Our Faith Formation programs foster growth and learning at every stage of development, from pre-school through adulthood. Together, we explore what it means to live our Unitarian Universalist faith in this complex ever-changing world.
“Parents and caregivers come to Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations for communities that help raise children to become kind, respectful, fair-minded, caring, and strong enough to side with love and fight for justice. UU religious education and participation in worship, social justice work, and multigenerational gatherings reinforce what parents teach at home. We nurture truth-seeking, spirituality, and progressive moral values that will continue to shape and support our children as they grow.” source: uua.org
For our younger children, we express our seven principles of Unitarian Universalism in child-friendly language.
1st Principle: We believe that each and every person is important.
2nd Principle: We believe that all people should be treated fairly and kindly.
3rd Principle: We believe that we should accept one another and keep on learning together.
4th Principle: We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.
5th Principle: We believe that all persons should have a vote about the things that concern them.
6th Principle: We believe in working for a peaceful, fair, and free world.
7th Principle: We believe in caring for our planet Earth, the home we share with all living things.
These principles and the values they represent are the framework for the way we relate to one another in our community and the activities and projects that we do with our children and youth. As they grow, they are empowered to develop skills and leadership abilities that allow them to share their gifts and benefit from the support of a loving congregation.
What can you expect on Sunday mornings?
Starting Sunday, September 15th, 2019
We return to two services
Sundays at 9:00 am and 11:00 am
As always here at TUCW, children of all ages are welcome to remain with their parents in the sanctuary during the worship services. There is family seating just outside the glass sanctuary doors for toddlers or those who need some room to move around or do quiet activities. On our lower level and in our meeting house, we provide programing that meets the developmental and social needs of the children and youth as they grow. Grounded in our UU principles and experienced in beloved community, our time together is nurturing and supportive while it also challenges us to grow and consider the needs of others and the wider world.
9:00-10:00 am
Contemplative Worship [in the sanctuary]
Childcare [on the lower level]
The 9:00 am worship service is a shorter contemplative service with a lengthy quiet meditation at its center. Children are welcome to experience this worship and its meditative spiritual practices, however, the very young may not wish to be still for the entire service. From 9:00-10:00 am, there will be childcare available on the lower level for children ages Pre-K through 3rd grade. Appropriate supervised play/activities will be available. Values of inclusion, love, friendship and kindness are emphasized in this program.
10:00 am-11:00 am
Coffee and conversation. Meet and greet the community.
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Multigenerational Worship Service [in the sanctuary]
Childcare [pre-K through 1st grade: lower level]
Children and Youth Programs [2nd-3rd grades: lower level / 4th-8th grades: meeting house]
This worship service is longer and includes a Story for All Ages. Many Sundays, children will be encouraged to remain in the worship with their families for the first part of the service, including the story and candle boat sharing of joys and concerns. Before the sermon, children who wish to leave will go to the lower level to meet in their own age cohorts. There, they participate in programs designed to support them in building friendships and participating together in faith-based activities and projects, many of which are then shared with the larger congregation. For example, they may plan and later lead a Soup Sale Sunday to raise funds for a special event, or they may create a video that will be used in worship to tell the story for all ages. Sessions will include music programming and singing that teaches UU values and helps to shape UU identity. These programs encourage children and youth to fully engage as members of the congregation who participate in our ministries and mission.
11:00-12:00 pm All Congregation Worship [sanctuary]
[September 8th, Septembe 15th, October 20th, November 24th, December 22nd]
(2020 schedule of dates TBA)
At least one Sunday per month, there will be an ALL CONGREGATION worship at 11:00 am. The children will be encouraged to stay for the entire service which will be family inclusive and intended for all ages to enjoy. During these services, there will still be childcare for the youngest children who prefer to have supervised group time on the lower level during that hour.
Youth Group [High school]
Youth Group is a special place where our teens can develop close bonds and friendships that are grounded in acceptance and the practices of respectful, accountable and mutually agreed upon guidelines of the covenant they create together to shape their community. Adult advisors provide caring trustworthy leadership that gives the group structure and support while the youth take on responsibility for much of their own self-governance, youth-led programming and social justice projects. Youth participate in worship within the group and as a part of the whole congregation.
Youth are invited (encouraged) to participate in the wider UU community that hosts youth conferences, or “cons” throughout the year. These are 2-night weekend events led by the youth supervised by adults when the youth bond, develop leadership skills, and have a great time. Adults attend to ensure safety and keep the kids fed (and provide the candy).
TUCW REGISTRATION
We would like all of our children under the age of 18 to be registered for family faith formation. We would like your contact information, any medical notes, and the opportunity to know more about you and your children so that we may provide the best possible experiences and environment. We also like to keep in touch about upcoming events.
Please CLICK HERE to access the registration form, which can be completed online or printed and delivered to Diane Donohue at the TUCW main office. THANK YOU!!!
Feel free to learn more about us on this website and about Unitarian Universalism on the Unitarian Universalist Association website uua.org. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get connected. We look forward to welcoming you and getting to know you!
Assistant Minister for Faith Formation
Rev. Shelly Thompson
(203) 227-7205 ext. 17
Family Faith Formation Sunday Coordinator
Nate Pawelek
(203) 227-7205 ext. 15
Sunday Morning Teacher
Kareen Garrison
(203) 227-7205
Sunday Morning Teacher
Alex Garrison
(203) 227-7205
CLICK HERE to sign-in to Realm click here.
CLICK HERE for Realm – Getting Started FAQ