At Wy’east Unitarian Universalist Congregation, we seek to nurture the ethical and spiritual development of our children and youth so they can grow to be adults who respect themselves, others, and the world that they live in.
Our congregation welcomes children to the center of our worship space each Sunday, inviting them forward to be held in the care of the wider community. We believe intergenerational connections from the youngest to the eldest are part of a web of belonging that connect all living beings.
Every Sunday children attend the beginning of the worship service with their families. After a Story for All Ages about fifteen minutes or so into the service, we sing the children to their class.
Our Director of Religious Exploration, our Religious Exploration Committee, parents, and other Wy’east members work together to create a meaningful experience for our children and youth.
Each Sunday our young people gather as a group for a short chalice circle to connect with one another before joining their learning groups.
We currently offer learning at two levels. The young group is Preschool through about 2nd or 3rd grade, and the older group is roughly 4th grade through middle school.
The Religious Education offered at Wy’east centers on our UU values, while drawing from a diversity of world religions with reverence for the many paths laid out towards wholeness and connection. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of children present, and children may choose where and how to participate.
- All participation in activities and programming is voluntary.
- We invite children and their care-givers to participate to the extent they are comfortable, and children are always welcome to remain in the main worship space if that is where they are most comfortable.
- Fidget toys and activities are available to use during worship.
- Parents are welcome to remain with their children in the classroom and participate in the spiritual learning offered there.
