Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster

“A liberal religious voice in Lancaster County for more than a century.”

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Children and Youth Faith Development Programs 2010-2011

Much preparation has gone into making this year’s faith development programs for children and youth one of excellence. In classes, and as a larger community, we will explore our Unitarian Universalist roots, personal faith beliefs, and how our faith leads us in decision making. Some exciting changes will help all of us achieve greater understanding of what it means to be Unitarian Universalist.

Multigenerational Worship

The first Sunday of each month, October-June, is Multigenerational Worship. These services are designed to entertain the curiosity of children and adults second grade and older; younger children are welcome to attend worship or play in the first floor classroom. During Multigenerational Worship we explore a monthly theme through stories, songs, and reflection. This service takes the place of individual classes.

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Children and Youth Meeting Times

  • 9:00-10:20 a.m., Classes for students in nursery-ninth grades.
  • 11-12:20 a.m., Classes for students in nursery-seventh grades and ninth-twelfth grades.

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Children and Youth Course Objectives

Nursery

Children younger than preschool age gather each week in the first floor classroom. Toys and art activities are available. Nursery staff is present each week to work with the children. Parents are welcome to remain with their child if they wish.

Preschool—Celebrating Me & My World

Each child is unique, and all children play an important role in the world. This year, children in preschool will explore what makes them special. Lesson plans embrace the concepts of the UU Seven Principles through use of crafts, song, play, and stories.

Kindergarten & First Grade—Creating Home

Young children look for a place to belong and feel safe; church can be that place. Each week, students explore how rituals help create a sense of home and familiarity. Students will look at their home life, the sense of home a church can provide, and ways in which they each play an important role in the lives of others.

Second & Third Grade—Faithful Journeys

Unitarian Universalism is a faith tradition built on values of respect, stewardship, and tolerance. How can these values be put into practice in everyday life? Each week, students will learn about a UU who put their faith into action; learning from our ancestors, students will talk about how they live out their faiths.

Fourth & Fifth Grade—Bibleodeon

Stories from the Bible play an important part in our culture and in the religious lives of many people. How does this ancient text apply to our faith and lives? A take-off of Nickelodeon, Bibleodeon explores popular Biblical stories through theatre, news show skits, and creating a historical timeline.

Sixth & Seventh Grade—Neighboring Faiths and Popcorn Theology

Many world religions share common ideas and historical figures. Our UU faith has similarities and differences with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and earth-based traditions. Students will learn about various religions and visit different places of worship. Through the use of films in Popcorn Theology, students will discuss how people of faiths make challenging decisions.

Eighth & Ninth Grade—Odyssey

Maturing into young adulthood involves transitions. Teens and parents have different expectations of each other, and decision making can be challenging. Being grounded in one’s personal faith and code of ethics can provide a solid foundation as youth navigate their way into adulthood. During the program youth work with mentors who share their insights and listen attentively. Odyssey only meets at 9:00 a.m.

Ninth-Twelfth Grade—Youth Group

Youth group is a community that provides teens with a place to worship, grow, lead, and discuss ideas together. Youth work on building community through creating their own worship, activities, trips, and social action projects. Youth group only meets at 11:00 a.m.

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Registration for Children and Youth 2010-2011 Faith Development

To register for 2010-11 classes, download a printable registration form here, or contact the office at 717-393-1733. The regular registration deadline is August 26, 2010, so send in your forms right away—enrollment in a particular class (or a spot on the waiting list) will be confirmed as soon as possible. Please mail your registration forms to Kate Prisby, Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, 538 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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2010-11 Calendar of Key Events for Children, Youth, and Families

Here is a sample of the exciting events happening at the UUCL. For a complete calendar, visit www.uuclonline.org/calendar/, and for worship information go to www.uuclonline.org/worship/.

September—FORGIVENESS

  • Ingathering Sunday—September 12, 10:00 a.m. Last Single Service. Join the pomp as we kick-off a new year.
  • Odyssey Family Meeting—September 12, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Learn about Odyssey from last year’s youth & mentors as well as this year’s facilitators.
  • Family Coffee Hour—September 26. Second Floor 10:20 a.m. & 12:20 p.m. Meet the volunteers working with children and youth this fall.
  • Mandatory Youth Group Family Meeting—September 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Meet the advisors, learn how youth group operates, and find out about this year’s exciting events.

October—PRUDENCE

  • Mandatory 6th-7th Grade Parent Orientation—October 3, 12:20 p.m. This year the 6th-7th grade students will learn about world faiths and tour other faith communities in Lancaster County. Regular attendance will help the success of the group. We’ll discuss our schedule, how to be a visitor in other places of worship, and opportunities for family involvement.
  • Odyssey Opening Ceremony for Families—October 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m. We’ll engage in games to get to know each other, enjoy a great meal, and celebrate the youth becoming young adults.
  • Youth Group Fall Clean Up—October 16, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Have work at your house that you don’t want to do? Hire a crew of youth to do it! This is a fundraiser to support youth programming. October 23 rain date. Drivers and chaperones needed.
  • Faith Development Evacuation Drill—October 17, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Children will practice our emergency evacuation drill.
  • Odyssey God Beliefs Retreat—October 22, 6:00 p.m. through October 24, 10:30am. We’ll discuss different religion’s perspectives on God, do some artwork that reflects your ideas about God, and play lots of games.
  • Youth Group Halloween Camp-Out—October 30, 6:00 p.m. through October 31, 10:00 a.m. It’s a fun night at County Park with campfires, good food, games, and ghost stories. Permission slips to be sent.
  • Faith Development Photo & Halloween Parade—October 31. Come to church in a costume to parade around the sanctuary. Then, join us out front of the church for a group photo.
  • Odyssey Face-Painting & Bake Sale Fundraiser—October 31 at coffee hour.

November—HUMILITY

  • Association Sunday in York, PA—November 7. Join hundreds of Unitarian Universalists from seven Central PA churches for our annual gathering of worship and fun. A multigenerational service to remember.
  • 6th-7th Retreat—November 19, 5:30 p.m. through November 20, 10:00 a.m. We’ll have a pizza dinner before heading to a Jewish worship service. Later this evening, we’ll play games and watch a movie.
  • Youth Group Pancake Breakfast—November 21, Both Services. Enjoy delicious pancakes; donations support the Food Bank and youth programming.
  • Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Book Discussion & Viewing—November 21, 12:45 p.m. Join us to discuss this popular book; following the book discussion we’ll watch the film.
  • Thanksgiving Faith Development Break—November 28, Both Services. Childcare will be provided.

December—PEACE

  • Advent Labyrinth Walk for All Ages—December 12, Both Services. Walking the labyrinth is a calming way to focus and center. Participate in a special holiday labyrinth walk designed for all ages during class time.
  • Christmas Eve Services—December 24. Join us for Multigenerational Worship at 4:30 p.m. or a traditional 9:00 p.m. service.
  • Christmas Faith Development Break—December 26, Both Services. Childcare will be provided instead of individual classes.

January—INTEGRITY

  • Parents’ Night Out—January 8, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Delicious pasta, salad, garlic bread, wine, and hot brownies are served as your children play with other kids in childcare. What a night! See the Lifespan Faith Development brochure for sign-up information.
  • Locks of Love Hair Cutting Extravaganza—January 9, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Illnesses that cause hair loss affect children. Locks of Love takes donated hair (at least 10 inches long) to make wigs for children with illnesses whose families are having economic difficulties. Grow your hair, have someone in church bid to cut it off, and donate it to Locks of Love!
  • Odyssey Severance from Childhood Retreat—January 21, 7:00 p.m. through January 22, 1:00 p.m. We’ll play games, share stories from childhood, and discover a surprise. Saturday we’ll make a fantastic breakfast and do more fun activities.
  • Fourth Annual Youth Contra Dance—January 29 in the evening. Join youth from various faith communities for an evening of live music and contra dancing. The event will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster. Friends Meeting (Quaker) will host this event.

February—PATIENCE

  • Horton Hears a Who Film Viewing—February 5, 6:00 p.m. Horton, a determined elephant, has set his mind to helping a voice he hears inside a speck of dust. Come watch this fun family movie.
  • Family Coffee Hour—February 13, 10:20 a.m. & 12:20 p.m., Second Floor. Meet the volunteers working with children and youth the second half of the year.
  • Youth Group Maple Sugaring—February 27, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. How does sap from a maple tree become syrup placed on tables for Pancake Breakfast? Lisa Sanchez will teach youth the process of making maple syrup. Permission slips to be sent. Male and female chaperones needed.

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