Faith Development Curriculum

Our Family Ministry Programming is designed to address the Faith Development needs of children from nursery (children 2 years old and younger) through those graduating from high school. Drawing from Six Sources, and Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism, children and youth are encouraged to explore how Unitarian Universalism might shape the way they see the world around them as they experience a sense of wonder and awe and gratitude in their daily lives.

Nursery and Preschool (Birth-Age 4)

Paid caregivers provide tender loving care to our youngest members. Supervised play provides a safe space for toddlers to develop confidence and friendships.

Spirit Play (Ages 4-8)

This Montessori based program offers children a child centered, deliberately multi-aged, experience. As children enter the classroom they are greeted by a doorkeeper and encouraged to create a sacred space where they walk slowly, speak softly, and listen to the Spirit of Love and Mystery. Through the use of carefully curated story baskets, the Storyteller engages children in wondering questions. Children respond to these questions by choosing their own work; story re-telling, art projects, free play, meditation, etc. Each session ends with a child-led clean up and re-set of the space. Currently this is offered 9:30-10:30 on Sunday mornings.

Elementary Class (Grades K-5)

Soul Matters

This program offers stories, experience-based learning activities, wonder box ideas, songs, mindfulness practices, games, crafts, videos and more - around a different theme each month. Using a "building block" approach, Faith Development facilitators support a diversity of learning styles with an intentional Unitarian Universalist lens embedded in every activity. Currently this program is offered concurrently with the worship service and begins after the Time for All Ages each Sunday.

2022-2023 Themes

  • September: Belonging
  • October: Courage
  • November: Change
  • December: Wonder
  • January: Finding Our Center
  • February: Love
  • March: Vulnerability
  • April: Resistance
  • May: Creativity
  • June: Delight

Middle School Youth

Fall 2022 (Grades 7-9)

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is offered for those previously enrolled.

January 2023 (Grades 6-8)

Faith Development will resume on Sunday mornings.

High School

Attends the worship service together at 11:00 on Sunday morning and meets at the Church of the River every Wednesday evening from 7:00-8:30.