Children’s Version of our UU Principles
We affirm:
- That each and every person is important;
- That all people should be treated fairly and kindly;
- That we should accept one another and keep on learning together;
- That each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life;
- That all persons should have a vote about the things that concern them;
- In working for a peaceful, fair and free world; and
- In caring for our planet Earth, the home we share with all living things.
About Religious Education
We are committed to providing children and teens with a rich and varied religious education that speaks to their spiritual lives, their lively intelligences, and their deep capacity for caring. We are always learning and growing, no matter our age.
Our religious education program fosters an atmosphere of spiritual education that respects individuals and their decisions, nurtures spiritual exploration and ethical decision-making through meditation, discussion, and community service, and provides opportunities for meaningful relationships with other church members and with our wider community.
“The great end of religious instruction is not to stamp our minds irresistibly upon the young but to stir up their own.”
— William Ellery Channing
On Sunday Mornings
Worship begins at 10 a.m., with children attending the first 15 minutes or so with their families. After the Story for All Ages, the children and youth are invited to leave for religious education (RE) classes, or they are welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their families for the remainder of the service. If your children participate in RE classes, please be sure to come downstairs at the end of the sermon to bring them up for UUFM Chalice Cafe, our social time.
Babies are always welcome in our services. If you’d prefer to use the nursery, our childcare provider will be happy to meet you and help get your infant or toddler settled, starting at 9:45 a.m. If you’d like to stay in the nursery with your child, our audio system will enable you to still hear the service.
Note: A snack is not served in the nursery due to possible allergies in this age group. Be sure your child has eaten prior to arriving in our nursery. You are also welcome to have your child join you during our social break between First and Second Hours. Children are encouraged to have drinks in the nursery. These need to be in spill-proof containers to avoid accidents.
Our Second Hour begins at 11:30 a.m. after the Chalice Cafe social time. During this time, children and youth are invited to attend community time.
About the Curriculum
Two volunteers lead each class.
At UUFM, to enhance the our children’s religious growth and learning, we use Unitarian Universalist material or material that supports Unitarian Universalist principles. One Unitarian Universalist resource is Tapestry of Faith . Tapestry of Faith is a series of programs for all ages that nurture Unitarian Universalist identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love. Our church year is from September through May.
During the summer months, our Religious Education program focuses on a social action based curriculum in an multi-age classroom setting. All ages meet together to learn about things from fair trade practices to environmental issues. Lessons tend to be more hands on and are centered around our Unitarian Universalist principles and sources.
Note: If your child is in the Nursery, Prekindergarten through First, or Elementary class, please return to their classroom to pick them up at the end of Second Hour.