Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing

Robin M. Pugh began work as the Director of Lifespan Religious Education (DLRE) at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing on Aug. 1. Pugh comes to UUCWC from BuxMont Unitarian Fellowship, where she was Director of Religious Education (DRE) for nine years.

Originally schooled as a lawyer, Pugh says her transition to religious educator was self-styled. In this interview, Pugh reflects on her passion for teaching, engaging her students, and UUCWC.

Q: What attracted you to UUCWC?

A: I attended UUCWC as a lay person for six months in 2000 when I first moved to Bucks County. I took “Building Your Own Theology” with Charles Stephens and really enjoyed it. At that time, I talked to Charles about making a career change from lawyer to DRE, and he was encouraging. Before I committed to being a member of UUCWC, I decided to look at BuxMont, which was the same distance from my home, in the other direction. At BuxMont, there was an advertisement for a half-time DRE. I was hired on June 1, 2000.

Last winter, when I decided to look for full-time work and found out that UUCWC was in search for a full-time DLRE, I took a close look at the congregation. Fortunately, UUCWC has a fabulous web site — very user friendly and full of information. I was very impressed with many aspects of the congregation. UUCWC has a clear mission and vision statement, good opportunities for social justice efforts, a minister who is known in the wider community, myriad ways for people to get involved and connected with UUCWC, a good music program, and an adult religious education [RE] program with many offerings. The children’s program offers religious education at both services includes Coming of Age and Our Whole Lives, and offers intergenerational and social action opportunities for families.

“This is a congregation that has done their homework.” I thought. “They have put a lot of effort into becoming a vibrant, welcoming, socially active, spiritual community.”

Q: What are your goals for our RE program?

A: For children:

• To have happy, safe, respected, engaged children in an RE program at both services that fosters spiritual growth through increased knowledge of self, others, and our denomination.
• To have trained, inspired, fulfilled teachers.
• To have an RE committee full of energy and ideas that supports the RE program.

For adults:

• To offer new and existing adult members and friends opportunities to explore their spirituality and to develop community.
• To offer classes that strengthen participants’ connection to their deeper selves, the greater world, and the essential mystery of life, as well as classes that expand their knowledge and understanding of UU history and heritage.
• To have an Adult RE committee full of energy and ideas that supports the Adult RE program.

Q: What ideas are you considering that might help UUCWC to achieve those goals?

A: Children’s RE will use newer, teacher-friendly, engaging UU curricula this year. We will also divide the classes in to two grades each instead of three. Teacher training will be done by class, to address the specific needs of each class and to strengthen connections among teachers. We also will have monthly “special Sundays,” where all children will be together, engaged in a social justice activity or an intergenerational service.

For adult RE, I plan to support the adult RE committee in its currently well-run program, and I will make the committee aware of new adult programs that UUCWC could offer. I plan to teach some classes once the children’s program is fully staffed and running smoothly.

Q: Years ago you made a career turn – from lawyer to religious educator. What prompted that?

A: It all started when my three children were very young and I was living in Phoenix. The UU congregation that I belonged to had an uninspiring RE program. I began to “home school” my kids in UU religious education, and I discovered that I had a passion for it. I love engaging kids in lessons that have a deeper meaning and trying to find ways to make learning fun and interesting.

When we moved back to Pennsylvania, I needed a part-time job with maximum flexibility because I had three boys under the age of 9. At first, I thought I would be a DRE for only a few years while my kids were young. But once I started working in religious education, there was no going back to law. I love my job and I am passionate about it. It doesn’t feel like work to me. What a gift!

Q: Are you a “native” UU, or did you come to UU from another path? Briefly share your spiritual journey.

A: My mother is Catholic and my father is Unitarian. When I was young, my father did not attend UU services. Growing up, my four brothers and sisters and I were raised Catholic with a UU twist. At age 12, we were allowed to choose whether to continue to attend weekly Catholic masses. After age 12, I chose not to go.

When I was in my 20s, one Easter Sunday, I was home alone with my aunt while everyone else was at mass. We had a discussion about our spiritual beliefs, and I said “I just don’t believe that Jesus was anything but a wise man with a wonderful message.” My aunt replied: “Then you are a Unitarian Universalist!” Her remark planted a seed in my soul.

When I moved to Philadelphia with my husband and 1-year-old son, I was seeking a spiritual community. I found a home at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, in Philadelphia. I took, and eventually taught, many adult RE programs both there and at Valley UU Church in Chandler, Arizona, where we later lived for three years. I have been a UU for 18 years.

Read the news release announcing Robin’s appointment.