Children and Youth

Learn about the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program.

Learn about our Safe Children policy.

Love Children and youth are invited to attend age appropriate classes led by volunteer members of this congregation. We bellieve that building and enriching relationships are the heart of what we do in religious education. Our program uses our Unitarian Universalist identity and heritage, Judeo-Christian theology, life skills spiritual growth and sexuality education as the foundation of a life-long process of religious exploration. We agree that all people have inherent worth and dignity.

A professional Unitarian Universalist religious educator staffs the program along with volunteer teaching teams and the members of the Religious Education Committee in partnership with the minister.

Hope By giving our children and youth tools by which they can live ethically and spiritually, we hope to fulfill the promise of a compassionate life. We understand that we are a part of the world and as such are interconnected with everything and everyone in it.

FAQs

When are religious educations classes held?

We hold classes on Sundays during the second service (10:30-11:45 a.m.).

What do you teach?

We teach Unitarian Universalist values and ethics, world religions including our own Judeo-Christian heritage, life skills, sexuality education (for specific age groups) and a wide variety of spiritual practices.

What values do you mean?

We are a liberal religious community and use denominationally agreed upon principles and covenants as a starting point. These principles and covenants weave throughout our programs and relationships. The children learn the following:

That as Unitarian Universalists we promise to:

• Respect every individual and treat them with dignity;
• Treat everyone with kindness and fairness, accept and celebrate our
  differences of thought, religious belief and the differences in our families;
• Discover for ourselves the meaning of life and faith;
• Work for a just and fair world;
• Give everyone a vote on matters that concern them; and,
• Understand that we share the earth with other creatures and work to
  preserve the earthís gifts.

How do you teach these things?

By using a variety of curricula and resources, incorporating different learning styles and offering children and youth experiential sessions that reflect our religious beliefs.

What about spirituality?

We gather as a whole community before each religious education session in the sanctuary and participate in chalice lighting, opening words, hymns, community joys and concerns and a time for all ages. There are
several intergenerational worship services throughout the year as well.  On the first Sunday of every month, the children and youth conduct their own worship service in the religious education great room.

Who teaches the children?

Volunteers from the congregation work in teams. The Director of Religious Education provides support and resources along with the minister, members of the Religious Education Committee and the members of the congregation. The teaching team members sign a Teaching contract that includes a Code of Ethics.

What about family activities?

Picnics, potluck suppers, community nights, camping and other family activities are all offered within the context of our church community. There are many opportunities to socialize, attend classes on parenting issues, and participate in activities intended to enhance spiritual growth. An events calendar is available in our weekly Order of Service and in The Light, our monthly newsletter.

I have more questions, who can answer them?

Please direct additional questions about our religious education program (curricula etc.) to our Director of Religious Education, whose office hours are Tuesday and Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
We recommend that you call ahead for an appointment. In addition, you may send email to the Director.

Telephone (575) 522-7281.