There's always something new to learn, regardless of your age. We teach children to be kind, respectful and fair-minded, and to stand up for what’s right. Rather than telling them (or you) what to believe, we encourage a search for what is true and meaningful. That continues through adulthood, as we gather in classes and groups to continue to explore our faith and purpose in life. At The Church of the River, we learn, and grow our souls together, throughout all the ages and stages of our lives.

Summer Faith Development Schedule:

This summer, our Faith Development program for children and youth will feature a special rotating series of local Memphis authors, storytellers, artists, and educators!

Each Sunday, a guest from our wider Memphis community will help lead our Time for All Ages during worship before spending time with the children afterward for storytelling, conversation, questions, and creativity. Kids will have the opportunity to hear books read by their authors, engage with local educators and artists, and build connections with inspiring people from right here in our city.

Following worship, our guest presenters will also be available during coffee hour in the Mississippi River Room for conversation, book signings, and community connection.

As we shift from our school-year schedule into our summer rhythm:

  • There will be no 10:00 AM First Hour programming during the summer months, from June 7 to September 6
  • Childcare for our youngest children will continue beginning at 9:30 AM
  • Crafts, games, and quiet activities will be available for older children before worship
  • The Journeys Adult Group will continue to meet a 9:30 AM
  • Other Adult Education programs begin at 10:00 AM.
  • Children will begin in the sanctuary with the congregation at 11:00 AM
  • Following the Time for All Ages, children will head out with our guest author or educator until noon

We’re excited for a summer full of stories, curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections with the wider Memphis community.

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  • August 30 
    • Memphis Parks Young Authors Guild 

      The Memphis Parks Young Authors Guild includes youth, ages 5-17, who write and publish their own books. Through this program, the youth explore reading, writing, and illustrating, creatively expressing their life experiences through storytelling. The books written by the young authors share lessons of community, connection, hope, beauty, courage, and adventure.  As part of the Literacy Meets Recreation program, the young authors’ storytelling inspires imagination and creativity, and shows how telling one’s story opens limitless potential.    

      Flipping My Way to the Top by Keyshawn Jones

      Dior is Going to Kindergarten by Dior Peete

      My Life Story: My Testimony of Strength by Rico Jones

      Once Upon a Memphis Story: Anthology

      A Proud Big Brother by Travis Franklin 

       

Typical Sunday Schedule (Sept-May):

  • 9:30 am - 12:15 pm Nursery Open
  • 9:30 - 10:30 am  Journeys  Adult Group that discusses a different topic each week
  • 10 - 10:50 am First Hour Programs - Faith Development For All Ages (Note: First Hour Programs not available during summer, from June 7 to Sept. 6)
    • PreK - 5th  Age-specific curricula give our children and youth space to explore the sources of our faith and how Unitarian Universalism is both similar to and different from other traditions.
    • Adult Faith Development Offerings - Faith development programs for adults of all ages at 10am on Sunday mornings. Current topic: "The Inquirers" with Rev. Lynn, watch our Weekly Newsletter for more info.
  • 10 am - 12 pm - Youth Group (6th - 12th Grade)  Meets for a mix of social and faith development focused time together.
  • During Worship — Kids Club (PreK – 7th)  After the Time for All Ages, kids are invited to check out our Kids Club for community-focused, project-based activities. These will include crafts, service projects, games, and opportunities to grow friendships across age groups.

 

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Family Ministry Testimonials

"It was the congregation that we visited that was most welcoming, most inclusive and really we felt the warm embrace that was preached from the pulpit actually in the heart of the church."

--The Redmon Family

“A lot of people my age are raised in very religiously conservative households. But The Church of the River is a community with enough space to allow you to come into your own ...without having to adhere to a dogma.”

--C. Yeargan, youth group member

“ I never wanted to be in a situation where I was taking my child to a church where they were saying things I don’t believe in, and I never feel that way at The Church of the River.”

--Neil and Atticus