Sunday Morning

Welcome to Children & Youth Religious Education at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria. Open to all, we provide fun, engaging, structured learning and spiritual experiences appropriate to children’s developmental stages and interests.  Our program is grounded in our Shared Unitarian Universalist Values of Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity with Love at the Center.  It is guided by our church’s mission of Embracing Freedom, Loving Inclusively, Growing Spiritually, and Healing Our World. 

Each Sunday we will employ multi-sensory methods such as telling stories, making music, practicing movement, creating art, building together, sharing our thoughts, discussing issues, and more in our offerings in order to  work together to build the Beloved Community.  This is a community where questioning and curiosity are welcome, kindness is nourished, and opportunities for service to those in need are provided. 

Most Sundays the whole church starts off together in the Sanctuary for worship at 10:30 AM.  There you will find several options. Children are welcome to sit in the pews, up front on a cushion with a lap desk and coloring materials, or in the designated children’s area with quiet toys, soft rug, and small table. The service can also be viewed in the Foyer or Fellowship Hall, and staffed Nursery care is always provided. After our Opening Hymn, Ritual of shared Joys & Sorrows, and a Time for All Ages, children and youth are sung out to the Religious Education Commons.  

During the summer and the month of December, our activities are offered in a multiage, large group format.  For the regular church year, September thru May, we offer age group classes that are developmentally appropriate with thoughtfully selected curriculum grounded in our shared values and two background checked volunteer teachers in each room.  Parents or caregivers are requested to pick up their kiddos at their classrooms at 11:45.  

Some Sundays we offer multigenerational worship experiences.  This is a time for us all to be together in the sanctuary.  These services tend to be less traditional and more participatory.  Nursery care is always available for those 5 & under and your family is welcome to be where you are most comfortable.  Typically these services take place in September for Ingathering, October for Remembrance, December for Winter Holidays, and in May for a youth-led service, as well as occasional others.

Following Worship, you are invited to stay for Coffee & Conversation in Fellowship Hall.  This social hour is a highlight of Sunday for many and a perfect opportunity to get to know church members, friends, and visitors.  The kids corner, playground, and grounds are all available but parents or caregivers are responsible for supervising their kiddos after 11:45 AM.  If you are utilizing childcare for a Sunday afternoon meeting or class please make sure to sign children in and out appropriately.