Youth Religious Education Lesson Descriptions

January 25th at 10:15am

PreK & Kindergarten – Chalice Children
Special Worship Services
Unitarian Universalists have many special worship services. This session introduces a flower ceremony (known in some congregations as a flower communion). The flower ceremony is one of our most beloved UU services, a ritual of togetherness and hope. Using flowers and nature, UUs give concrete expression to the humanity-affirming principles of our liberal faith..

1st & 2nd Grade – Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression & Multiculturalism
Talk About Race
There was a time when the focus in the UU classrooms was “we are all the same.” But now we know how damaging “color blindness” is to BIPOC children, families and communities. Not only is it okay for you and your children to talk about race, it is important – even when it feels hard. This week we encourage the children to consider the diversity all around them in ways while decentering whiteness.

3rd & 4th Grade – Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression & Multiculturalism
Celebrating Our Differences
In this session, the class will explore and celebrate differences through stories, videos, movement, and interactive games. Children reflect on visible and invisible differences, including talents, interests, learning styles, and experiences, while learning that differences do not determine someone’s value. The lesson emphasizes curiosity, listening, and respect as core Unitarian Universalist values and helps build a more inclusive, caring classroom community.

5th & 6th Grade – Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression & Multiculturalism
Celebrating Our Differences
In this session, youth explore what makes each person unique while discovering meaningful connections with others. Through story, video, discussion, and interactive games, youth reflect on identity, respect, and belonging — and practice celebrating the differences that make our UU community stronger.

7th & 8th Grade – Coming of Age
Starting with Us
This session invites Coming of Age youth to reflect on what motivates people to choose good or harmful actions and to explore how different religious traditions understand ethics and responsibility. Through discussion, reflection, and journaling, participants examine the Ten Commandments and then create their own set of guiding principles for ethical human behavior, grounding morality in personal choice, conscience, and shared values.

High School Youth Group
COINTELPRO: Teaching the FBI’s War on the Black Freedom Movement
Through examining FBI documents, we’ll learn the scope of the FBI’s COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program) campaign to spy on, infiltrate, discredit, and disrupt all corners of the Black Freedom Movement.
This is a combined workshop with adults and the youth group. They will meet in the sanctuary.