Our Programming
Children and Youth
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
Chalice by Felix
Our Monthly Themes
Kindergarten ~ 6th Grade
Soul Matters
We are part of a wider theme-based ministry network called Soul Matters. This group of over 150 Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country follows the same monthly themes. The themes are shared in worship, music, children's programming and in small group ministries. Bringing us into deeper connection, we are companions traveling a new journey together each month.
What paths must we lean into and relearn as we travel together into our complex, challenging and hoped for future? This is the overarching question that our 2022-23 Soul Matters themes invite us to explore. Each theme will lift up a particular spiritual path crucial to helping us birth a new normal worthy of our hopes.
Through Soul Matters, we will explore the challenges and paths of…
September: Belonging
October: Courage
November: Change
December: Wonder
January: Finding Our Center
February: Love
March: Vulnerability
April: Resistance
May: Creativity
June: Delight
Wednesday Night Bedtime Story!
We invite children of all ages to join us on zoom every Wednesday evening at 7pm for a bedtime story with Jane Podell, Director of Religious Exploration. This is a warm and sweet time for multi-gen connections. Children may invite their grandparents, friends and of course, parents to listen in on a thoughtful story, a wonderful way to end the day.
Click here for zoom link.
Junioe and Senior Youth Group
(Middle School and 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 engaged in events with youth from other congregations in the Metro NY area.
**Because of covid, we suspended all in person youth group meetings these past 2 years, but hope for some safe in-person meetings this fall of 2022.
Social Action
One of the hallmarks of Unitarian Universalism is social activism. That’s because UUs have always believed we must apply our faith to the world we live in. The Religious Exploration program is designed to encourage our children and youth to become involved in social action within our community and the world at large. Social Action is integrated into our R.E. program throughout the year.
