Intergenerational Worship
In order to come together and grow as a whole church community, it is essential that we make time for young, old, and in-between to worship together in our sanctuary. The first Sunday of each month, we invite parents to bring their children and youth to the beginning of the worship service. Stories for all ages, children’s music, teen presentations, and class presentations are just some of the ways that we will participate in this worship for all ages.

Additionally, several times throughout the year, all classes will be cancelled so that all ages may participate in an Intergenerational Service in its entirety. Traditions like Ingathering/Water Communion, holidays, and Religious Education Sunday are just some of the times that our entire community comes together to celebrate. Fully intergenerational services will be offered at both the 9:15am and 11:15am sessions. All ages are encouraged to participate in these events. However, our nursery will always be open for family convenience.

Consult the Religious Education Calendar for Intergenerational Worship dates.

Children's Worship Time
On days in which we do not participate in the beginning of service, children K-5th grade will participate in a Children's Worship Time in the Religious Education Common Area. This opportunity for regular, child-centered worship before class gives us a chance to honor that which is of worth in our lives! We light a chalice, check in with each other, participate in or reflect on a daily focus that highlights our UU values, make music, take an offering, and participate in a closing. We encourage parents to see that children bring an offering that is truly from her/his own resources–perhaps from an allowance, or extra money earned doing chores. Twenty-five cents from a child’s own money is usually a more meaningful gift for the child than a dollar handed to him or her at the church door. Toward the end of the year, the children in Gathering Time will vote to determine how to use their collected money.

Multi-Age Programs
Multi-age programs provide opportunities to take a break from the classroom and build community with all ages of children and/or youth. Periodically, classes are cancelled so that young people can participate in a Social Action Sunday, a Special Program, or a Holiday Program. These programs provide hands-on ways to practice living our values, feature skills and talents of different church members, celebrate special days, and let us all have fun with a purpose! Depending upon age-appropriateness of activities and subject matter, programs may involve either children K-4th Grade, youth 5th-12th Grade, or all ages.

Consult the Religious Education Calendar for more details about multi-age programs.

Additionally, Social Action or community projects follow some multi-age programs after church. Parent and volunteer involvement is key in organizing these events. Please contact the Director of Religious Education at 828.254.6001 Ext. 206 to help with Social Action project organizing during the program year.