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Religious Education for Children & Youth

Our Religious Education Program offers a balance of experiences and opportunities that integrate education, ritual, social outreach, philosophical discussion, and fun in a nurturing and caring environment. We offer Sunday morning meetings to children and youth aged 5 to 18. Nursery care is available for children from birth through age 5. We also sponsor a youth group and spiritual discussions for adults.

While each of us chooses to be involved in a church for any number of reasons, we believe that religious education is and should be up near the top. Our Religious Education Program helps children and youth develop a world view that will support and provide an ultimate context for their developing lives. It encourages a sense of awe and reverence and the development of the spiritual dimension of life. It helps them to develop positive values for living and offers them a grounding in Unitarian Universalism. Our approach is liberal and expansive - encouraging the deepening of the spirit and the growth of human understanding and healthy commitment.

The RE Program is an essential part of a family's church experience. Many parents first come to our church primarily seeking an open and nurturing religious education for their children. At FPUU we recognize that all of us, not just parents, are responsible for the religious education of the children and youth of the congregation. An essential element of our mission is to build a brighter future through the religious education of our young people.

The success of our program depends on the cooperative efforts of the entire congregation. Each parent is expected to volunteer in some capacity throughout the year (e.g., lead a group, help with special events, or read a story). Adults in the congregation who do not have children in the program are also encouraged to volunteer.

Regular attendance builds community and a sense of belonging. At the same time, we welcome all children and youth no matter how often they come.

Our religious tradition draws from many sources: wisdom from the world's religions, Jewish and Christian teachings, Humanist teachings, Earth-centered traditions, and the deeds and words of prophetic women and men from all cultures and all times. Our RE Program reflects these diverse sources. Children and youth learn to respect themselves and the diversity of other human beings, to consider the relevance of the teachings of many varying religious traditions, to reflect upon the wonders of the world in which we live, and to develop their own sense of spirituality.

As UU's, most of us spend our entire lives formulating our religious beliefs - it's a part of what we are all about! Since we have no creed, we don't try to give our children religion. Instead, we help them develop their own, to question and to wonder. We teach them how to think about religion, not what to think about it.
UU Principles for Children

We believe that each and every person is important.

We believe that all people should be treated fairly.

We believe that our churches are places where all people are accepted, and where we keep on learning together.

We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.

We believe that everyone should have a vote about the things that concern her or him.

We believe in working for a peaceful, fair, and free world.

We believe in caring for our planet Earth.

RE Program Goals

We seek to offer a balanced Religious Education Program that integrates education, ritual, philosophical discussion, creativity, social outreach, community building, and fun time..

We want to plant the seeds of wonder and discovery so that our children and youth feel free to explore, question, and discuss.

We strive to familiarize our children and youth with our Unitarian Universalist Principles in the hope that they will assimilate these elements into their daily lives.

We want to provide a variety of intergenerational opportunities as we strive to develop a sense of community within the Religious Education Program and the larger church community.

We want our young people to develop a sense of self-worth and individuality as they find their spiritual selves.
Religious Education Program Groups:

This year, there will be 2 age groups meeting on Sunday mornings during the service for children in Kindergarten and older. Nursery care will also be available for children ages 5 and under.   (Age groups are approximate and flexible.  Children may be moved at the discretion of the Director of Religious Education.  We will make every effort to meet the individual needs of each child)

Nursery: (Infants - Age 5):  Caring and qualified child care is available each Sunday to look after infants, toddlers, and preschoolers age 4 and under.  All young children are welcome in the Nursery during the service.

Grades K-5:  Children will meet as a mixed age group to learn about UU Principles using the curriculum, “We Believe”.  Through stories, music, games, art experiences, movement activities, discussion, and sharing this group

Morning Youth Program:  (Grades 6-12) Youth and their adult leaders will work together to create a program which combines worship, social justice projects, stewardship, and developing leadership skills. 

Exploring and Experiencing Spiritual Practices:  (Grades K-12) Once a month the children and youth will be introduced to and have an opportunity to explore a different spiritual practice.  These might include meditation, yoga, walking a labyrinth, exploring dreams, and celebrating the seasons.

Evening Youth Group:  Youth and their adult leaders will work together to create a program based on the interests of the group.


  (click here to see this month's schedule)

Intergenerational Worship and Special Activities

We are building an intergenerational community in which people of all ages will feel welcome and connected.  There will be a variety of opportunities throughout the year designed to facilitate and support this process. 

We begin the year with an Intergenerational Water Gathering Service on Sunday, September 12.  (Groups begin meeting on September 19.) Additional intergenerational worship experiences will be scheduled throughout the church year including celebrations of Day of the Dead, Easter, and Earth Day.   

Other special events may include a an altar making project for your Day of the Dead Service, a Chili Luncheon and Talent Show, the Annual Holiday Pageant, and Valentine Crafts.