Children’s Worship and Exploration
September thru June
10 - 11 a.m. (concurrent with adult worship)
“We are Unitarian Universalists who put Love at the center of our lives.”
UUCSB provides family-focused spaces and programming.
Family Spaces
In the Sanctuary, a family space includes some quiet toys, rocking chairs and room for little ones to move around.
There is also a nursery space that includes toys, books, rocking chairs, and smaller chairs for children. This space is outfitted with a speaker system so that those in the nursery can hear the sermon even though they are not in the Sanctuary. At this time, this space is not staffed, but families are welcome to use this space with their children.
Children’s Space (staffed by volunteers)
There is also a room dedicated to Children’s Worship and Exploration. In this room children gather with at least two adult volunteers to participate in a worship service tailored to preschool through elementary age children. The room contains a child-sized table and chairs, books, games, toys, and a full supply of art materials.
Children’s Programming (staffed by volunteers)
We use the Soul Matters curriculum for children’s worship and, generally speaking, our areas of focus align with those of adult worship. Our worship follows the same cadence each week to give the children a sense of familiarity and ritual. While not all elements of children’s worship follow the rhythm of adult worship, some elements align: We light a chalice to represent our living traditions, we sing together, we share things we are happy and sad about (Joys and Concerns), we read stories, and we engage with themes that typically align with the adult theme of the day.
Some unique characteristics of children’s worship include the use of a “wonder box” each week where children are invited to shake a box that gives a clue to the day’s topic of exploration. After each child has an opportunity to guess at what might be in the box, the item(s) are revealed and a brief conversation ensues. This conversation then leads us into the activities of the day.
Exploration activities typically involve some “wiggle-friendly” games or activities (UU Yoga, dance parties, etc), and there is always time for free play and art projects after our shared worship time. Many of our activities are focused on service projects for both the church and wider community.
Examples of service projects:
● Children have “hosted” the church coffee hour several times, baking gluten-free muffins, making applesauce, decorating gluten-free cookies and making hot chocolate to share with the congregation.
● Children have made cards for the Caring Committee which provides meals and support for church members who are going through a difficult time.
● Families are invited to attend intergenerational “clean-up” days where the congregation picks up trash in a local community space.
● Families are invited to contribute to the “Little Food Pantry” that stands outside our church.
What does a children’s worship service look like?
As children enter the room they are invited to color or play until approximately 10:05 when our worship begins. We make sure everyone knows who is at the table, and when we have newcomers we say our names and tell them what they can expect for the morning.
Children’s Worship and Program Outline
● Introductions
● Chalice Lighting
● Joys and Sorrows
● Introduction of the day’s theme
● Wonder Box
● Story (unless there are too many wiggles, and then we go right to the activities!)
● Activity (we try to have at least one wiggle-friendly game)
● Free Play
● Clean-up
● Extinguish the Chalice
We have a wide age range of children who participate in Children’s Worship, so we tailor the activities to the group, providing opportunities for more challenging exploration for older kids, and providing more grace and flexibility for younger children who may find it hard to remain engaged.
Children are an integral part of the coffee hour where child-friendly snacks abound.
Intergenerational and Family Events
At least once per quarter there is an Intergenerational Event that occurs outside of the traditional Sunday morning worship time. These events typically happen on a Saturday mid-morning or early evening and have included board game nights, holiday celebrations, neighborhood clean-ups, and apple picking.
Children’s Worship Extra’s
The Coordinator for Children’s Worship uses a text thread to keep families abreast of upcoming activities and events.
A bulletin board at the church helps keep the congregation engaged with children’s congregational life.
A curated playlist for RE participants to listen to at home.
Older Children and Campus Ministry
At this point in time we do not have a middle or high school youth group, nor do we have a campus ministry. If we were to have older children or youth join the church, we would find a way to provide this programming.
Campus Ministry is an item of interest to the UUCSB, and we are looking for additional volunteers to help bring this to life. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with this, please reach out to UUCSB administrator and he will connect you with the appropriate church leadership.