What We Offer Through the Lifespan

We provide children, youth, young adults, and adults an opportunity to explore, reflect, and learn in a nurturing spiritual community. Unitarian Universalist religious education programs are offered to all ages, inspiring:

• Ethical growth – internalizing enduring values like justice, equity, and compassion, and gaining tools to act on them in everyday life.
• Social growth – connecting with peers and people of all ages on a deeper level. Finding acceptance among people who see beyond the superficial.
• Spiritual growth – feeling a connection with the sacred within, among, and beyond us.

Religious education programs include more than classes. On a Sunday you might find the preschoolers singing songs about kindness, the 2nd graders engaging with a story about loss and bereavement, the 5th graders talking with a Muslim couple about Islam, the 7th graders learning about responsibility in a lesson from our progressive sexuality education program, and the high-school youth raising money for the local homeless shelter. Many programs incorporate social justice activities, worship opportunities, service trips, fellowship, and fun.

Our religious educator and minister lead many of our congregations’ lifespan programs. Parents and other members of the congregation often lead them, too. Teaching can be a very fulfilling way to deepen one’s own faith.

Children’s religious education programs are typically offered on Sunday mornings, and high school youth and adult programs are usually offered on afternoons or evenings.

2026 Classes

All our Sunday morning children’s programs follow an open group format – you are welcome to join in any time! On your first visit, please complete the registration form to ensure that we have your contact information and can keep your child safe. 

All first-time participants must register here.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 5th–6th graders offers comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education grounded in the values of Respect, Responsibility, Justice, and Inclusivity. Classes meet Sundays from 10–11:30am, January 11 – March 15, 2026

Coming of Age is held on the 2nd & 4th Sundays right after service and explores life’s big questions—Who am I? What do I value? What do I believe? How do I connect with something larger than myself? They’ll have opportunities to reflect on their spiritual journey, build friendships, engage in social action, and find their place within our accepting community. The program culminates in a youth-led worship service on May 31, where participants will share their reflections and experiences with the congregation through worship and art. Register Today!

Youth Assistant Teacher Program (Ages 13-17)

Youth who are looking for ways to develop leadership and contribute to the church should consider joining our assistant teacher program! With the support and oversight of our religious education team, they will help one of our RE classes by leading a small group station and providing general support. Youth assistant teachers receive training in child safety and development and have the opportunity to develop their skills in close collaboration with experienced teachers. To apply, send an email to dre.firstu@gmail.com with the subject line “Youth Assistant Teacher Program.”

We invite you to explore these pages and contact Elizabeth Tolbert, Director of Lifespan Religious Education at dre.firstu@gmail.com to get connected.