grow   l   connect   l   serve

Youth Community is open to all youth in grades 7-12.  UUFWC youth have opportunities to participate in Sunday morning programming and monthly social gatherings.  We also participate in social justice work and UUFWC community events.

religious education for youth

On Sunday mornings youth are invited to participate in Religious Exploration  (RE) programming.

Changemakers 2nd and 4th Sunday at 11:15am

currently offered to youth in 9th to 12th grade for 2020-21

Changemakers is new this year to address the request of the youth to dig a little deeper into areas of learning that will support their social justice advocacy work. The current topic for fall and winter 2020-21 is anti-racisim.  We are reading and discussing This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons o how to Wake-Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell and Aurelia Durand.

Religious Education classes for the junior high youth include the following (one offering a year on a rotating schedule):

OWL (Our Whole Lives)

Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula.  Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.  For more information on OWL, visit http://www.uua.org/re/owl

Crossing Paths

currently offered to youth in 6th to 9th grade for 2020-21. It is 3-4 Sundays per month at 10:00 am

Crossing Paths is a world religions program designed to deepen youth’s understanding of the dynamic, fascinating, and varied world in which they live.  The program examines human history, societal change, and religious evolution, while nurturing a positive outlook toward other faiths and the people who follow them.  This program provides youth a unique opportunity to explore world religions in a safe, affirming atmosphere grounded in Unitarian Universalism.  Through class discussions and virtual field trips respectful exploration and questioning are encouraged, and differences are encountered with open minds and hearts.

Coming of Age

Coming of Age in the Unitarian Universalist tradition is a program and a rite of passage for youth.  Participation in a Coming of Age program helps young people make the transition from childhood to the youth and young adult communities in our congregation.  Participants in the Coming of Age program develop a strong group identity that supports them in staying active with the greater UU community.  Participants investigate their personal spirituality, and are encouraged to develop a sense of what they believe through discussion, adult mentorship, and participation in retreats and workshops.  Social action or social service projects are often part of the experience.  The program generally closes with a celebratory Sunday service at which the youth share their statements of personal belief (“credos”) with the greater congregation.

social and service gatherings for youth

Youth Gatherings—Grades 7-12

One Sunday per month via Zoom or outdoors and distanced if conditions permit.

Throughout the year, we will gather for social activities that allow us to build community in fun and meaningful ways.  Activities may include game nights, lock-ins, cookie decorating, outdoor adventures, and more.  We may also gather to support our peers at school, participate in social justice advocacy, community service,  or community events.

This is an excellent time to gather, reconnect with old friends, and make new friends!  We typically start by lighting our chalice, followed by check-in time.  With the support of adult allies, the youth may use this time to strengthen community bonds, develop leadership skills, and deepen their faith.

Youth Cons—Grades 7-12

Currently suspended due to the pandemic

Youth Cons are a time for youth to socialize and have fun in a safe environment with other Unitarian Universalist youth in our district or region.  Conferences usually run from Friday evening through Sunday morning and are an overnight event for youth and adult sponsors.  Youth Cons have a blend of social or free time, worship, workshops, and a social justice or service experience.  The UUFWC has several adult allies who can sponsor and accompany our youth at Cons in our region.

have questions?

Contact Jessica Eikleberry, Youth Ministry Coordinator, at ymc@uufwc.org.