What is the Children and Youth Spiritual Development Program at Accotink?

On the 1st Sunday of the month, AUUC offers multigenerational worship, where everyone stays in our Sanctuary for a special all-ages service. When we all worship together, children and youth develop a greater sense of belonging to the church and the Unitarian Universalist faith. They learn the structure of a worship, sing the hymns, and are more willing to take on roles within the service. Children and youth who grow up attending worship are then more likely to continue attending church and participating when they become adults. Don’t worry though, we know worshipers of all ages need opportunities to move, to be silent, to create, and to listen.

We incorporate all modalities of learning and worship into our multigenerational services so that it can be an enriching experience for all. We also have a Spiritual Development cart with activities for all ages for those who need something to do with their hands in order to focus.

On the remaining Sundays, families gather in the Sanctuary for shorter shared worship time during the beginning of the service. After a “Time for All Ages” story, children and youth ages 18 and younger head downstairs for their own chance to explore the themes that have been presented in worship. Children and youth are welcome to stay with the adults for worship or attend the CYSD program.

🍂CYSD FALL CURRICULUM (starts October 4, 2026)

AUUC will offer the following groupings this church year based (flexibly) on age/development level/grade to ensure that children and youth have safe places to explore their developing faith.:

• 🚼The NURSERY (Infants – PreK) is available starting at 9:50 am for those who need Free Play. A caregiver creates a safe and comfortable place to explore and nurture a sense of belonging. Parents/guardians may also choose to stay and listen to the service on the speakers. 
• 💚SACRED PLAY with Ellery Churchmouse (Ages 5 – 9): Sessions introduce spiritual language through short videos of Ellery Churchmouse and his friends, include a short discussion and a choice between guided play or art around the topic of the day.
• 💛WOVEN FAITH (Ages 10 – 14): Sessions are designed for our older elementary and middle school age group, and include discussions, active individual and group activities, UU history stories, and ideas for integrating UU values into their lives. 
• 💞COMBINED Groups (Ages 5-14) on holiday weekends: When we typically have fewer participants and facilitators, we combine the Sacred Play and Woven Faith groups and do an experiential activity that can involve all in learning from each other and creating positive community. 

• 🦉Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 7th – 9th graders, our comprehensive sexuality education program centered around our UU values, will be offered this church year (October 2026 –  March 2027) from 9:30 am – 11:30 am). All custodial adults must attend an ORIENTATION session and sign a separate permission slip. OWL for K-1 is planned for April – June 2027 if we get enough participants.
• Coming of Age SONGS & THREADS for High School Youth: Held during our monthly potlucks (once a month, usually the second week of the month from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm), Songs & Threads offers a set of spiritual experiences for a deep and meaningful exploration of UU theology, helping youth connect core themes of Unitarian Universalism to their own lives through music and a collaborative art.

Sign up for our church weekly newsletter (email communications@accotinkuu.org) to know which weeks are CYSD groups, the combined group, OWL, Coming of Age, or multigenerational worship.

First time visitors

Before the church service begins, either the Director of Spiritual Development or the Chair of the Children and Youth Spiritual Development Committee (CYSDC) can give you a short tour downstairs and show you your child’s room. If you plan on visiting AUUC more than three times throughout the year, we ask that you complete a registration form online.

When you register your child, you will receive our program communications and announcements. Registration will also help to keep our children safe and healthy by letting us know who can pick up your child/youth and notify staff of any allergies or unique needs. Parents/guardians receive a handbook yearly with details about the program.

Volunteer Opportunities

All volunteers regularly working with our young people must complete an application process to volunteer, including undergoing a background check, attending a yearly safety training, and agreeing to follow the safety policies.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Children’s Spiritual Development Program, please contact:

Director of Spiritual Development, Michele Andersen, at dsd@accotinkuu.org

Children’s Spiritual Development Committee Chair at csdc@accotinkuu.org