Religious Education (RE) for
Youth (Grades 7-12) |
| First Universalist Church of Yarmouth offers a variety of programs for youth of various ages. Programming occurs each week on Sunday afternoons and evenings depending on the group that your youth is enrolled in. Starting this fall, youth in all programs will be invited to come together once each month for pizza and youth worship (led by the Sr. Youth). |
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Additionally, youth are encouraged to participate in denominational activities sponsored by the Northern New England District including social action projects, ski trips and youth conferences (referred to as “cons”). These activities always include a spiritual component, plenty of fun and opportunities to connect with other UU youth from around the state. For youth who are unable or choose not to participate in the programming outlined below, there are other options (pre-arranged in consultation with the DRE) including meeting with adult mentors, working on special projects or serving as RE assistants.
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Jr. Youth (Grade 7) meets Sundays 7:00-8:30 p.m.
This year we will be offering 7th Grade youth the opportunity to experience their faith as young Unitarian Universalists in a variety of ways. On Sunday evenings, youth will reach out to the community through social action, get to know other UU youth and find plenty of ways to have fun.
Additionally, this spring we hope to offer a comprehensive human sexuality course called Our Whole Lives (OWL). The curriculum was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and is designed to help participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. This program will be led by trained facilitators. Parents will be asked to participate in an orientation meeting where they will be provided with opportunities to preview materials as well as ask questions of facilitators. |
Coming of Age (Grades 8 & 9) meets Sundays (times vary)
Youth in 8th and 9th grade are invited to participate in one of the cornerstones of any Unitarian Universalist RE experience -- the Coming of Age program. This program provides youth with a unique opportunity to focus on their own individual spiritual journey. Throughout the year, youth work to define their beliefs and values through self-reflection, dialogue with peers and adults, investigating other religions and exploring a variety of spiritual practices. |
Sr. Youth (Grades 10-12) meets Sundays 4:30-6:00 p.m.
The Senior Youth Group provides opportunities for teens in grades 10-12 to participate in the 4 F’s – Food, Fun, Fellowship and Faith – within the small group ministry format. Meetings are held on Sunday afternoons from 4:30 – 6 p.m., and our activities rotate through 4 categories of Living Our Faith: youth worship, Faith-In-Action, Body & Spirit (using material from the Sr. High OWL curriculum), and UU youth faith development. We also make time for outdoor adventures, holidays and celebrations. Each year culminates in the chance to participate in a mission trip either locally or abroad. These opportunities provide youth with a chance to get to know themselves, one another, and that which each of us holds sacred; deepening our own lives, giving us tools for nurturing our own spirits for a lifetime, and learning how to effectively change the world. |
New This Year!
Youth Worship one Sunday each month at 6:00 p.m.
All youth in grades 7-12 are invited to participate in a monthly 6:00 p.m. worship service here at the church. This special service is created by the Sr. youth for all of our youth. Please join us afterward for pizza and fellowship in the Gathering Room. |
2009 Youth Mission Trips
Unique to our Sr. Youth program this year are two mission trips to engage in putting our Faith In Action in service of economic justice.
Our Portland, Maine trip includes working at Wayside Soup Kitchen preparing and serving meals, working with their Food Rescue Program and partnering with Grace Street Ministries. We’ll be staying at our sister church, First Parish.
Our Romania trip is in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Program. We will be experiencing the places and people that are our Unitarian roots, visiting our Partner Church in the village of Gyepes, Romania, and engaging in a work project. |
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The Unitarian Church in Gyepes, Romania. |
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Working with the youth of the village of Gyepes. |
