Children, Youth and Families Faith Formation

For Unitarian Universalists, faith formation includes all the ways that children, teens and adults grow toward their potential as compassionate, ethical and fulfilled human beings. Our Faith Formation program is grounded in our Unitarian Universalist values (https://www.uua.org/beliefs/shared-values), sources, history and in our relationships with one another. The Children & Youth Faith Formation program features the church’s monthly theme through projects, games, spiritual practice, social justice and shared ideas. We offer children and youth a truly engaging and educational experience every time they join us.

Every Friday, we send out an informative email packed with descriptions of all the Faith Formation Sunday options, as well as upcoming events, groups, and workshops for our children, youth, and families. Sign up here to receive the Faith Formation Weekly Update. (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/os42B5k )

Each Sunday, we offer:

• Childcare for Children (Birth-3 years of age)

Nursery Staff Caregivers and volunteers provide care for our youngest children in the Servetus Nursery room during both Sunday services.

• Soul Matters Preschool (3-6 years of age)

Nursery Staff Caregivers and volunteers provide care for our youngest children in the Servetus Nursery room during both Sunday services.

• UU Maker Space (6-18 years of age)

UU Maker Space is all about unleashing creativity and exploration with a range of materials and activities children will learn through hands-on creation.

• UU Play(6-18 years of age)

Play is important in a child’s development.  In UU Play children learn through games that reflect our values and build strong relationships with their peers and the environment.

• Youth Group (7-12th Grade)

The Youth Group meets the first and third Sundays of every month in the Anthony Room.  We explore our church’s theme with “whole person” learning, focusing on the different ways we engage with the world: head, heart, hands, body, spirit/soul, and community.  Youth are always welcome to join in the activities found in our UU Play & UU Maker Space.

Additionally, throughout the year we will offer All-Ages Faith Formation, a time for a larger gathering when all our children and youth will all be together for social justice projects, worship preparation, celebrations, featured guests, and more!

• Multi-Generational Sunday Services

Several times a year, the Sunday service will be multi-generational, when children, youth and families attend the service together. Your family won’t want to miss these services!  During these services, the preschool and nursery will be available, but the other Faith Formation programs will not take place. This church year the dates for those services are:

November 23, 2025: Nurturing Gratitude
December 21, 2025: Holiday Pageant
January 18, 2026: MLK Jr. Day
March 8, 2026: Youth Service
April 5, 2026: Easter
May 17, 2026: RE Sunday
June 7, 2026: Flower Ceremony

Child Dedication

The Child Dedication Ceremony is a time for celebrating the birth or adoption of a child in a ceremony of naming and dedication. It is a time for welcoming our children into the world, into the family, and into the church community. It is a time for acknowledging that each child’s life is sacred and hold that truth in the light of our faith.

This simple ceremony is related to the Christian “baptism” or “christening,” though the meanings we attach to it are significantly different. Please read our UU Child Dedication Brochure for a full description.

The ceremony is a public declaration by the parents to dedicate themselves to faithfully nurture and support their children. The congregation recognizes your child’s original blessing, and we dedicate ourselves to nurturing your child and you. Because of the promises our congregation makes to the family during the ceremony, child dedications are available only to members of the church. Our child dedication rituals are held in November and in May each year.

If you are interested in having your child dedicated fill out this online form or email Rev. Kimberlee.