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LIFELONG LEARNING
We believe that the spiritual journey is a lifelong process. Throughout our years we continue to explore deep questions, to struggle with ethical challenges, and to grow in wisdom, compassion, generosity, and faith. The answers of our youth may no longer serve us in our mature years. The challenges of our contemporary society are ever new and changing. Boundaries of knowledge and of inspiration are ever expanding.
We continue to grow by drawing on the wisdom of the ages, the inner spark of our own spirit, and thoughtful conversation with others.
children's FAITH DEVELOPMENT
At UUCGL, our children and youth programming is dedicated to helping children of all ages explore their big questions in a safe and supportive environment. While we can't be together right now, we hope kids of all ages will join in safe online community in this time of Coronavirus by watching our Children's Faith Development videos!
Sunday Morning Programs
Early Explorers
Chalice Keepers
UU Seekers
Junior Youth
Visit to our Children's Faith Development Channel to view Sunday segments created just for kids! Check back every week for new videos until we can all be together at church again.
Early Explorers (0-4 years old)
Meeting in our newly refurbished Nursery, our youngest participants come together in a spirit of exploration and play. We emphasize developmentally appropriate play, using toys and activities meant to gently encourage infants and toddlers to explore and grow. The Early Explorers are supervised by a trained adult staff member and supported by teen and/or adult volunteers.
Chalice Keepers (5-8 years old)
Our early elementary learners meet in the Mural Room with their teacher and one adult helper. Their curriculum comes primarily through the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Tapestry of Faith series. For the Chalice Keepers, the curriculum focuses on developing community through an introduction to UU Principles and an exploration of concepts like love, family, fairness, and so on. This year, the cohort is using the curriculum Wonderful Welcome which helps them investigate different intangible concepts through our “Wonder Box.” Each class features some combination of story, play, and activity that helps to bring the concept to life.
CLICK HERE to see what this group has been doing lately!
UU Seekers (9-12 years old)
Older elementary learners meet in our Fishtank Room each week to expand their understanding and awareness of spirituality, ethics, and action. They begin a deeper focus of their own identity and develop tools and questions that help them
become lifelong spiritual learners and engaged, ethical citizens. This year, the cohort is using the Tapestry of Faith curriculum “Windows and Mirrors” which aims to focus attention on the relationships between ourselves and others, individually and collectively. As a key part of their learning, the UU Seekers take on several community and social justice projects.
CLICK HERE to see what this group has been doing lately!
Junior Youth (13-14 years old)
For the 2020/2021 programming year our junior youth (kids currently in grades 7-8) are meeting virtually on Sundays at 11am for "Popcorn Theology." This program uses movie excerpts to support specific themes and add a social justice focus to address the painful issues of our times. More information is available here. It's a lot of fun and helps kids think deeply about the world around them while connecting virtually with their UUCGL peers. If you have questions or would like to join, please contact Mary Gatlin.
CLICK HERE to see what this group has been doing lately!
Programs for Older Youth
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Coming of Age
Youth Group
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Our congregation offers a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum called Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) every two years. The next program starts in the fall of 2020. Read more about OWL here.
Coming of Age
Our Coming of Age for teens is a program that helps our youth in their journey toward young adulthood. Our youth start the process of deeply understanding what they have been learning about Unitarian Universalism in a more structured and committed way. Coming of Age is a faith journey. Every youth is paired with a mentor who helps guide them throughout the year. Lessons are planned around faith, exploring God concepts, good and evil, why bad things happen to good people, and life and death. The youth become involved in a service project, develop an elevator speech about what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, and write a faith statement. Each youth reads their faith statement during a Celebration of Coming of Age in the spring.
Youth Group (15-18 years old)
Our Senior Youth program is designed for high school students who have typically gone through some earlier part of the Religious Education program. Our youth group meets weekly on Sundays and sometimes other evenings for social events, service projects or programs. The group takes part in structured discussions and programming, along with social events, service projects, and occasional mission trips.
CLICK HERE to see what this group has been doing lately!