We have a monthly UU spiritual reflection theme that is used in worship services and in our children’s faith formation groups.
Taking It Home with Soulful Home: Families are encouraged to incorporate our monthly themes into their daily lives by using the Soulful Home packets. Packets are available in the lobby on the Faith Formation table or digitally by sending a request to Nate Pawelek.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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. Our Sunday programs include opportunities for worship and faith formation group experiences.
Worship
Children’s Chapel
One Sunday per month, we will have a children’s chapel service at 11:00. The children will begin worship in the chapel and then bring the light from their chalice to the adult chalice in the sanctuary. Participating in chapel gives the children a chance to learn about worship and spiritual practice while preparing them to engage more fully in adult worship.
Congregational Worship
On regular Sundays, the children will begin in the sanctuary with the adults. A child representative will light the chalice. Children will hear a Story for All Ages and become familiar with the traditions of adult worship. After the Story for All Ages, the children will go downstairs or to the meeting house for their groups.
Family Friendly Sundays
The children will stay for the entire service which will be family inclusive and intended for all ages to enjoy. Our children and youth programs will prepare ways to participate in these services throughout the year. Some examples of the ministry the children and youth offer are musical performance, children’s and teen’s choirs, story telling, readings, and leading worship activities.
Faith Formation Groups
Pre-K-1st grade and 2nd-3rd grades: Heart Talk
We have two caregivers on staff for our youngest children. Rachel Campbell and Kareen Garrison lead these groups with the assistance of parent and adult volunteers.
For 2019-2020, we are using the Heart Talk curriculum as a foundation. Heart Talk teaches children self-awareness, empathy, and healthy communication skills within the framework of non-violent communication. Programs will be supplemented with stories and activities for holidays, special events, and the inclusion of multicultural perspectives.
4th-7th Grades: Courageous Faith Adventures
Our Sunday Faith Formation Coordinator, Nate Pawelek, heads up this group with the help of a parent or adult volunteer. This year, we are focusing on cooperative experiences that build community, empower participation and social skill development, and encourage children to engage with the wider congregation. Our monthly Soul Matters themes that are used in worship and small group ministry will be incorporated into the activities and stories that are shared. Children will be pondering the same questions and exploring the same theological ideas as the adults. This group will prepare worship elements for the Family Friendly Sundays, and help with projects and events for Family Faith Formation.
7th-9th OWL
Our Whole Lives is offered this fall/early winter to 7th-9th graders. CLICK HERE to learn more about OWL.
8th Grade Coming of Age
Staring in January 2020, our 8th graders will participate in Coming of Age– a highly praised UUA curriculum designed to help youths consider their faith and beliefs and explore what it means to live our Unitarian Universalist principles and values. The program includes a social justice project, a UU heritage trip to Walden Pond and Boston, and concludes with a special worship service when the youth present their credo statements to the congregation. More information coming soon!