Our Programs for Children are designed to help us live our third and fourth principles at church:
- Encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
- Free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
All children and youth participating in UUCM Lifelong Learning programs must be registered. Registration forms are available online and by the Garden Door at church.
Childcare (Infant – Kindergarten)
Experienced care givers will provide a safe, friendly environment where Infants and young children can play and socialize. Childcare is available from 10:15 – noon. Parents are welcome to spend the beginning of the service in the Sanctuary with their child(ren) and move to the Childcare room at any point if desired.
Family Room
The Family Room is equipped with speakers so that parents may spend time with their little ones and still listen to the worship service. Toys and simple art supplies are available. Parents are welcome to start in the sanctuary and then move to the Family Room at any point in the service. Parents must remain with their child(ren) in the Family Room. This also provides a great opportunity for fellowship among families. Always available.
Sunday Morning Circle (1st–6th grades):
On Sundays when Sunday Morning Circle is offered, children and youth join us at the beginning of every service and then are sung out to attend their circles. Our Sunday Morning Circle provides children a chance to build friendly connections as they learn about our seven Unitarian Universalist Principles. Our Sunday Morning Circle will foster positive relationships between children and Circle leaders, as they learn ways to demonstrate our Unitarian Universalist principles in their daily lives.
Each session will help us understand our own values and the values of others, and involve activities such as physical activities, cooperative games, story time, music/singing/dancing, and arts and crafts. Throughout the year, there will be workshops , where congregation and community members will be invited to share their skills with the children (i.e.: yoga, meditation, music, cooking. etc.). Several times a year the children and youth will also participate in special events, such as social justice projects, community service projects, youth-led community suppers, and holiday craft workshops.
Youth Groups:
Middle School Youth Group (MSYG – Grades 5-8)
Middle School Youth Group meets periodically for projects and social activities.
High School Youth Group (HSYG – Grades 9-12)
Our High School Youth Group meets once a week. Youth meet with experienced facilitators to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and clarify their own values and beliefs. Activities may include service opportunities. Youth work with the adult leaders to create and lead a Sunday service. They also are encouraged to participate in worship services and congregational life throughout the year.
Other Programs:
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Offered for Youth (Gr. 7-9)
UUCM will offer the “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) Sexuality Education program for grades 7-9 at UUCM during the 2018-19 church year. The “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) Sexuality Education program provides age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education that is consistent with our UU principles and values. The OWL curriculum for youth in Grades 7-9 provides comprehensive sexuality education, including anatomy, birth control, pregnancy and birth, masturbation, sexual relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Importance of consent in sexual relationships, body image, and images of sexuality in the media are also included. The youth participate actively in discussions and role play. They are encouraged to develop their values in accord with our UU principles. Parents need not be UUCM members or friends in order to have a child join the OWL program. Parents/guardians who are interested in having their child(ren) participate should contact Jamie Ferrier, Office Administrator.
Special Events
Several times a year the children and youth participate in special events, including Mystery Sharing Friends, Everyone’s Birthday party, family hikes, Winter pageant and many more multi-generational events.
Whole Congregation Worship
Throughout the year, some Sunday services are designed for Whole Congregation Worship. On these Sundays, Children’s Circle is not offered, and we invite children of all ages to remain in the Sanctuary and experience the entire service. Family Room and Childcare are also available.
How Do We Accomplish This?
Our Interim Minister, Reverend Carol Strecker, and our Children & Youth Committee plan and execute programs for children and youth. We need your help and ask parents, guardians, and other congregants to volunteer. There are many ways to get involved. Please see Office Administrator Jamie Ferrier (office@uucm.org) to volunteer to help!