We light this chalice for our children and youth, and for us:

celebrating the flame of faith lit in each of us,

honoring the light each of us bring into the world,

rejoicing in the community we create together.

—Christian Schmidt (UU Minister)   

Elementary & Middle School Activities (1st-7th Grade)

Winter/Spring 2024 

Religious Education (RE) activities for children and youth in 1st-7th grade are held MOST Sundays from January-May during the 9:45 am worship service, along with occasional intergenerational worship services. Religious Education gatherings include a mixture of indoor and outdoors activities pending the weather and selected activities.

Children's Religious Education activities primarily focus on Unitarian Universalist identity, UU values & principles, and ways to explore and deepen our spirituality. Here’s a sample of some of the planned activities in the upcoming months and past activities we’ve enjoyed and look forward to offering again in the future.

• Activities from the UU Soul Matters Sharing Circle on a variety of spiritual themes and religious topics relevant to Unitarian Universalism. Curricula from the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Tapestry of Faith is also utilized periodically along with a variety of other curricula resources.

• Exploring UU identity and spirituality through music. Several gatherings throughout the year will include opportunities to learn UU songs and hymns, led by a professional children’s music educator and longtime Unitarian Universalist.

• Periodic guest speakers from the congregation who share about various Eliot ministries and how their talents and interests impact their UU identity and values.

• Exploring UU values and building community through short Pixar and Disney films, using the CartUUns and Popcorn Theology for All Ages curricula. 

• Exploring UU values and spiritual wisdom from different traditions through "Reader's Theater" activities, led by members of the Eliot Madrigal Team. 

• Periodic opportunities to share outreach with those in need through projects, such as creating Thanksgiving cards and Valentines for Eliot members in need of connection.
  

• 6th & 7th Grade: During the winter/spring semester of 2024, we’re excited to offer the Crossing Paths program for youth in 6th & 7th grade during the 9:45 service. Crossing Paths offers youth the opportunity to experience and explore a variety of religious traditions, including periodic field trips to other faith institutions.   Humanism, Catholicism, Judaism, Protestantism, Paganism, and Unitarian Universalism are just some of the traditions explored in prior years.
  

Our Schedule

Religious Education (RE) classes for children and youth in 7th grade and younger resume on January 7, 2024 during the 9:45 worship service. Children and youth attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service most Sundays before gathering for activities.

For the most up-to-date schedule and programming details for young children, please contact Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org.