Children are a vitally important part of University Congregational Church. We stand proudly in the tradition of gentle, non-fundamentalist Christian education, and operate on the principle that children are instinctively spiritual. We believe it is a terrible thing to attempt to scare people--especially children--into the faith with talk of eternal damnation. We believe that given the right opportunities and unconditional love, children will grow naturally into the faith. We take the Christian education of our children seriously. University Congregational Church is a place where children learn about the love of God and the life and teachings of Jesus. They are taught that we should be open and loving to people of all faiths, and that we can embrace Christianity with heart and soul without making judgments about those who choose to worship in other ways. The Christian education of our children is based on three principles--three things we want every child in our church to know and understand:

1. God loves each and every one of us.
2. We can learn about God by learning about Jesus.
3. There is a difference between right and wrong, and we should choose to do right.

We believe these are the anchors of our faith, and we find great joy in watching the children of this church grow into loving, open-minded, and responsible adults.

Sunday Schedule
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
September 7, 2008 - May 17, 2009

Babysitting will be available for those church members attending choir rehearsal, the Adult Sunday Discussion Group, Bible Study or the Congregational Way.

During the 10:30 a.m. Service


Nursery and Toddler Rooms

The nursery is open for infants and the toddler room is for children ages two and three. Grace Kneil takes care of our babies in the Nursery and Megan Lovely and Anna Duxler welcome the toddlers.

Elementary School

All children are welcome to join the congregation in the sanctuary for the beginning of the service. Following "A Time for All Children" they will be led downstairs by their teachers to begin Children's Sunday School. Pre-K through 5th grades take part in Rotation style learning. We look at one story for an entire month. Appreciating the fact that children learn by different methods (through seeing, through hearing or through touching and doing) each week the children attend a different workshop that supports the story. Workshops include art, drama, cooking, science and games. There is always storytelling and music. This year we will be integrating Jerome W. Berryman's Godly Play curriculum into our rotation style learning. Godly Play teaches children the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.

Please retrieve your younger children promptly following the service. Older children generally meet their parents upstairs in Fellowship Hall for cookies and a drink.

Middle and High School

The Middle School Group (grades 6-8) meet in Old Fellowship Hall downstairs and the High School Group (grades 9-12) meet in the Youth Room downstairs. These groups are welcome to join the congregation for the beginning of the service but are not required. Both Middle and High School Groups use the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.

Christian Education Board

President - Karen Malone (09, 10)				President Elect - Rene Headrick (09, 10)
Secretary - Gail Pilgrim (09, 10)				Judy Helmer (08, 09)
Karen Bradshaw (08, 08)				Barabara McKee (09, 10)
Arland Wallace (08, 09)				Dorothy Blankenship (09, 10)
Frank Tremble (08, 09)				Lindsay Miller (09, 10)

Karen Robu - Director of Children and Youth Ministries

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316-634-0430 karenrobu@yahoo.com

The Christian Education Board plans policy, procedures and curriculum for the C.E. Program. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns. Every year five members of the C.E. Board cycle off. If you are interested in serving a two year term on the Christian Education Board please contact Karen Robu at the number or email listed above.

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Children and Youth Faith Development Programs

Classes for youth in 8th - 12th grades will begin March 29, 2009. Classes will meet Sunday Mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (excluding Easter Sunday) and be taught by Dr. Gary Blaine. We will receive the confirmation class at Youth Sunday, May 17, 2009.

Our Whole Lives is a series of sexuality education curricula for five age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, and adults.

Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.