Children & Youth

For detailed information about all programs and offerings for children, youth and families, visit our Religious Education website: https://southchurch-uu-re.org

We offer religious education classes for preschoolers, elementary-age children, middle-schoolers and high school age youth. With very few exceptions our offerings for children and youth are free, and children of both members and friends can attend. During the program year (September through June), Sunday classes are available for three year-olds through 8th grade at our 10am worship service. High school youth gather for Senior Youth Group on Sunday afternoons at 4:00. 

During the summer months, we offer all-ages programming for children. Middle and high school youth are encouraged to attend worship and can either join the all-ages program or remain in the sanctuary. 

Visiting on Sunday Morning

Here are some helpful tips for bringing your child(ren) on your first Sunday at South Church:

• When you arrive, please check in with a volunteer at the Welcome Table in the entry. They can help you get settled and pointed in the right direction. 
• If you would like to connect with someone about Religious Education, please ask someone at the Welcome Table to connect you, or ask any staff member to out the Religious Educator (Jen) or Director of Lifespan Ministries (Kirsten). For detailed information, please schedule an appointment, as Sunday mornings tend to be quite busy. You can also visit the RE website at https://southchurch-uu-re.org 
• Children generally start in the sanctuary and then get "sung out" to their classes after the Time For All Ages, about fifteen minutes into the service. If you are visiting for the first or second time, please accompany your child(ren) so that you can meet their teachers, sign in, and see the classroom. Parents are welcome to stay in the classroom with their children if they wish or if their children require some extra assistance getting settled. All children in Sunday morning programming must have a responsible adult on site while they are with us. For safety reasons, parents may not drop off children and leave the church campus. 
• As an alternative, children are also welcome to remain with their caregivers in the sanctuary for the duration of Worship. "Pew packs" with crayons, drawing paper, or other items are available in the back of the sanctuary. 
• Periodically during the year, we hold multi-generational services that are designed to engage all ages from start to finish. There are no RE classes on these days. 
• For some caregivers, it can feel intimidating to bring children to a church, especially when they have trouble sitting still and being quiet. Know that our congregation is home to many children and youth, and we're used to the sounds of life that children bring into our community. We do not expect people, including children, to be silent and still. If your child is having an especially disruptive moment (e.g. extended loud crying), feel free to walk back to the entry area or down to Parish Hall to get them settled them come back when you feel comfortable. Know that we're glad your child(ren) have joined us, and that we support you in taking care of your children in whatever way is best for them.