On July 1, CUC welcomes Merrin Clough as its interim Director of Religious Education while the congregation searches for a full-time replacement for the outgoing Britt Cryer (see below.)  Merrin was raised as an Unitarian Universalist.  She worked for three years as the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, Florida.  After this she returned to college and earned an elementary education degree and teaching certification from Warren Wilson College in North Carolina.  She has spent the last few years as an elementary school teacher.  She is excited to again be working within our faith, and is looking forward to helping Central Unitarian Church prepare for the future of its religious education program.

Contact: mclough@cucparamus.org or (201) 262-6300 ex.203

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Britt Cryer served Central Unitarian Church since 1986 as Religious Education Coordinator, Youth Advisor and, since 2000, as Director of Religious Education.  She is an active member of the Continental Liberal Religious Educators’ Association (LREDA), as well as the NY Metro-District Chapter.  She served as President of Metro-NY LREDA for two years.  Britt has received Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recognition for completion of 6 Renaissance Module training courses. Her path to becoming a Director of Religious Education began with the warm welcome she and her family received when they came to Central Unitarian Church in 1981.  Britt served as a volunteer teacher and member of the Religious Education Committee for 5 years before engaging professionally in religious education.

A stimulating religious education is a primary component of a child’s development.  As religious liberals, we do not seek to tell our children what to believe, but rather to nurture their own ideas and beliefs in the lifelong process of spiritual discovery.  At Central Unitarian Church, we teach our children and youth about the Judeo-Christian heritage, religions and cultures of the world, Unitarian Universalist heritage, and the goals of ethical living.  We encourage their questions and validate the search for their own answers to life’s important questions.  Central Unitarian Church is a warm community, made up of people of all ages working together to travel meaningful paths.  Our children and youth are an invaluable part of our community.  Join us!