Lifespan Faith Development Program for Children and Youth Overview

The goal of the Lifespan Faith Development Program is to help each young person develop into a mature, caring and compassionate individual with a strong private and public ethical life. By learning what it means to be a part of a religious community that celebrates and acknowledges life's milestones of birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death, youth get in touch with life's eternal rhythms.

By studying the world's religions including Unitarian Universalism from the understanding that no one has the complete truth, each young person is empowered to discover his or her own meaning. And by participating in Sunday morning worship services, age-appropriate class activities, service projects and social events, youth come to realize that the church does not have a curriculum; it is the curriculum!

Our program goals are designed to help our youth:

• Come to an understanding of their own beliefs and values in an atmosphere of open inquiry
• Form an understanding and respect for all cultures and religions
• Begin to cultivate a life of service through acts of compassion and social justice
• Make positive life choices based on ethical behavior
• Forge a Unitarian Universalist identity by participating fully in the life of the congregation and denomination

Program Philosophy

Youths' emerging understanding of themselves and the world around them is a direct reflection of what they learn and experience. The family is the main conduit for a young person's meaning-making.  The church program can enrich and supplement the shaping of a child's approach to life, but only the family's involvement can assure successful realization of a child's full potential.  In this vein we encourage you to:

• accept responsibility for prompt and regular attendance
• follow class activities
• participate and support the church program
• share your beliefs and values at home

Our worship community is a cooperative environment where the whole congregation shares the responsibilities of implementing our religious education program. We depend on volunteer help. Rotation of teachers is an integral part of our program. Families and other adults in our community are asked to participate. Parents, members and friends of the church are all part of the village that raises our children.  Newcomers are always welcome and fresh ideas serve only to enhance the program.

Every Sunday children and youth attend the first part of community worship and then are sung out to their respective classrooms.  Nursery staff provides care for infants and toddlers for the entire service.

Register your children and youth for Sunday morning Lifespan Faith Development. We welcome all visitors to our LFD programs.  Registration is not a pre-requisite.

Background Checks for Volunteers

All adults who work with children and youth in the congregation as an advisor or Sunday morning teacher fill out a volunteer application and agree to a background check.

If you would like additional information, please contact:

Associate Minister for Lifespan Faith Development
Geoff Rimositis
GRimositis@sanjoseuu.org
408-292-3858 ext. 25