Youth Programs

Religious Education for Youth 2010-2011

Welcome to Religious Education at First Universalist Church!

At First Universalist Church, our kids are a valued part of the community.  Religious Education classes for young people in 7th-9th Grade meet at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. The 10th-12th grade class meets only at 11:15. All classes meet September through May. See below for specifics on course content.

Visit our Religious Education classrooms

Visitors are welcome.  Before visiting with a 7th-12th grader, please contact Katie Heaton so you can find out important details about the class your child will be visiting.

Register for Religious Education

Contact Katie Heaton with any questions or to register for one of our youth classes.  Registration for the 7th and 10-12th Grade classes remains open throughout the church year.  Enrollment for our 8th and 9th Grade classes closes at the end of September.

Religious Education Program Goals

The following are our broad program goals.

  • Foster a religious experience for children and youth that supports a growing sense of belonging, connection, and involvement.
  • Expand our congregational capacity for listening, connecting, and advocating for children and youth.
  • Name and celebrate ways in which children and youth express their religious experiences and sense of belonging/community.
  • Deepen the spiritual sense of identity as Unitarian Universalists

Grade Seven: Neighboring Faiths at 9: 30 & 11:15 a.m.

Seventh graders learn Unitarian Universalism's connection to other religions during their year of  “Neighboring Faiths,” a curriculum developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association.   Through classroom conversations and multiple field trips youth explore other religions and visit their communities.  This year’s visits will include a Buddhist center, a Jewish Temple, Christian Churches, First Unitarian Society, and a visit to Minnesota's Amish country.

Grade Eight: Our Whole Lives (OWL) at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

This class is part of a nationally recognized, comprehensive sexuality education program that was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. The class is intended to help participants gain knowledge, values, and skills that lead to sexually healthy, responsible lives. Enrollment is now open for 2010-2011.

Grade Nine: Coming of Age (COA) at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

During COA, youth learn more about Unitarian Universalism and religion.  Youth are guided in exploring and expressing their personal spirituality.  The program includes three excellent retreats, a mentor program, youth leadership, and a COA celebration where youth share their reflections as they journey into religious adulthood. Enrollment is now open for 2010-2011.

Grades 10-12: Senior High "A Year of Peace and Justice" at 11:15 a.m.

Our high schoolers learn about the root causes of injustice and oppression, and advocate for justice in the larger community. They'll choose and design their own service project, raise funds, and donate their time to the cause of their choice.


Questions? Contact Katie Heaton, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Coordinator at X109 or katie@firstuniv.org .