Families

Welcome to Faith Development at First Unitarian Church

Building community across generations with Loving Hearts, Open Minds, and Helping Hands

Mission Statement:

Sunday Morning PROGRAMMING:

Nursery Care: Infants & toddlers also hold space at First U! We have a staffed nursery with enrichment and care for your child while you are at the service. Of course, we love children and they are always welcome to be with their family during the service! 

Preschool - 2nd Grade: 

Spirit Play: A Montessori-Inspired Faith Exploration

Spirit Play is a child-centered religious education program that nurtures spiritual growth through storytelling, reflection, and hands-on activities. Rooted in Montessori principles, it encourages children to explore faith, values, and big life questions in a supportive and engaging environment.

Each session features a meaningful story, open-ended wondering questions, and creative activities that help children connect with their own spirituality. With an emphasis on choice and discovery, Spirit Play empowers young minds to build a strong foundation of values and meaning.

Join us in fostering curiosity, reflection, and a sense of belonging!

2nd Grade - 8th Grade

Soul Matters: A Deeper, Connected Approach to Faith Exploration

Soul Matters is a Unitarian Universalist curriculum designed to help children, youth, and families explore faith in a meaningful and connected way. Rooted in monthly themes, this program goes beyond traditional lessons, encouraging reflection, creativity, and spiritual growth.

Each session engages children through stories, hands-on activities, and thoughtful discussions, helping them connect their experiences to Unitarian Universalist values. The curriculum also fosters a sense of community by aligning with what adults explore in worship and small groups, making faith a shared journey across generations.

Through Soul Matters, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their beliefs, and their place in the world. Join us in creating a space where curiosity, connection, and spiritual discovery thrive!

STARTING FALL 2025: COMING OF AGE

Coming of Age: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Faith

Coming of Age is a transformative Unitarian Universalist program that helps youth explore key questions about their identity, beliefs, and place in the world. Designed for 8th - 10th graders, this curriculum fosters deep reflection, personal growth, and spiritual exploration within a supportive community.

Helping youth explore essential questions about who they are and what they believe:

• Belonging: To whom or what do I belong?
• Becoming: Who am I becoming?
• Beyond: What is beyond me?

Through discussions, mentorship, service projects, and retreats, youth reflect on their communities, engage in self-discovery, and explore their evolving faith. The program culminates in a special service where participants share their personal credo—a statement of their beliefs and values.

Coming of Age empowers young people to think deeply, act with integrity, and embrace their journey into adulthood. Join us in celebrating this meaningful rite of passage!

This program will take place during regular Faith Development programming time, from 10:45 - 11:30. If you would like to learn more or to sign up, please fill out this form: Coming of Age 2025-2026

Sunday mornings

Services start at 10:30. Families attend the start of worship to hear the Tale of the Day.

Registration

To keep everyone safe we are asking all families to register their children HERE.

volunteers needed

We are looking for adults and teenagers to help and support our program. If you'd like to volunteer for our 2025-2026 programming, please fill out this form: Volunteer Interest Form or email our Director of Faith Development, Samantha Nemeth, at:

We are asking all teens and adults to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19.

Young adults and youth receive a small stipend for nursery care or leading programming.

Christmas Pageant

Most often on the 2nd Sunday of December, we host our annual Christmas pageant when we tell the story of Jesus' birth complete with Angels, Shepherds, Wise People and the evil villain, Herod.