From the very beginning, the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists have committed energy, time, resources and space to programs that foster spiritual growth for their children and youth. In our covenant, we promise to teach ourselves and our children the value of religious thought and feeling.
We have a permanent full-time Director of Lifespan Faith Development (DLFD) and a part-time YRUU Advisor for our teens. We have a Lifespan Faith Development Council which is charged with working with the Director of Lifespan Faith Development to develop and support a comprehensive lifespan faith development program at WUU. As WUU seeks to put faith development at the center of their mission and to create and sustain a truly multi-generational community, the council is charged with supporting all the various facets of powerful and effective programs for all ages including classes, social events, social justice activities and worship.
What to expect
We invite families to worship together during the 9:15 service. Nursery care is provided for our youngest, infant through age 4 for both the 9:15 and 11:15 services.
During our 11:15 service, children and youth begin in worship with their families. After the “Story for All Ages” children and youth are sung out to their classes. Our elementary age participants meet at Fahs House and our Middle School and High School students meet at Parker House.
Classes are led by generous teams of volunteers – some parents, some not. Training is provided. Truly we could not do this work without the commitment of time and energy by these members of our community.
Registration: We do ask families to register their children and youth in the program every year. Visitors, we ask you to register after you have been with us three times.
2009-10 Children and Youth Registration Form
Faith Development Programs for Children and Youth 2009-2010
This year we are embarking on a year of learning together what it means to be Unitarian Universalist. Across the lifespan there will be worship services, classes and opportunities to serve our larger world – all opportunities to explore and deepen our understanding of ourselves as religious people. Through this work, hopefully each of us will more clearly articulate the answer to the question, “What is Unitarian Universalism?” and “Why are you a Unitarian Universalist?”
Spirit Play
Pre-K through 2nd grade
Fahs House (center rooms)
Spirit Play is a Montessori-based program, adapted by Nita Penfold for Unitarian Universalism. The sessions involve listening to a story told by the Storyteller which is illustrated by a story kit, reflecting on the story’s meaning through “wondering questions” and then choosing a way to further process the experience through art, movement, or re-telling the stories through the story kits.
For 2009-10, the stories will focus on the 7 Unitarian Universalist principles, the Promise stories, and UU Heroes and Heroines.
To see what is happening week to week, please check
the Spiral and the home page of this web site.
Toolbox of Faith
Grades 3 through 5
Meets in Fahs House (left side rooms)
What tools does Unitarian Universalism offer for the challenges of life? Children discover what aspects of UU faith are helpful to them, developing a toolbox of faith.
Toolbox of Faith invites participants to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each session uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight).
To see what is happening week to week, please check the Spiral and the home page of this web site.
Traditions with a Wink
Middle School Grades 6-8
Meets in Parker House Living Room
This year our Middle School youth will develop an understanding of UU faith that can replace the vague “anything we want to” statement with: “We come from a long tradition of questioning and searching. We come from a long tradition of loving kindness and good works.” We have powerful stories and visions of hope. It is time to share them with our older children as they begin the process of shaping their own faith.
Traditions With a Wink teaches our UU traditions, to both Middle Schoolers and their teachers, while adding fun with which middle schoolers connect to issues and stay enthusiastic about their church experience.
To see what is happening week to week, please check the Spiral and the home page of this web site.
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)
High School, Grades 9-12
Meets in Parker House Basement (look for the cow!)
This year the YRUU’s will look at their identities as members of our local church community and the community at large. We will explore what it means to be a UU, and how through our faith we can effect a positive change in our community and the world. We will study problems such as racism and poverty, and learn through social justice projects how we can change these things for the better.
To see what is happening week to week, please check the Spiral and the home page of this web site.
Coming of Age
Grades 8-10
Meeting dates and times TBA
A monthly group for youth ready to explore and learn to articulate their Unitarian Universalist beliefs. Through worship, service, a spring retreat, youth will explore on their own and in the group, their beliefs and values. The course will conclude with a Coming of Age Ritual during the May 9, 2010 worship service.
Leader: Margaret Sequeira