Family Faith Development

Welcome to Family Faith Development at First Unitarian Church! 

If you are new to First Church, I want to extend an extra special welcome. These are difficult times and you are doing holy work. I know… I know… this sure does not feel like holy work. It feels like drudgery, like anxiety, like duty and due diligence. But, friend, who will care for the “interconnected web” if not you? What better time to “learn together,” than now? And, how will our children “build a fair and peaceful world,” if we don’t provide them with a foundation upon which to build? Indeed, you are your child's greatest teacher, and your ministry is needed now, more than ever. I am thankful you are here. Know that we at First Church are committed to partnering with you, to offer programming that not only fits into your busy schedule but that eases your burden as well.

If you would like to learn more about Family Faith Development's philosophy and policies, make sure to check out our overview. To learn more about this year's programming be sure to take a look at our prospectus. Below, you will find a description of what each of our programs will be exploring week-to-week, as well as a list of upcoming events and opportunities.

Please note, to receive connectivity information for our virtual programming, you must register for the year (this helps us ensure we do not fall victim to Zoom bombers).

Please feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. me with any questions you may have. 

In faith and service,

June through August

• Infants - PreKindy: Families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, are invited to meet on the church grounds* the first and third Saturday of every month, from 10:00 to 10:30 AM.  There, our beloved Infant/Toddler Classroom Leader, Ms. Amber, will lead families in fun crafts and finger plays.  No registration is required, but please bring a signed copy of this document to your first class: https://tinyurl.com/3nmk5kxh.
• Kindy - 5th Grade: Families with children in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to meet on the church grounds* the first and third Sunday of every month, from 2:00 to 2:30 PM.  There, our fun School Age Classroom Leader, Ms. Kymm, will lead children in interesting crafts and playground games while parents enjoy some kid-free time together next door, at Hauck Botanical Gardens.  No registration is required, but please bring a signed copy of this document to your first class: https://tinyurl.com/3nmk5kxh.
• Jr. High: Youth in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are invited to meet on the church grounds* the second Saturday of every month, from 11:00 AM to Noon.  There, our energetic Jr. High Youth Group Leader, Mr. Stephen, will lead youth in fun games and service projects.  No registration is required, but please bring a signed copy of this document to your first class: https://tinyurl.com/3nmk5kxh.
• Sr. High: Youth in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade (along with those who just graduated) are invited to meet on the church grounds* the fourth Sunday of every month, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.  There, our engaging Sr. High Youth Group Volunteer Leader, Phillip Schaefer, will lead youth in interesting explorations and service projects.  No registration is required, but please bring a signed copy of this document to your first class: https://tinyurl.com/3nmk5kxh.

• Infant - PreK: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Kindy - 5th Grade: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Jr. High: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Sr. High: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Upcoming and Ongoing Opportunities

Castaway Cove

In March 2020, we all battened downed our hatches, and prepared to navigate through a terrible storm. At the time, we had no way of knowing just how deadly the waters would be, or just how long the storm would last. And, by now, many may be wondering if we will ever find safe harbor. Well, me maties, land ahoy! Castaway Cove – An outdoor faith development program for children and youth – is just that, a safe harbor! This program, rooted in an understanding of our hierarchy of needs, is all about rebuilding community on solid ground. Therefore, the focus of this curriculum is on building connection, resilience, creativity, movement, conversation, and emotional intelligence. Class schedule...

Infants - PreK: 1st & 3rd Saturday @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Kindergarten - 5th Grade: 1st & 3rd Sunday @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Junior High: 2nd Saturday @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Senior High: 4th Sunday @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

Please note, classes are subject to split based on class size. New dates and times will be added to the schedule should this happen. 

Concerned about safety? Please review the "Safety Policies and Procedures" form: https://tinyurl.com/3nmk5kxh