UNIVERSITY UNITARIAN CHURCH

Family Ministry

Together we help children and youth develop a strong Unitarian Universalist identity with deep relationships in their church community and nurture their rich and unique spiritual lives.

We believe that religious exploration is a life-long, community project. We know that the faith development of any child is closely tied to the exploration, rituals, and meaning-making that takes place at home, with their parents, and throughout their whole week. At UUC we seek to provide a supportive community of mutual development for children, youth, and the important adults in their lives.

Like the hymn, “This Little Light of Mine,” we believe our work is to help people of all ages in our programs discover their inner light and “let it shine.”

Getting Involved:

Community is something we create together. Our collaboration and cooperation is what makes a vibrant and nourishing Family Ministry program possible. We ask that families volunteer a minimum of 4-6 hours over the course of the church year, to ensure the sustainability of this ministry. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, volunteering with our small groups for children, planning or hosting special events (like the Holiday Decorating Party), contributing to snack on Sunday mornings, supply prep and clean up, and administrative support.

Those interested in volunteering in any of the above or other opportunities can sign up via UUC connect or by contacting Director of Family Ministry, Aria Curtis.

Contact Director Family Ministry, Aria Curtis Contact Youth Ministry Coordinator, Amanda Mack

Information for New Families

Welcome! We are delighted you’ve come to UUC and look forward to getting to know you. UUC’s Family Ministry staff are committed to creating a welcoming program, supporting the curiosity, creativity, and faith development of children and youth.

We encourage you to visit us on Sunday morning! When you arrive, you will be invited to check-in at one of our kiosks. Typically, children and youth meet in their small groups upon arrival at church.

You will find Sprouts Care for our youngest community members (6 mos.- Preschool), along with our programs for Kindergarten through 5th Grade upstairs in our Children’s Suite. Our groups for 6th through 12th grade meet on the lower level. Please note that at this time programs for Kindergarten through 12th grade meet during the 11:15 am service only. Sprouts Care is available for both the 9:30 am and 11:15 am services.

Volunteer greeters and Family Ministry staff can answer questions and direct you to the appropriate group when you arrive. Please visit the pages linked above, organized by age group, for detailed program descriptions.

Some children prefer to attend the service with their parents, rather than participate in these programs. They are more than welcome in the Chapel. Children can find coloring pages, pipe cleaners, and other handheld items to support calm on the silver cart near the doors to the Chapel.

We believe worship is an important part of community and faith development. Once a month, UUC offers All Ages Worship for everyone in our community to participate in. These dynamic and engaging multi-age worship experiences are collaboratively created by Family Ministry staff and the ministers. All Ages Worship usually takes place on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

We also encourage you to sign up for our Family or Youth Ministry newsletters. These newsletters are the best way to stay up to date on events and programs for children, youth, and parents at UUC.

For more information about any of the above, please contact Director of Family Ministry, Aria Curtis.