Sunday Services

Faith Formation serves toddlers through middle grade each Sunday.

First Things First—Please Register Your Kids!

For Faith Formation to provide the best experience for children and youth that we can and to ensure they are safe and well-cared for, we need them to be registered.

Please fill out this registration form so we have all the information we need.

Nursery and Preschool

During Sunday services, nursery and pre-school age children are cared for in the Pre-Schoolers room at the back of the sanctuary.  This is staffed by an adult volunteer and supported by other adult or teen volunteers. These children enjoy gently supervised play and care during service.  We also offer a listening room immediately behind the AV area for adults with young children (who are not yet ready to be separated from their parents) to hear the service while their children play.

Elementary Level

We make room to nurture wonder and inclusivity with elementary age children.  Programs are coordinated with the minister so the themes and ideas explored dovetail with the message being received by their parents and caregivers.

Their time together includes a chalice lighting and check in where they share their joys and sorrows and where they are included in a community so they know they are not alone.

The lessons, often based on the monthly themes of the Soul Matters Sharing Circle or the robust materials from Tapestry of Faith for Children, encourages discussion and personal discovery through play or an expressive, creative activity.  The time together includes reflection that gives each child opportunity to share and to ask questions.

Secondary Level

Each Sunday begins with their sharing of joys and sorrows with the elementary age children before going to their own space.

Their time together is based upon the monthly themes of the Soul Matters Sharing Circle or materials from Tapestry of Faith for Children, taking into account their interests and current events that may impact their lives.

Their activities include service projects, such as assembling food and personal-care packages for Grub Hub that supports home insecure and food insecure students at Fort Lewis College and participation in the Pride Parade.

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive sex education program for children through adult. Our teachers are certified for both elementary and middle grade children. We currently offer this program at the elementary school level and the middle grade on alternate years.

Parents / Caregiver Support

As parents and caregivers are the primary source of information for their children, we in Faith Formation are committed to ensuring they have the information and resources they need. We publish a monthly newsletter that includes a section on the materials being presented to children each month.

Community Events

Throughout the year, UUFD participates in a number of community events where Faith Formation is involved, such as the Pride Parade each September and Snowdown each February.

We also have events for families of UUFD, including the Fall Festival that includes food (of course!) and activities like pumpkin decorating, games, and, usually, horseback riding.

The Pine Song Retreat, hosted by the Carpenter family at their wonderful property on the Pine River near Vallicito, is a favorite activity for summer where families have the opportunity to camp and play together under the direction of a visiting minister.