We light this chalice for our children and youth, and for us:
celebrating the flame of faith lit in each of us,
honoring the light each of us bring into the world,
rejoicing in the community we create together.
—Christian Schmidt (UU Minister)
Children’s Activities (Kindergarten-6th Grade)
Religious Education (RE) activities for children in kindergarten-6th grade are held MOST Sundays from September-May during the 10:00 am worship service, along with occasional intergenerational worship services. Religious Education gatherings include a mixture of indoor and outdoors activities pending the weather and selected activities.
During the fall 2022, activities will primarily focus on Unitarian Universalist identity, UU values & principles, and ways to explore and deepen our spirituality. We also hope to offer the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program to 5th & 6th grade children during the fall of 2022.
Here’s a sample of some of the planned activities in the upcoming months and past activities we’ve enjoyed and look forward to offering again in the future.
- Activities from the UU Soul Matters Sharing Circle on a variety of spiritual themes and religious topics relevant to Unitarian Universalism. Curricula from the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Tapestry of Faith is also utilized periodically along with a variety of other curricula resources.
- Exploring UU identity and spirituality through music. Several fall sessions will include opportunities to learn UU songs and hymns, led by a professional children’s music educator and longtime Unitarian Universalist.
- Periodic guest speakers from the congregation who share about various Eliot ministries and how their talents and interests impact their UU identity and values.
- Exploring UU values and building community through short Pixar and Disney films, using the CartUUns and Popcorn Theology for All Ages curricula. These resources are utilized the most on weeks when online gatherings are necessary due to Covid.
- Outdoor field trips for children and their families, which in the past have included a local Nature Center, Farmyard, Halloween gathering at the lake, and nature exploration area at Forest Park. Each gathering included time for fellowship and connection.
- Periodic opportunities to share outreach with those in need through projects, such as creating Thanksgiving cards and Valentine’s for Eliot members in need of connection.
- We hope to offer the Our Whole Lives sexuality education program in 2022-23 to at least one age group. Contact Scott Stewart for more details about this program.
Health & Safety During Covid-19: Click to learn more about our health and safety protocols for children’s programs (K-6) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022-23.
