Worship is a central part of our Sunday morning experience. Children are welcome and expected to attend the first part of the service which includes the invocation, chalice lighting and opening hymn. Special elements of worship that are meaningful to children are planned for this early part of the service. Each week, the children are invited to come up on the chanel and lead the congreagion in the words and motions of our Children's Affirmation:

"We are a People of
Open Minds,
Loving Hearts,
And
Welcome Hands."

After the children's affirmation, the children leave the Meeting House to meet with their religious education teachers on the church patio. The children then have their classes filled with activities, programs, music, art, craft, and sometimes food. Parents pick up the children at the end of the children's program, after worship service.

The Children's Program is designed for children from birth through Sixth Grade. For more information, please call the Religious Education Office at (619) 298-9978.

The Mission of the Children's Religious Education Program is to nurture and stimulate our children's spiritual and personal growth and to teach and model the values that hold us together as Unitarian Universalists. Classes are taught by members of the congregation. Some of our teachers are parents of children in the program, many are not. All classes, except the nursery, follow a curriculum. In all of our classes we strive to make our children feel loved and accepted. We believe that all children are worthy human beings deserving our respect.

Our curricula are designed and chosen to help our children develop their knowledge and identity as Unitarian Universalists, to give them an understanding and respect for our Jewish and Christian heritage and for all the world's religions, and to open their eyes to the social justice needs and opportunities in the world around them.

We are currently in our Summer Program. At both services during the months of June through Labor Day Weekend, our program is more flexible. Children aged 4 through the 6th Grade will meet together for an exciting program based on our summer worship theme of Joy and Ecstasy. Childcare is offered to children from Birth through age 3.

A special word to our parents

The following information will help you and your children to take the best advantage of the programs we offer:

• Read the Program Guide and know what our programs are and which are right for your children.
• Register your children. Our Religious Education database keeps us up-to-date on who is attending and allows us to communicate with families directly.
• Attend regularly. Our children really want to be here with their friends. Coming regularly helps them connect with the other children and develop friendships. It also helps to put the individual lessons in context and they become more meaningful.
• Educate yourself as a Unitarian Universalist parent. Parents need to be the primary religious educators of their children. Take the time to learn more about our faith tradition through reading, adult education classes, covenant groups, and discussions. Attend the Parenting our Principles classes where you can talk to other Unitarian Universalist parents about issues of parenting in a UU context.
• Make time in your lives for your child to attend the extracurricular and special events of the program and church. These less structured times are wonderful for making friends, building community, and developing a sense of Unitarian Universalist Identity.