Live Painting at our September 22nd Service:
During the Earthen Paths service, Elizabeth brings the sacred space to life with her brush as she creates a vibrant live painting. In preparation, she immersed herself in meditation and the evocative verses of poetry, finding profound inspiration in Michael Roberts’ poem, "What the Circle Means," from Dreaming History: A Collection of Wisconsin Native-American Writing. As she translates her reflections into color and form, the audience witnesses not just the creation of art, but a deep communion with the themes of unity and connection that resonate throughout the service.
We see, looking at the horizon and the stars,
how the land we are standing on curves away in a pattern we can follow, the sun coming and going at certain times, the stars being seen again and again in certain parts of the sky and in certain seasons. The People always watched these comings and goings and followed these patterns and saw these curvings returning again and again. It is so clear over time. The Sun comes big and yellow from the east, early in the time of planting and earliest with all the warm red winds out of the southern lands. Then the Three Sisters, the People's plantings, grow dark and lush swallowing sunlight and days gone short and black in the west, where the Sun goes always sooner following the circle we all know after a few years. The falling white sheet comes out of the north, in this circle, always in this circle, as the Earth circles the Sun and the Moon the Earth, circling like the stars and the seasons and the dancers who are our sisters and cousins. In the center of our circle is the Earth, who is our mother. |
She is riding on the broad back of a turtle, who is hard
and soft in places and walks on the land and swims through the waters. This turtle is very old and he has carried us for a long time. Our Mother, the Earth, fell pregnant with us from another place up in the circling stars, clutching in her hands dark soil and ripe seeds. She fell onto this Great Turtle who spread his back wide and asked his brothers in this world, then all water without end, to help him save our Mother. These brothers, the Muskie, the Otter, and the Beaver dove down into the bottom of the swirling water and each brought up a little shovel of mud to make a solid place on Turtle's back. Where she fell on Turtle became this island and the seeds and soil in her hands, she spread all around on Turtle's spreading back. Our Mother, the Earth, had her children here and here we are, all of us and we owe so much to the Muskie and the Otter and the Beaver and let's not forget we're walking on Turtle and somehow the stars are our cousins, too. |
Coming this Fall - UU Identity: Exploring our Values
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The UU Seven Principles:
1st Principle: Each and every person is important. 2nd Principle: All people should be treated fairly and kindly. 3rd Principle: We should accept one another and learn together. 4th Principle: Everyone must be free to search for what is true and right. 5th Principle: Everyone should have a say about their lives. 6th Principle: We work for a peaceful, fair, and free world. 7th Principle: We Care for our planet Earth and all living things We use the term "lifespan" to acknowledge that one's religious and spiritual journey lasts their entire life. We are dedicated to helping everyone, from toddlers to senior adults, explore and deepen their religious and spiritual beliefs through a variety of classes, groups, activities, and events.
Faith development begins with a sense of belonging. To that end, our program works to connect people and build relationships of love. When you feel connected, we invite you to deepen your faith by asking life's biggest questions and exploring your personal beliefs. To that end, our program works to nurture people's spirituality with UU principles and sources as the foundation. Once you have nurtured those beliefs, knowing full well that you will continue to nurture them over the course of your life, we examine how we can become what those beliefs say we are by shifting how we put our faith into action. To that end, our program works to equip people to become agents of change in the world. We encourage you to explore the different programs we have by clicking on the various tabs below. |
Children's Ministry
NURSERY
Open from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM, our nursery provides loving care for babies to 4 year olds who are not potty trained. This is an environment that encourages discovery and provides a loving first experience with our church family. Parents may opt to stay with their child or leave them in the care of our childcare providers. Should your child require any item necessary for care, please provide staff with those items.
PRE-K/K
For potty trained children aged 3 to 5 years old. This group experience is designed to help young children learn about their congregation and about UUism. We believe that children of this age gain a sense of belonging to their religious community when they have concrete experiences with its people and places.
ELEMENTARY (1ST - 3RD GRADE)
Belonging is still an extremely important part of children in early elementary grades. Games and crafts are important tools to expose children to the foundations of Unitarian Universalism - our history, our principles, and the sources of our faith. We begin nurturing their beliefs by exposing them to some of the bigger religious questions.
PRE-TEEN (4TH-6TH GRADE)
Preteens are beginning to leave childhood behind, but are not yet quite adolescents. Therefore, we continue to explore some of life’s big questions, but we also begin the process of equipping them and encouraging them to begin to act out their faith.
Open from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM, our nursery provides loving care for babies to 4 year olds who are not potty trained. This is an environment that encourages discovery and provides a loving first experience with our church family. Parents may opt to stay with their child or leave them in the care of our childcare providers. Should your child require any item necessary for care, please provide staff with those items.
PRE-K/K
For potty trained children aged 3 to 5 years old. This group experience is designed to help young children learn about their congregation and about UUism. We believe that children of this age gain a sense of belonging to their religious community when they have concrete experiences with its people and places.
ELEMENTARY (1ST - 3RD GRADE)
Belonging is still an extremely important part of children in early elementary grades. Games and crafts are important tools to expose children to the foundations of Unitarian Universalism - our history, our principles, and the sources of our faith. We begin nurturing their beliefs by exposing them to some of the bigger religious questions.
PRE-TEEN (4TH-6TH GRADE)
Preteens are beginning to leave childhood behind, but are not yet quite adolescents. Therefore, we continue to explore some of life’s big questions, but we also begin the process of equipping them and encouraging them to begin to act out their faith.
Youth Ministry
Our Youth Ministry meets on various evenings for different experiences centered around one or more of the 4 S’s of Youth Ministry - Social, Seeking, Service, and Spiritual.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (7TH-8TH GRADE)
The primary focus of the middle school years here at UUCY is to nurture an individual’s core beliefs, culminating with the Coming of Age rite of passage in the 8th grade year. In addition to this process, we also want to engage them more with the world, equipping them to put their faith into action. Middle schoolers will grapple with what it means for them to be a Unitarian Universalist, how they are both unique and part of a larger community, and how we as UUs engage with those from other faith traditions.
HIGH SCHOOL (9TH-12TH GRADE)
Youth in High School are truly taking on more agency in their lives and our goal is to equip them for the world they will face. They ask questions like, “Who am I?” “Where do I fit?” and “What difference can I make?” In that sense, all 3 B's - Belong, Believe, Become - play into our high school ministry. We provide a connection to caring and meaningful relationships with peers and adult mentors, nurture their beliefs by challenging them to go deeper, and equip them to turn those beliefs into action and help change the world.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (7TH-8TH GRADE)
The primary focus of the middle school years here at UUCY is to nurture an individual’s core beliefs, culminating with the Coming of Age rite of passage in the 8th grade year. In addition to this process, we also want to engage them more with the world, equipping them to put their faith into action. Middle schoolers will grapple with what it means for them to be a Unitarian Universalist, how they are both unique and part of a larger community, and how we as UUs engage with those from other faith traditions.
HIGH SCHOOL (9TH-12TH GRADE)
Youth in High School are truly taking on more agency in their lives and our goal is to equip them for the world they will face. They ask questions like, “Who am I?” “Where do I fit?” and “What difference can I make?” In that sense, all 3 B's - Belong, Believe, Become - play into our high school ministry. We provide a connection to caring and meaningful relationships with peers and adult mentors, nurture their beliefs by challenging them to go deeper, and equip them to turn those beliefs into action and help change the world.
Adult Faith Development
As previously mentioned, we believe faith development is a joyful journey of continuous exploration; expanding and deepening our perspectives throughout life. Thus, we provide a variety of opportunities for adults of all ages to cultivate and nourish their faith. Like all aspects of our program, these opportunities focus on one or more of the 3 B's - Belong, Believe, Become
Our Whole Lives
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a series of comprehensive lifespan sexuality education curricula created through a collaborative project of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC).
Promoting values of self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, and justice & inclusivity, OWL helps participants make informed decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of
topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influence on sexuality. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL not only presents facts about anatomy and human development, it also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
UUCY has a team of trained OWL Facilitators and offers classes every year. Our Elementary OWL (K-1st/4th-6th) and Youth OWL (7th-9th/10th-12th) courses alternate which age range they offer each year. The curricula addresses issues typically excluded from sexuality & health classes. Due to the nature of the subject matter and group dynamics, OWL classes are closed after the 2nd session. A commitment to attend all sessions is required to participate in any OWL program.
Promoting values of self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, and justice & inclusivity, OWL helps participants make informed decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of
topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influence on sexuality. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL not only presents facts about anatomy and human development, it also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
UUCY has a team of trained OWL Facilitators and offers classes every year. Our Elementary OWL (K-1st/4th-6th) and Youth OWL (7th-9th/10th-12th) courses alternate which age range they offer each year. The curricula addresses issues typically excluded from sexuality & health classes. Due to the nature of the subject matter and group dynamics, OWL classes are closed after the 2nd session. A commitment to attend all sessions is required to participate in any OWL program.
Rites of Passage
CHILD DEDICATION
Similar to a baptism or christening, our congregation hopes to welcome babies and young children into our community through this moving ceremony. It is a unique opportunity for parents to express devotion to their child in the presence of friends and family. Our hope is to provide you and your family with support and affirmation on this special occasion. Typically taking place during a Sunday morning service, the ceremony is uniquely crafted by the parents, the minister, and the Director of Lifespan Faith Development. It might include a blessing for new life, an expression of hopes for the child, an opportunity to recognize godparents, etc. If you are interested in performing a child dedication, or want to learn more, please contact our minister.
COMING OF AGE
Rites of passage marking the transition from childhood to youth run throughout history and occur in many cultures. Our Unitarian Universalist tradition marks this transition with a yearlong program called Coming of Age. Coming of Age, or COA, asks youth to reflect upon what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist & how their beliefs and values intersect, all while providing a fun and safe environment in which doubt and questioning are encouraged. Youth focus on themselves, their own spiritual journey, and how they will be involved in the greater community. Each youth will be paired with an adult mentor from the congregation. The program includes an orientation, discussions & retreats, service projects, a heritage trip, and a culminating ceremony of affirmation. It is important to note that this program is conducted at a time other than our typical Middle School Youth Group. The time is mutually agreed upon on a yearly basis.
BRIDGING
In Unitarian Universalism, we honor the transition from youth into young adulthood with a Bridging Ceremony. Held for High School seniors (17-18 years old), this is a moment to be celebrated and a process to be supported. Bridging refers to both the ritual used to honor the transition but also the process of leaving the youth community to find one’s place in the young adult community. Bridging can be a joyful and enlightening experience as well as a sad and challenging one. It is important that we support youth through their transition and keeping them connected to Unitarian Universalism and continuing to minister to them as they become adults.
Similar to a baptism or christening, our congregation hopes to welcome babies and young children into our community through this moving ceremony. It is a unique opportunity for parents to express devotion to their child in the presence of friends and family. Our hope is to provide you and your family with support and affirmation on this special occasion. Typically taking place during a Sunday morning service, the ceremony is uniquely crafted by the parents, the minister, and the Director of Lifespan Faith Development. It might include a blessing for new life, an expression of hopes for the child, an opportunity to recognize godparents, etc. If you are interested in performing a child dedication, or want to learn more, please contact our minister.
COMING OF AGE
Rites of passage marking the transition from childhood to youth run throughout history and occur in many cultures. Our Unitarian Universalist tradition marks this transition with a yearlong program called Coming of Age. Coming of Age, or COA, asks youth to reflect upon what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist & how their beliefs and values intersect, all while providing a fun and safe environment in which doubt and questioning are encouraged. Youth focus on themselves, their own spiritual journey, and how they will be involved in the greater community. Each youth will be paired with an adult mentor from the congregation. The program includes an orientation, discussions & retreats, service projects, a heritage trip, and a culminating ceremony of affirmation. It is important to note that this program is conducted at a time other than our typical Middle School Youth Group. The time is mutually agreed upon on a yearly basis.
BRIDGING
In Unitarian Universalism, we honor the transition from youth into young adulthood with a Bridging Ceremony. Held for High School seniors (17-18 years old), this is a moment to be celebrated and a process to be supported. Bridging refers to both the ritual used to honor the transition but also the process of leaving the youth community to find one’s place in the young adult community. Bridging can be a joyful and enlightening experience as well as a sad and challenging one. It is important that we support youth through their transition and keeping them connected to Unitarian Universalism and continuing to minister to them as they become adults.
Family Ministry
We believe that the home, not the church, is the center of faith development. Whereas churches have, at best, 50 hours a year with children and youth, parents have roughly 3,000 hours a year with their children. Family Ministry recognizes this impact by stating that parents are a child’s primary religious educator - they will always have the potential for much greater impact than anyone else because their affirmation is the longest, they provide a consistent voice in the lives of their children, and they set an example with their actions.
We believe that the best way to influence the next generation is to equip their biggest influencers - their parents.
With that said, our role is to partner with the parents and equip them to be that primary religious educator as they help their children move from seeking a place to belong, to discovering their beliefs, and to serving their community with their gifts. This is not about giving parents and families more to do, it is about helping them apply a “faith at home” lens to what they are already doing. Faith development happens beyond Sunday mornings
We believe that the best way to influence the next generation is to equip their biggest influencers - their parents.
With that said, our role is to partner with the parents and equip them to be that primary religious educator as they help their children move from seeking a place to belong, to discovering their beliefs, and to serving their community with their gifts. This is not about giving parents and families more to do, it is about helping them apply a “faith at home” lens to what they are already doing. Faith development happens beyond Sunday mornings
Our Intergenerational Community
While many of our offerings are grouped by age (Children, Youth, Adult), we also believe in the importance of intergenerational engagement. Coming together as an intergenerational community from time to time not only strengthens our bonds but also creates opportunities to learn from each other. This takes place in many different ways, though most often in worship. |
Every Sunday, children begin the service with their parents in the sanctuary. They are present for the gathering and opening rituals, as well as a story. We then sing these children out of the sanctuary down to their small groups. About once a month, we engage in an all-ages worship for the entirety of the service so that we can worship together as an entire community.