FAMILY MINISTRY AND SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

2021-2022

​

Sunday School is open! We are excited to welcome back our families to UUSF. We offer classes and programs for children and youth, and programs and activities for the whole family. We are committed to supporting the spiritual growth for all ages.

Our approach to religious education and spiritual growth is rooted in the idea that we are all learners and seekers.  Our classes invite children youth, and parents to explore their values, nurture their spirits, and be of service to others. 

​

We continue to update our COVID Safety Policies for our community. For our Sunday School classes and programs, the following protocols are in place:

• Masks (surgical, N95 or KN95) will be required for everyone attending services or Sunday School.

• Physical distancing recommendations will be followed.

• No food or beverages will be served to minimize risk of exposure.

• All staff, volunteers working with children, will be required to be vaccinated.

• All adults attending services are required to have proof of vaccine.

• Sunday School classes will meet in well-ventilated rooms and outdoor tented areas.

• Children, for the time being, will not attend services in the sanctuary

​​

If you have questions please contact Associate Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks.

Email - ajacks@uusf.org
Phone - (415) 776-4580, ext. 232.

​

(0-5) CHALICE CHILDREN

Chalice Children offers a safe, supportive play-based learning environment for ages 0-5. Lead Teacher Sarah Beth and her team welcome young ones into our church community with stories, rituals, play space, games and more. Our focus is to have the children feel safe and welcome. Children are introduced to values of sharing and caring, learning and exploration, and treating one another with kindness and love. We will follow COVID safety protocols to ensure a safe and positive experience for your child.

(K-1) WORLD OF WONDER/OWL (OUR WHOLE LIVES)

For our Kindergarten and First Gardeners, we will offer two curriculum.  In the fall, we begin with World of Welcome, which focuses on our direct experiences in nature, connecting  to children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. Classes are play-based, interactive, and introduce children to the Principles of Unitarian Universalism. 

Beginning in early February, we plan to offer OWL (Our Whole Lives). OWL is an 8-week program - supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies and families. Using stories, songs, and activities including a weekly homework activity that parents and children do together, helping to promote conversation and dialogue. Parents must attend a Parent Meeting prior to children attending class.

(2ND-3RD) LOVE WILL GUIDE US

One of our favorite hymns is Love Will Guide Us. It's also the theme for our 2nd and 3rd Graders curriculum. We will spend time learning about  love. Love of self. Love of family and neighbors. Love of church. Love of the earth. How love can guide us through troubling times. Through stories, rituals, and fun and engaging activities, we will keep look at how love shapes our lives and the world around us.

(4TH-5TH) STEPPING STONES/OWL (OUR WHOLE LIVES)

We will begin the year with an adapted version of our Stepping Stones Rites of Passage class. From September through January, the class will explore some Big Life Questions. Meet Leaders in the church. Children will engage in a variety of fun art activities, exploring who they are, what they value, and what they dream for the future. The class will culminate with a special Worship Service at the end of January where ministers will answer their Big Life Questions!

Beginning in early February, we plan to offer the 10 week OWL (Our Whole Lives) curriculum for 4th-5th graders.. OWL helps children learn about and discuss the physical, emotional and social changes of puberty. Parents and caregivers can be actively involved in the exploration of growing older, values, communication and decision making. Parents must attend a Parent Orientation before children can attend. All OWL teachers have completed an OWL Teacher training.

(6TH-7TH) NEIGHBORING FAITHS

Neighboring Faiths is a year-long exploration of Religions of the World. Neighboring Faiths explores a variety of faith and spiritual traditions, and include virtual or in person visits to houses of worship during the year. Youth and their teachers will learn about the tradition, its history, beliefs, and worship styles. Visits will include protestant churches, synagogues, mosques, as well as earth based traditions.  Throughout the program, youth will explore their own beliefs and take a deeper dive into what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.

(8TH-9TH) LEARNING TO LEAD

Our 8th and 9th graders will have a chance to give back to their church community by volunteering in one of the lower grades as a Junior Lead Teacher, working with the Lead Teacher and volunteers. Youth will volunteer at least twice a month in a class, and meet with the ministers and Lead Teachers once a month to reflect on their experience, share insights and ideas. What does it mean to contribute time to your faith community?  What tools are needed to be a leader? Come learn!

(10TH-12TH) YRUU (YOUTH GROUP)

YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) is a gathering space for youth ages, 14-18. YRUU is a youth-led effort, supported by adult Advisors. Gatherings involve rituals, check-ins, social outings, volunteer opportunities, justice activities and more. YRUU offers youth a safe space for spiritual exploration and growth.

FAMILY MINISTRY COMMITTEE

Our Mission

We seek to create beloved community, transform lives, promote justice, and foster universal values of love, respect, and responsibility for children, youth and families. With programming that engages heart, mind, and body, and working in collaboration with the wider community, we celebrate our children’s unique sense of self, their place in our wider Unitarian Universalist movement today, and for generations to come.

To this end, we will:

• Advocate for Family Ministry and build community in the broader church.

• Implement programs and processes that embody UU principles.

• Provide opportunities to engage in social action and service.

• Foster family ownership and stewardship of our Family Ministry programs.

• Welcome and support all families