theme, but at a more sophisticated level. High School Youth Group (alternating Sundays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm) A place for high school age youth to connect on a deeper level, share, have fun, and consider spiritual and ethical questions which relate to their daily lives and their future adult lives. 7th-9th Grade Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Program (January - May 2025) Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. This is what Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curriculum, is all about! |
Family & Parent Offerings
While attending church on Sunday morning is the biggest gathering of our community each week, we strive to offer other events in which parents and children can make a deeper connection with each other in smaller groups.
While attending church on Sunday morning is the biggest gathering of our community each week, we strive to offer other events in which parents and children can make a deeper connection with each other in smaller groups.

Family Fun Day (second Sundays after church)
Monthly days when we have a fun activity for kids and delicious food! Perfect for welcoming new folks into our church community as well as deepening connections among longtime members!

Parent Happy Hour (fourth Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm)
A casual gathering for parents to have a drink together, alcoholic or non-, explore the worship theme for the month in a guided discussion, and share about what's going on in their minds and hearts. Childcare is usually available, please RSVP, if you are planning to come.
Please note that there are sometimes variations in the schedule. The best way to stay up to date on exactly what is happening is to email Chris Pollina, the Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth, and ask to be added to the weekly email for parents at Shoreline UU Church.
Intergenerational Worship Services
A few times a year, children and adults will stay together in the sanctuary for the entire service. These days feature less talking and more doing; think activities like creating an altar to place pictures or mementos of deceased family or pets for the morning, a “graffiti wall” in which the congregation writes their personal pledges to care for the planet, or small group discussions on what your idea of a UU superhero is. |
Email Chris Pollina our Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth, to get on our mailing list so you can be kept up to date about upcoming events for families via a weekly email.

Chris Pollina, Director of Religious Exploration
Chris Pollina has served as the Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth at Shoreline UU since 2009. He grew up Unitarian Universalist and his passion for the church led him to become active in organizing district youth conferences and participating in national conferences and social justice work. He is a credentialed religious educator at the associate level. Since he moved to Seattle in 2002, he has pursued interests in education, music, and building collective power to create a more just and equitable world. He lives with his wife Amanda, two cats, two dogs, and many fish.
Chris Pollina has served as the Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth at Shoreline UU since 2009. He grew up Unitarian Universalist and his passion for the church led him to become active in organizing district youth conferences and participating in national conferences and social justice work. He is a credentialed religious educator at the associate level. Since he moved to Seattle in 2002, he has pursued interests in education, music, and building collective power to create a more just and equitable world. He lives with his wife Amanda, two cats, two dogs, and many fish.