Middle School Youth Group - 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
Middle school youth group is a welcoming community for kids in grades 6, 7 and 8 to explore and live out their faith. We strive to balance fun with responsibility and learning; one week kids are off to a ropes course, another week they are practicing for a performance in an upcoming church service. Youth participate in a variety of service projects which benefit the congregation, regional groups and worldwide organizations.
Spiritual development is at times structured and explicit. Using the Neighboring Faiths curriculum, youth spend two months during the year learning about other faith traditions. Youth consider classic theological issues and begin to develop their own beliefs. Middle School Youth Group helps prepare participants for the Coming of Age Program.
Middle school youth group meets twice a month from 10-11:30. Parents assist by providing snacks and volunteering when needed.
Senior High Youth Group - 9th through 12th grades
Senior High Youth group is an accepting, supportive community where youth continue to deepen their faith. In the presence of their advisers, youth are free to explore issues that are important to them, sharing their hopes and concerns and mobilizing themselves to action.
Much like middle school youth group, they participate in a variety of experiences balancing opportunities for fun, learning, social action and worship. Social Action projects include preparing and serving dinner at a local soup kitchen, participating in the Walk for Hunger. Youth create worship for their meetings and also provide one service to the congregation.
This group meets on the first and third Sundays of the month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Fellowship Building.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
This comprehensive sexuality education program brings faith to a subject that is often misrepresented in our culture. Straight answers and information are provided in an environment that nurtures self respect and caring for others. Human sexuality is presented as a natural part of life which carries with it rights and responsibilities. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it addresses many topics often excluded. It is intended to help youth gain knowledge, values, and skills to lead sexually healthy, responsible lives.
Written by the UUA and UCC, this is a nationally recognized program.
Coming of Age
Designed for ninth graders, the Coming of Age program helps youth formulate and articulate their faith. We begin with a quick review of the tenets of Unitarian Universalism and then address the BIG questions together. In an atmosphere of acceptance, we strive to create an environment that nurtures personal and spiritual growth. Once completed, youth will participate in a Coming of Age Ceremony. This program will be offered in the spring.
Youth Adult Committee (YAC)
The Youth Adult Committee, whose members are both interested adults and peer-elected teens, works in partnership with the Director of Religious Education and youth advisors to plan, carry out, and assess the programs, classes, and special events specific to youth in 7th through 12th grades. Committee meetings are on the first Sunday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Building. Visitors are welcome.