Children & Youth Faith Formation

We offer regular programming for children and youth on Sunday mornings from September through May.

During the summer, we invite families to worship together. All youth is welcomed to enjoy our “Wee Worship Space” in the back of the Auditorium, this space is available during service year-round.

Email our Faith Formation Coordinator, Faithyna Leonard, at fleonard@ucdsm.org for more information or to register your children. You can read more about some of our typical programming below.

Elementary Classes and Groups

The One Room SchUUlhouse

A place for children in Kindergarten through 4th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through stories, games, and crafts. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 111 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

K-1 OWL (Our Whole Lives)

This is an 8-week comprehensive sexuality education program for young children, focusing on topics like relationships, consent, and personal identity. Designed to promote healthy communication, respect, and emotional well-being, the program offers age-appropriate lessons that help children build a foundation of knowledge for navigating their sexual health. With a values-based, inclusive approach, OWL creates a safe and supportive space for learning and growth.

Middle-Grade Classes and Groups

Crossroads

A place for youth in 5th through 7th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values through discussion-based activities and service projects. Weekly lessons explore a different facet of the congregation’s monthly theme. Visitors are always welcome! Meets in Room 113 during service, after the “Story for All Ages”.

5/6 OWL (Our Whole Lives)

This is a 10-week sexuality education program for children in grades 5 and 6, exploring topics such as puberty, relationships, consent, and body autonomy. The program promotes open communication, respect, and a positive understanding of personal health and identity through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. With a focus on inclusivity and emotional well-being, OWL creates a safe, supportive space for children to learn and develop important life skills.

Coming of Age

A place for youth in 8th & 9th Grade to explore our Unitarian Universalist values. Youth will learn about belonging to our families, friends, and community. Youth will apply our values and our idea about what matters in their learnings. Meets in Large Activity Room from 11:00AM – 12:00PM, every Sunday. This course also includes outing retreat experiences.

High School Group

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)

Youth in 10th-12th grade will have various service opportunities available during the year. Check back here regularly for updates on these serving opportunities.

Your Child’s Safety

Our children are a precious part of our congregation. To ensure their safety, we take the following steps:

  • Background checks for all teachers and childcare workers are conducted every five years, unless circumstances change
  • Two teachers are present in the classroom at all times
  • A designated, responsible adult for children 14 years and younger must be on the church premises on Sunday mornings or at other events
  • Children in 3rd grade and under must be picked up from their classroom on Sunday by their designated adult at the end of class; older children may leave to meet a parent or guardian on their own.

Volunteer with Faith Formation!

Faith Formation would not exist without our volunteers! If you are a parent of one or more children attending Faith Formation classes, or if you have a special knack for teaching and engaging youth (and you know who you are!), we encourage you to sign up as a volunteer. Email Faithyna Leonard at fleonard@ucdsm.org for more information.