See the latest AUUC Family Newsletter       

What is the Children and Youth Spiritual Development Program at Accotink?

On the 1st Sunday of the month, AUUC offers multigenerational worship, where everyone stays in our Sanctuary for a special all-ages service. When we all worship together, children and youth develop a greater sense of belonging to the church and the Unitarian Universalist faith. They learn the structure of a worship, sing the hymns, and are more willing to take on roles within the service. Children and youth who grow up attending worship are then more likely to continue attending church and participating when they become adults. Don’t worry though, we know worshipers of all ages need opportunities to move, to be silent, to create, and to listen. We incorporate all modalities of learning and worship into our multigenerational services so that it can be an enriching experience for all. We also have a Spiritual Development cart with activities for all ages for those who need something to do with their hands in order to focus.

On the remaining Sundays, families gather in the Sanctuary for shorter shared worship time during the beginning of the service. After a “Time for All Ages” story, children and youth ages 18 and younger head downstairs for their own chance to explore the themes that have been presented in worship. Children and youth are welcome to stay with the adults for worship or attend the CYSD program.

🍂CYSD FALL CURRICULUM (starts Sept. 14, 2025)

AUUC will offer the following groupings this church year based (flexibly) on age/development level/grade to ensure that children and youth have safe places to explore their developing faith.:

• 🚼 The NURSERY (Infants – PreK) is available starting at 9:50 am for those who need Free Play. A caregiver creates a safe and comfortable place to explore and nurture a sense of belonging. Parents/guardians may also choose to stay and listen to the service on the speakers. Teens (14 and up) interested in helping with this age group can complete the volunteer facilitator interest form.
• LEGO VALUUES (Grades K – 6): Sessions introduce our UU Shared Values (pluralism, interdependence, generosity, equity, justice, transformation, and love) through storybooks, discussion, and play activities using building blocks.
• 🧭VALUUES CHALLENGE (Grades 7 – 9): Sessions are designed for our middle school age group, using compasses to navigate our church home and as a metaphor for our lives. Participants and volunteer facilitators will experience the joy of orienteering and games while exploring how our Unitarian Universalist Values challenge us and how we can use them to orient us in real life.

• 🦉Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 10th – 12th graders, our comprehensive sexuality education program centered around our UU values, will be offered this Fall (September – December/January) during CYSD/Worship time (10:00 am – 11:45 am). All custodial adults must attend an ORIENTATION session and sign a separate permission slip. This program goes until the end of January 2026, when “Youth Group” will begin.

First time visitors

Before the church service begins, either the Director of Spiritual Development or the Chair of the Children and Youth Spiritual Development Committee (CYSDC) can give you a short tour downstairs and show you your child’s room. If you plan on visiting AUUC more than three times throughout the year, we ask that you complete a registration form online.

When you register your child, you will receive our program communications and announcements. Registration will also help to keep our children safe and healthy by letting us know who can pick up your child/youth and notify staff of any allergies or unique needs. Parents/guardians receive a handbook yearly with details about the program.

Volunteer Opportunities

After you have attended AUUC for at least six months, we encourage you to consider volunteering on Sunday as a Spiritual Development Facilitator. It is a wonderful way to deepen your own spiritual development and support the growth of our UU faith. We hope you consider sharing your talents with our religious education program at AUUC by filling out the volunteer form.

All volunteers regularly working with our young people must complete an application process to volunteer, including undergoing a background check, attending yearly safety trainings, and signing a Code of Ethics.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Children’s Spiritual Development Program, please contact:

Director of Spiritual Development at dsd@accotinkuu.org

Children’s Spiritual Development Committee Chair at csdc@accotinkuu.org