Youth Programs

...Join a Youth Group this year!...

Children’s Religious Education:

MCUUF welcomes children not only for who they will become in the future but for all that they offer right now. In Unitarian Universalist faith development programs (religious education), our goal is to help children make meaning of their experiences within the framework of our faith. Whether learning about our faith—roots and identity, world religions, life's experiences, questions and mysteries—or how we can live out our faith in the world, we hold children in communities of safety, love, and justice where they are valued just as they are.

We share with children soul-stirring stories, transcendent moments of care, ways to mark the sacred and congregations that help us cherish our days. We want children to know the power of faith shared in community. We are all part of the interdependent web of life: a family sharing our home on this earth.

We help children find ways to make the values and principles of Unitarian Universalism part of the fabric of their beings. We work, play, worship, and learn with people of all ages in our congregations. Our children's questions invite our wonder; their trust encourages our hope. We return their questioning with affection and respect, and in doing so our congregation grows and deepens in faith and life-affirming inspiration.

Currently we are in conducting a search process for an R.E. Coordinator. The 2008-2009 program will begin September 7, 2008 – however – the curriculum may be adjusted after the hiring of our new R.E. Coordinator. Please call 509-365-5593 or e-mail mcuuf1@gmail.com for further information.

Tween Group

Our Tween group serves our members (ages 11-14).

The Tween group is currently participating in a Coming of Age program designed to acknowledge the transition from child to youth. This transition is as important as birth, partnering, and death but often not acknowledged. In this program youth focus on themselves, their own spiritual journey, and their goals for themselves. Coming of age is a yearlong journey and the program includes tools that youth can use to shape their spiritual journeys. A big part of the program is supporting the youth in exploring and clarifying their values culminating in a writing personal statement. A year provides time for a deep process that transforms lives. The program uses the four elements of initiation:

Ritual: Special space marks the event as important. Dramatic ritual helps bring the ritual alive. Rights of Passage are what we do to mark our passages and ritual is the drama which brings meaning to it.
Learning: This takes place constantly, including in weekly sessions.
Testing: The program pushes one's limits to provide a sense of accomplishment, including tasks that are hard but not impossible.
Celebration: This both acknowledges and raises awareness that these youth are changing. The culmination is Coming of Age Sunday where each youth is formally acknowledged and by reading their personal values statements.

If you are interested or would like further information about the MCUUF Tween Program please contact us at mcuuf1@gmail.com or call 509-365-5593.

Youth (ages 14-18)

Unitarian Universalism provides an unique opportunity for young people to develop their own sense of identity, ethics, and religion. Our focus on each individual’s search for truth and meaning, diversity within our congregations, and ethical action within the community at large can provide an important sense of balance in their lives. Within our congregation, youth are free to participate in ways that are most meaningful to them, in both age-specific and multigenerational activities. At MCUUF, we do not perceive our role to be providing answers for their questions, rather we endeavor to provide a space for them to find answers for themselves.

Currently we are in the process of developing our Youth program. You are welcome to participate in this exciting program development and encouraged to attend the Fellowship and meet our young adults. For information or comments e-mail mcuuf1.gmail.com or call 509-365-5593.