The great end in religious instruction is
not to stamp our minds irresistibly upon the young,
but to stir up their own;
Not to make them see with our eyes,
but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own;
Not to give them a definite amount of knowledge,
but to inspire a fervent love of truth;
Not to form an outward regularity,
but to touch inward springs.
~ William Ellery Channing
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides a safe and happy place for infants and toddlers while parents attend the service. Every Sunday, a childcare provider is available from 9:40am until the last child leaves.
Pre-K ... Kindergarten ... 1st Grade
Spirit Play is a Montessori-based method where children are given space to work at their own pace, engaging their sense of wonder and allowing them to begin forming their own ideas about abstract concepts like right and wrong and the divine. Each class time begins with a ritual and story. The power of a meaningful story is placed into the hands of the children who are then free to work with materials in the classroom to explore their wonderings.
2nd & 3rd Grades
Faithful Journeys take our children on a pilgrimage of faith, exploring how Unitarian Universalism translates into life choices and everyday actions. They learn that our Principles are not a dogma, but a credo that individuals can affirm with many kinds of action.
TOOLBOX OF FAITH
4th, 5th, 6th Grades
Toolbox of Faith invites our children to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight).
Junior & Senior Youth Group
MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL
The Youth Group is designed to facilitate the transition between the structured children's program and the self-directed church participation of the adult. This autonomous group plans all of their programs with the support of Adult Advisors. Programs include community service, worship experiences, and leadership opportunities while producing a safe place to come for spiritual growth, friendship and support. This thoughtful dynamic and welcoming group is actively engaged in events with youth from other congregations in the Metro NY area.