Religious Exploration


At First UU Church of New Orleans, we offer our children and youth a safe, caring community of inter-generational sharing, respect, and joy.

We encourage them to grow into Unitarian Universalists who:

  • Can articulate a personal religious philosophy
  • Are compassionate with a commitment for social justice
  • Feel awe at the wonder of the universe
  • Have faith that their positive efforts are worthwhile

To meet these ends, Religious Exploration (RE) at First UU Church draws on various programming. During the official RE year (roughly September – May), children participate in Sunday classes for ages 5-13. They begin their day at church with their parents/guardians in the Sanctuary and then go together to their classrooms after the Time for All Ages portion of the Worship Service. Our RE classes are taught by trained volunteer teachers and classroom helpers. Our RE program focuses on curricula that teach about Unitarian Universalist values, world religions’ traditions and beliefs, and social justice.

To complement and supplement their classes, children and youth also participate in ritualized worship through intergenerational Sunday services with the whole congregation throughout the year. Children put their faith in action by leading our annual Krewe of Kids for Change fundraiser during the Carnival season to raise money for a social justice cause that is meaningful to them.

We currently offer RE Sunday classes for ages 5-13.

Our bright and playful nursery is supported by two adults 10am-12pm. Parents/Guardians are welcome to drop off children under 5 in the nursery for childcare while they enjoy the service and coffee hour.

If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Religious Exploration, Katie Gelfand at dre.fuuno@gmail.com


Headshot of Katie Gelfand, Director of Religious Exploration, wearing a knit hat and standing in front of a car.Katie Gelfand, our Director of Religious Exploration, is a native of New Orleans and was raised in the First Unitarian Universalist Church. She has a liberal arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College. During and after college, she spent ten years teaching, facilitating, and directing alternative education programs, all with an emphasis on engaging students’ various learning and creative styles. At FUUNO Gelfand served on the RE Team, Worship Committee, Caring Circle, and as board secretary. She has participated in and staffed various regional UU leadership development programs. Concurrent to her work at the church, Gelfand is a certified Spiritual Guide, Ritualist, and Reiki Master Teacher. She has been the DRE at FUUNO since January 2016.

If you have any questions about our Religious Exploration programs, email her at dre.fuuno@gmail.com.