A congregation’s religious education ministry may often be defined by what is studied in the classroom, without recognizing that every moment we spend engaged in congregational life is forming the spirituality of our children. While we have a dedicated team of volunteer religious education teachers, the whole congregation is teaching our children and youth and is learning from them whenever we worship, eat, play games, serve our community, or participate in social justice events.

All of the time we spend together, in all of these activities, individually, collectively, intentionally and haphazardly, make up our religious education ministry.

We want our children to

• grow
• explore
• be inspired
• have a safe place to ask questions
• understand their connection to, and responsibility for, each other and the world around them
• have a firm footing in their identity as UUs and to know that they are the future of our community

THEME-BASED CURRICULUM

With the understanding that spiritual formation is for all stages of life, and to foster deeper relationships and connections across the congregation and across generations, we use a congregation wide UU curriculum called “Soul Matters.” This is a monthly theme-based curriculum that provides not just sermon ideas and readings for our worship leaders, but also, spiritual exercises, activities and ideas for our Small Group Ministries and Sunday youth classes. We also receive a monthly packet called Soulful Home for our families to continue their exploration with these themes throughout the week. We enjoy sharing this time of reflection and renewal with our children and we welcome you!

• First and third Sundays of the month
• For the months that have fifth Sundays we have a potluck

The youth begin in the service with their parents or guardians for about 15 minutes. The minister or service leader will call the children up to the front for the storytelling. After the story, the teachers will lead the children out to classes. You are welcome to get them settled or to join them. You are always welcome to keep your children with you in the service. For whole congregation services, children will remain in the sanctuary.

On some Sundays, the children stay in the Sanctuary for an entire hour. An usher will give you an “activity kit” with stickers and crayons if you think your child may need a diversion during the service.

NURSERY

We provide free child care in our Nursery for infants and toddlers.

CRYING ROOM

If your child is crying, we provide a room in the back of the sanctuary that you’re welcome to take your young ones to and still be able to hear the service.

View our Child and Youth Safety Policy here.