Our programs for children are designed to help us live our third and fourth principles at church:
- Accept one another and keep on learning together.
- Each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
All children and youth participating in UUCM Lifelong Learning programs must be registered.
- Registration forms are available online and by the Garden Door at church.
- High school aged youth must complete this form.
Family Room
The Family Room is equipped with speakers so that parents may spend time with their little ones and still listen to the worship service. Toys and simple art supplies are available. Parents are welcome to start in the sanctuary and then move to the Family Room at any point in the service. Parents must remain with their child(ren) in the Family Room. This also provides a great opportunity for fellowship among families. Always available.
Sunday Morning Circle (1st–6th grades):
On Sundays when Sunday Morning Circle is offered, children and youth join us at the beginning of every service and then are sung out to attend their circles. Our Sunday Morning Circle provides children a chance to build friendly connections as they learn about our seven Unitarian Universalist Principles. Our Sunday Morning Circle will foster positive relationships between children and Circle leaders, as they learn ways to demonstrate our Unitarian Universalist principles in their daily lives.
Each session will help us understand our own values and the values of others, and involve activities such as physical activities, cooperative games, story time, music/singing/dancing, and arts and crafts. Throughout the year, there will be workshops , where congregation and community members will be invited to share their skills with the children (i.e.: yoga, meditation, music, cooking. etc.). Several times a year the children and youth will also participate in special events, such as social justice projects, community service projects, youth-led community suppers, and holiday craft workshops.
This year, we are introducing an experimental concept: Family Sunday. It is a monthly opportunity for families to go to church together on holiday weekend Sundays that tend to have low attendance. Family time is important, and on these Sundays, there will not be Sunday School programming, but our nursery will be available. Family Sunday allows our teachers and families at least one Sunday per month to enjoy a break and attend a service. Upcoming Family Sundays are: October 8, November 26, December 24 & 31
Youth Group (Grade 6-12):
Our Youth Group meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 2-4pm. Youth meet with experienced facilitators to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and clarify their own values and beliefs. Activities may include service opportunities. Youth work with the adult leaders to create and lead a Sunday service. They also are encouraged to participate in worship services and congregational life throughout the year.
Other Programs:
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Offered for Youth (Gr. 7-9)
The “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) Sexuality Education program provides age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education that is consistent with our UU principles and values. OWL curriculum is taught by trained leaders. The curriculum for youth in Grades 7-9 provides comprehensive sexuality education, including anatomy, birth control, pregnancy and birth, masturbation, sexual relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Importance of consent in sexual relationships, body image, and images of sexuality in the media are also included. The youth participate actively in discussions and role play. They are encouraged to develop their values in accord with our UU principles. Parents need not be UUCM members or friends in order to have a child join the OWL program. Parents/guardians who are interested in having their child(ren) participate should contact the Office. *Not currently offered*
Special Events
Several times a year the children and youth participate in special events, including Mystery Sharing Friends, Everyone’s Birthday party, family hikes, Winter pageant and many more multi-generational events.
How Do We Accomplish This?
Our Children & Youth Committee, and our Minister, Reverend Julie Lombard, plan and execute programs for children and youth. We need your help and ask parents, guardians, and other congregants to volunteer. There are many ways to get involved. Please contact the Office (office@uucm.org) to volunteer to help!