A Cooperative Approach!
Specifically for our children and youth, we offer exploration of our Unitarian Universalist traditions, which affirm the great spiritual truths of all religions. We seek to assist each child in nurturing a spiritual life, ethical awareness, Unitarian Universalist identity, and faith development.
The Religious Exploration Committee and the Coordinator of Religious Exploration carefully choose curricula that best fit these objectives in age-appropriate groupings. These classes and activities are led by volunteer members of our parish.
How a Sunday morning works
Children begin the morning in the sanctuary with the whole congregation. About fifteen minutes into the service, we sing them out to their classrooms. Classes run for the remainder of the service hour, and children join Coffee Hour with their caregivers afterward.
Two Sundays each month look different:
- Intergenerational worship happens once a month. The whole congregation stays together for the full service, and the service is designed with children in mind. There are no separate classes on these Sundays.
- All-ages RE happens once a month. Children are sung out as usual, but instead of splitting into age groups, everyone meets together for a single class.
The remaining Sundays are ordinary class Sundays, with children in their age groups.
Nursery (Ages 0-3)
We offer Sunday childcare in our nursery supervised by a trained and vetted childcare provider from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm, every Sunday, year-round.
Elementary Our Whole Lives (Ages 5-8)
A gentle first look at bodies, feelings, friendship, and the many kinds of families there are — taught through stories, art, and play, and rooted in the conviction that children deserve honest, age-appropriate answers. We use the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum from the UUA and the United Church of Christ.
Crossing Paths (Ages 9-13)
An introduction to world religions using the UU Crossing Paths curriculum. In-person visits to other houses of worship are interspersed with discussions, lessons, cultural sharing and more, with connections to the diverse spiritual backgrounds of many members in our own parish and community.
Our Whole Lives (Ages 13-14)
Our Whole Lives (OWL) for grades 7–9: a comprehensive, values-based approach to sexuality and relationships, taught by trained facilitators in a confidential and respectful space. Youth explore decision-making, communication and consent, gender identity and orientation, sexual health, and the emotional and spiritual dimensions of relationships. Part of the lifespan OWL curriculum co-developed by the UUA and the United Church of Christ.
Coming of Age and Youth (Ages 14+)
Our Coming of Age experience will guide youth to answer the questions: What is my spiritual practice? Who are the people that I connect with in my faith community? How might I live out my faith in the world? Their exploration will include being paired with a mentor in our parish, and will culminate in leading a worship service, where they will share their statements of faith and identity with the congregation.
Youth Group (Ages 14+)
Youth in 9th through 12th grades are invited to participate in group social, spiritual, and service activities that occur throughout the year. We frequently partner with other local UU churches, as well as other local faith communities, for joint youth group experiences.
Have questions or want more information?
If you would like more information about any of our offerings, you can always get in touch with us.