Welcome and Introduction
As part of our Lifespan Faith Development plan, we host a Nursery/Preschool program, a Children’s Program, and a Youth Group. In addition to activities and programs, we continually assess ways that children can become more involved in the church community.
Our children’s programming is free, but we do ask that you become involved by being a member of a teaching team that involves teaching once or twice a year with an experienced teacher. We also ask that you let our Education staff know about medical or educational needs that your child may have. We also will ask you if you want to give your permission to take photos and videos of your child to use in our newsletter, website, and Facebook page. Please note that our policy is to not include children’s names in any of our social media.
For more information, contact Peggy Smith at 302-362-2771.
Nursery/Preschool
Infants and toddlers through age 4 are invited to be part of our Nursery Program. The Nursery teacher is a paid staff member available every Sunday from 9:45–11:45 a.m. She provides a story, an art activity, and play in a safe environment for our youngest children. Parents of infants are welcome to stay with their children in the Nursery or to keep their babies in the sanctuary with them if that is more appropriate.
Children’s Program
Religious Education for children is offered every Sunday during services beginning at 10 a.m. On the first Sunday of the month all children are invited to participate in worship with adults in the sanctuary and to hear a Story for All Ages.
In the fall children joined in an adventure of global partnership. For 8 weeks, starting September 11, 2011 we discovered “Who Are Our Partners Around the World.” Did you know where in the world the Unitarian religion first began, or that there are Unitarians in a remote corner of India, or that they are scattered in the Philippine Islands?
During our fall classes, children not only learned the history of Unitarian churches all around the world, but they found out what life is like in these many places, through stories and games—and snacks! We even Skyped our Partner Church in Tordatur, Transylvania, Romania.
Starting in November we began a new curriculum, Small Group Ministry Adapted for Children. This curriculum begins with a children’s service with hymns, a story, and elements of a congregational service, followed by activities where children live their UU principles by reaching out to the community. We also have fun parties on holidays, plays and shows for the whole church, and help in the church by ushering, greeting, and lighting the chalice.
Youth Group
Our Youth Group for grades 6–12 is underway and is continuing to be organized and formulated. This year we are thrilled to be taking part in a joint endeavor with the Safe Harbor United Church of Christ Youth Group to offer a sexual education class Our Whole Lives (OWL) for teens in 10th–12th grades. The required Parent Orientation for this program is at noon on March 25 at UUSD. Classes for teens will run from April 15 through June 16.
Please read the OWL Brochure and contact Peggy Smith if interested.
