“Faith development is all we do. Unitarian Universalism is the faith we teach. The congregation is the curriculum.- Connie Goodbread

We do it in community. We do it in covenant. We do it with purpose. We do it in love.

Each week folks of all ages meet in various small communities to encourage us through the forming of our faith. Through our Interfaith series for ages 11-14, our Coming of Age ministry for our 9th and 10th graders, our exploration of life questions and observations for ages 4-10, and the gift of love and light we share in our nursery room. The congregation is our curriculum and ultimately we do it all for love.

During a Sunday Service, we provide Sunday School classes (also referred to as Religious Education (RE) or Faith Formation,) for children in Pre-K and up who are potty trained.  If your child is not yet ready for classes, they are welcome to remain in the nursery. 

We have Sunday morning Faith Formation classes for:

PreK: 3- and 1st grades. (Those who are potty trained and are 3 years old by September 1.)

2nd-5th grades

6th-8th grades

9th-12th grades

During Church Meetings when childcare is provided, we accept children aged 10 and below.  Older siblings are welcome on a case by case basis to ensure the safety of children of all sizes.

When you join us we will ask that you register your child with us so that we have the most up-to-date information to be able to provide them with quality care. You can get a registration form from the Faith Formation Manager's desk at the front. 

We start accepting children 15 minutes prior to the start of each service/program and close 15 minutes after service/program concludes. Guardians are always welcomed to sit in one of our rockers with their infant.

When You Arrive...

1. Please go to the Faith Formation Table and register your child(ren) for religious education (RE) classes. This is important so that while your child(ren) is in our care, we know if they have allergies, how to contact you, and other such information that allows us to keep them safe. (If you are a one-time visitor, this step is not necessary. But if you are unsure, there’s never any harm in registering.)

2. If your child(ren) is in pre-K – 8th grade, you will sign your child in on the “purple sheets" at the point of service when children are sung out or in the classroom at the beginning of class. The greeters will be able to tell you which one.  Be sure to include all information, such as where you will be and whether we should know about any allergies.

3. Go with your child(ren) into the sanctuary. You will experience the beginning of the service together.

Nursery: (6weeks-3 years)

Most Sundays our nursery care is staffed at 10:45 in order that our toddlers and babies can play while their parents are able to enjoy service. We provide children with an environment that is safe for them to explore.  As always, young ones are also always welcome to be with their parents throughout the service in the sanctuary, in the common room (which also has a screen with the service) or on the playground, where parents can catch the service on their phones while watching their children play.

Prek-Early Elementary: (3yrs-6yrs)

Our PreK-Early Elementary classroom! For children ages 3-5, class begins at drop-off at 10:45 AM with Free Play in our inviting space until about 11:20 AM. Our 6-year-old friends join us around 11:15 AM, escorted by our Faith Formation Manager after the Joys and Sorrows in the sanctuary.

Our morning ritual includes each child lighting the chalice with their own words, a thematic story, a simple talk about the theme, and a related craft or activity. We create a nurturing environment for exploration, learning, and spiritual growth. We can't wait to welcome your child!

Middle-Upper Elementary: (7 yrs-10 yrs)

Welcome to our engaging Unitarian Universalist Elementary classroom for grades 2nd-5th. Our class begins in the sanctuary, allowing children to participate in the start of our Sunday service. Following the Joys and Sorrows, we transition to our classroom for a time of sacred exploration.

Our dedicated time together begins with the lighting of our chalice, a meaningful ritual that marks the start of our learning. We delve into a thought-provoking story, often a bit more advanced, to introduce our weekly theme or principle. This is followed by fun and engaging discussions that encourage critical thinking and sharing of perspectives. To deepen their understanding, children participate in developmentally appropriate activities that bring the theme to life in creative and interactive ways. We foster a supportive environment where curiosity is sparked, and young minds can explore their Unitarian Universalist values.

Middle School: (11yrs-13 yrs)

Our Middle School class (grades 6th-8th) offers a space for thoughtful exploration and connection. We begin our time together following a brief centering practice or chalice lighting, creating a focused atmosphere for learning. After the week's theme is introduced and initial connections are made, we open the floor for first thoughts sharing, encouraging diverse perspectives right from the start. We then dive into the topic through engaging activities and games designed to deepen understanding and foster collaboration. Our session culminates in a meaningful reflection, where we engage in deeper discussion and personal sharing about how the insights gained can be applied in our daily lives. 

High School: Ages 15-17

Our High School class (9th-12th grade) offers two dynamic pathways for growth and self-discovery and is held in the Faith Formation (FF) wing immediately following Joys and Sorrows in the main service.

In our Coming of Age program, we guide our Unitarian Universalist young people as they delve into their personal beliefs. Through engaging activities, we encourage deep imaginative work, inviting them to envision their core values, articulate their evolving faith, and explore their unique place in the world. This program provides a supportive framework for developing a personal theology and a strong sense of identity.

Alternatively, students participate in our "On the Road Together" program, which explores a variety of topics relevant to the teenage experience using a whole-person approach that honors the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul/spirit. Through thoughtful discussions, engaging activities, and diverse perspectives, we aim to provide teens with tools and insights for navigating the complexities of their lives.