“A Place To Grow Young Liberal Religious Minds”
What we value, what we study and what we do together makes us the people we become.
Our vision is to create a strong liberal religious community in which people of all ages grow spiritually, emotionally, and ethically. All of our children’s RE curricula include elements of world religions, peace and social justice, Unitarian Universalist history and identity, and the Seven UU Principles.
Our RE classes run from September until the end of May. We offer a nursery program for the youngest children, RE classes for 5-9 year olds, 10-13 year olds, and a senior high youth group for youth aged 14-18.
Our process of religious exploration offers young people respect for their journey and encouragement along the way. If you were a child who questions made the Sunday school teacher squirm - know that questions here are very welcome. Unitarian Universalists believe that each of us is on our own journey and questions serve to move us along our way. We gather together to accept, support and encourage each other as we grow in our congregations. You and your children are welcome to join us on our collective faith journeys this year!
Children and youth begin Sundays in the Sanctuary with their parents. Near the beginning of the service there is generally a “time for all ages” when the children and young at heart are invited to come up to hear a story or have a brief topical conversation. At the end of this time, the congregation sings a song as the children leave for their classes.
About once a month, all of the children will gather together in the Chrysalis building for Children’s Church days. On these days, there are special group activities which can be anything from making prayer flags, to presentations from different members of the congregation or community, to preparing a meal for a local tent city. Children’s Church days often have a special holiday or social justice theme. On Intergenerational Worship days children stay in the Sanctuary with parents for the entire service. These days are planned for a wider range of ages than traditional services.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, Chris Pollina, shorelinedre@gmail.com or (206) 240-5500.
If you plan on bringing your child to any of our religious education classes, please fill out a registration form so that we are aware of important information such as emergency contacts, allergies, medical conditions, etc.
Infants and Toddlers
We provide two wonderful spaces for infants and toddlers; one is our quiet room in the back of the Sanctuary where parents can rock their children while listening to the sermon. The second space is the Nursery located to your right as you enter the church. Infants and toddlers can play and interact with others under the supervision of our nursery staff.
5-9 Year-Olds: Faithful Journeys
Participants embark on a pilgrimage of faith, exploring how Unitarian Universalism translates into life choices and everyday actions. In each session, they hear historic or contemporary examples of Unitarian Universalist faith in action. Stories about real people model how participants can activate their own capacity to act faithfully as Unitarian Universalists in their own lives. Children are offered regular opportunities to share and affirm their own stories of faithful action. Through sessions structured around the Unitarian Universalist Principles, Faithful Journeys demonstrates that our Principles are not a dogma, but a credo that individuals can affirm with many kinds of action.
10-13 Year-Olds: Toolbox of Faith
The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic who would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools. — Confucius
Toolbox of Faith invites participants 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 16 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).
After the Service
After service, there are sometimes arts or crafts activities at a Kid's Table in the sanctuary. Also, our outdoor playground provides a safe environment for children to play following church – we have both climbing structures as well as a green grassy area. Adult supervision is required at all times.
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