Spiritual Exploration for Children and Youth

Our goal is to foster the compassion and confidence that allows our children and youth to use their unique gifts to make a positive change in the world. 

​

Join us on Sundays for Religious Education at Starr King UU Fellowship!

The Religious Education program is held concurrently with the Sunday worship service for all ages of grade school children. We begin each service all together in the sanctuary for the lighting of the chalice, opening hymn, and story time. Then, the children are accompanied downstairs to the Religious Education classrooms with their teachers. All types of activities,
play, creativity, and sharing are used to assist in faith development of our children and youth. Our Director of Religious Education Grace Kennedy works closely with Reverend Linda to connect the themes used in our worship services to our Religious Education plans. We focus on creating a welcoming environment that fosters curiosity, joy, and deeper community connection. 

​

Infants and Toddlers 

The nursery is available and is staffed to provide care for children ages 3 and under. Of course, you are welcome to stay together as a family and enjoy the Family Corner in the sanctuary during worship. Coloring pages may be available sometimes and the Fidget Box has some quiet finger toys to use during the worship. 

​

Programs for Middle School Youth

Coming of Age 
In order to support our older youth along on their spiritual journeys and help them deepen their ties to our community, we follow a version of the Coming of Age program. This program is designed to help them learn more about Unitarian Universalism and articulate their own beliefs.

Creating their own credo is a big part of the program. When starting in the Middle School program, youth are paired with a Mentor from the congregation, and are encouraged to start volunteering in areas of the community, including helping with the younger classrooms, Sunday worship, or volunteering their time and talents to the greater community. This allows the youth to build valuable connections and relationships that will support them throughout their teen years and beyond. 

Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, sexual health, and behavior. With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.

​

Neighboring Faiths

Explores the faith traditions of Unitarian Universalism, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Christian Evangelicalism, Black Church Traditions, and Quakers. Discussions, videos, and games explore the values that the faiths share, but with an emphasis on their uniqueness. Most faith units include an information piece, a field trip or virtual visit (mosque, temple, synagogue, churches, and more), followed by reflection. Most field trips are on Sundays.

​

High School and Middle School Youth Group
 

Our High School and Middle School Youth Group meet twice a month. Each year they take a service trip. Past trips include New York City, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Check the calendar for meeting times.