Overview of worship for our children and youth
At First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, we care deeply about the worship experience for our children and youth.
Our Religious Education classes for 2011-12 started on September 18!
At First Universalist Church, our kids are a valued part of the community. We offer nursery for ages 0-2, and religious education classes for every age level, from age 3 through 12th grade. We offer classes at both the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services, except for the 10th-12th grade class, which meets only at 11:15. All classes meet September through May. (We also offer childcare at some church events.)
See specific curriculum content for Children (preschool to grade 6) and for Youth (grade 7-12).
Visit our Religious Education classrooms
Visitors are welcome. Before visiting, please contact Katie Heaton so you can find out important details about the class your child will be visiting. Get an overview of our Religious Education program, including information about Chlld Dedications here. (We also offer Lifespan programming for people of all ages.)
Register for Religious Education
Contact Katie Heaton with any questions or to register for one of our classes. Registration remains open throughout the church year for all levels except for our specialized 8th and 9th Grade classes, which don't accept new students after the end of September.
Worship in Religious Education Classes
Each of our Religious Education classes begin with creating sacred time through ritual. We teach our children and youth chalice lightings, sing spiritual songs, and embrace the beloved community through a sharing of joys and concerns. We use centering and meditation to help kids calm their bodies and minds. Each Sunday that your child attends Religious Education, they will participate in worship with their class.
- Children's programming (nursery through 6th grade religious education curriculum)
Worship in Children's Chapel
Children ages 4 years- 6th grade participate in a monthly children's chapel. Typically led by professional church staff, we engage the children in developmentally appropriate worship that is interactive, affirming, and engaging. In 2010-2011, our chapels are held the first Sunday of the month at both 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Our topics are chosen based on our congregation's monthly worship themes. Parents are welcome to join their children in chapel at any time.
Worship for Teens
Teens in grades 7-12 participate in ritual worship with their Religious Education class each week. In addition, they create worship services together during retreats and UU teen overnights. The 10th-12th Grade "Senior High" class creates a service for the entire congregation once a year. The youth participate in every aspect of the service planning and execution - playing the music, choosing readings, and sharing their own homilies or sermon.
- Youth programming (7th through 12th grade religious education curriculum)
Worship for Families - Sharing Sundays
Once a month, typically the third Sunday, children and youth ages four and up join their families in the Sanctuary for the first 15-20 minutes of the service. A message is delivered to the congregation that is accessible to all ages, yet deeply meaningful. Children and teens learn how it is that UUs worship by joining these services. After the message for all ages the kids are dismissed to their Religious Education classes.
Worship for All Ages - Together Sundays
The generations join together for many entire services each year. Water Communion was held on September 11. Our Christmas Pageant is held the Sunday before Christmas. We typically gather for traditional carols and prayers during the Christmas holiday time. We explore Easter through a Unitarian Universalist lens in the spring. Our "regular" church year ends in May with a Flower Communion service, but the community gathers once again in the summer for our annual outdoor service held at the Lake Harriet bandshell. During each of these services we engage the entire congregation with energizing music and compelling stories.
Come Worship with Us!