Our Historic Church is open for self-guided tours on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Arrangements for group tours can also be made.
Unitarian Universalist Principles
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
Children and Youth Religious Education
UCAN (Unity Church Aiding Neighbors)
Our Newsletter (.pdf file)
Our Building
Memorials (.pdf file)
Learn more about
Historic Unity Church at www.historicunitychurch.com
Other Documents
By-Laws (.pdf file)
Worship Associate Script (.pdf file)
Lay-Led Services Informational Brochure (.pdf file)
Expense Reimbursement (.pdf file)
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Religious Education The Great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to stir up their own; Not to make them see with our eyes, but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own; Not to give them a definite amount of knowledge, but to inspire a fervent love of truth... In a word, the great end is to awake the soul, to excite and cherish spiritual lifeWilliam Ellery Channing |
William Ellery Channing |
Here at Unity Church, it is our
goal that each young person receive a structured, but
liberal religious education.
Our Religious Education program aims less to impart
facts, than to:
Shape the
Heart
Nourish Character
Liberate the Spirit
Affirm the wondrous potential of each unique
and precious child
General Information
The children are included in the first part of the
service with the entire congregation on Sunday mornings.
After the Sharing Time With our Children; Church School
meets until the service is over; approximately 10:45 -
11:30
Children's Chapel is offered once a month and on those Sundays children meet in the Chaffin Room at 10:30 a.m. Dates for Children's Chapel will be announced and posted in all church publications.
Nursery Care is provided for children under three from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cooperative
Church School
Our church school is a
cooperative one. Adults are actively involved as
teachers, rehearsal leaders, or make an equivalent
commitment to the program.
When children see their parents actively and enthusiastically involved in the church school, they become more actively involved themselves. We strongly urge both fathers and mothers to participate. Each year we need nearly 40 people to act as teachers, assistants, rehearsal leaders and to provide other kinds of help.
Remember, there is no "they." "We" must be available to our children. We hope you will consider the church school one of your priorities.
Our Program
At Unity Church, each child can expect to be
exposed to the following themes:
Unitarian Universalist
History and Identity
Our Judeo-Christian Heritage
World Religions
Peace and Social Justice
These themes will be explored through formal curricula in the fall, through play rehearsal and performance in the winter, and through special events, mini-courses and activities in the spring.
Coming
of Age is a “rite of passage” program for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders which is
offered every other year. It will be offered again in the 2006-7 Church
year. The program has the
following purposes in mind:
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to acquaint UU youth with a unifying understanding of Unitarian Universalism and its context in the larger religious community;
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to explore the developing personal religious philosophies of the participants, giving them shape and expression through discussion and worship;
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to assist in the development of a dialogue on important issues, religious and other, between youth and their families;
-
to develop connection beyond family to adult Unitarian Universalists who may serve as mentors and models for the personal religious development of the participants;
-
to feel affirmed by the Unitarian Universalist community;
Each
youth participating in the program has a mentor (an adult member from the
congregation) who serves as an important companion throughout the program.
The mentor joins his or her “mentee” in an open and supportive
relationship in which fellowship, honesty and fun are central. The mentor serves
as a resource and advisor by sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences on
matters of the head (knowledge), hands (service), heart (relationships), and
spirit (reverence and wonder). The Coming of Age leaders will help each
participant choose a mentor that is right for him or her.
Coming of Age Schedule
Session 1:
An a overview of our goals and activities.
Participants will sign an agreement to participate at this time and
choose their mentors. We will talk
about developing a Credo and about choosing service projects.
Session 2: Discussion of the question “What is religion?”
Preparation:
Meet with mentor to learn about his or her religious journey. Why is he or
she a Unitarian Universalist?
Session 3: Discussion of the question “What is Unitarian Universalism”
Preparation: Meet with mentor. Answer the following questions:
Define and explain 3 UU Principles
Why do Unitarian Universalists celebrate Christmas and Easter?
What is Prayer and Meditation?
Session 4: Review local church history and overview church organizational structure.
Preparation:
Meet with Mentor and read the UU Pocket Guide
Read our Chruch By-Laws & attend a Church Board or Committee meeting.
Session 5: Discussion of Religion and Ethics
Preparation:
Meet with Mentor and write your own list of Ten Commandments. Talk with
Mentor about your Service Project.
Preparation:
Complete Service Project. Meet with Mentor and Complete the following
sentences: 1. People are... 2. When I die I... 3. War is...4. Prayer is...
5. God is... 6. Jesus is... 7. Love is...
