Unitarian Universalist sources inspire us, across time and tradition, to be people of good faith and right action.

For Grades 7 and 8, faith development at UUCR is about friendships, mentoring relationships, and engaging in the age-old question “Who am I?” We do the serious (and not so serious) work of identity formation. In our classes, youth receive acceptance and affirmation, compassion, courage, inspiration, and a chance to make a difference. This leads to social confidence, personal and religious identity, and friendships that cross generations and last into the high school years and beyond.

In response to the pandemic-necessitated program gaps that our youth experienced through the church years of 2020-2022, we are adjusting our 2022-2023 offerings to meet youth along their paths. Programs may be offered to age groupings that differ from past years.

7th Graders (those in grade 7 in Fall 2022) have the opportunity to participate in Our Whole Lives as adapted and offered in collaboration with nearby churches. These classes will meet approximately 3 Sundays per month (with breaks for holidays and school vacation) and will run October – April. Programming may be offsite. 

Our Whole Lives (OWL) OWL provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality. The curriculum, jointly published by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC), builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, and improves decision making. OWL is led by specially trained adult facilitators. Families who wish to enroll their children in OWL attend orientation sessions and have direct access to curricula and all supporting materials. Learn more about this life-affirming program here: Our Whole Lives from the UUA.

8th & 9th Graders are invited to join Building Bridges.

Building Bridges In this world religions program youth study the tenets and practices of other faiths, with guided visits to houses of worship and religious settings. At the same time, they broaden their knowledge of humanity, embolden their spiritual search, and find a connection with others who may be different from themselves.

Grades 7-12 may participate in Youth Group.

Youth Group–Sometimes on Sundays (SOS) SOS provides a safe and nurturing space for youth to form friendships, engage in service work, and have fun together. Members create their own covenant to affirm the value of their relationship, community, and interdependence. The grade 7-12 model includes youth-led worship and relationship-building with peers and trusted adult staff and volunteers. The group meets once each month.

Participation in Church Community Many middle school youth enhance their church life by assisting in younger children’s classrooms, at church events, and throughout the year in multigenerational worship services. 

Registration
Thank you for being part of our community as we move forward with enthusiasm! We will link to a registration form when registration is open for the 2025-2026 school year.

Our programming is designed to strengthen and sustain connection. A mix of in-person and online programs are offered. Please let us know if there’s something further we can do to meet your needs.

We’re glad you’re interested in our program. For information or to chat, you are invited to contact the Religious Education Coordinator –we look forward to hearing from you!