Families have many Learning Opportunities
in our Spiritual CommunityUnitarian Universalist religious education is grounded in nurturing our children and adults. We give them the building blocks with which to form their own belief rather than indoctrinating them into a system of thought. As Unitarian minister William Ellery Channing said in the early 1800s, "The great end of religious instruction is not to stamp our minds irresistibly upon the young but to stir up their own [minds]."
With that in mind, we offer a varied and open religious education program for our youth. Classes for K-8 are held almost every Sunday, 9:15 and 11:15 am. Exceptions include a few intergenerational services and some holidays. Our High School youth group meets on Sunday evenings. Childcare is available every Sunday for infants and toddlers during the 9:15 and 11:15 am worship.
Children of all ages are always welcome to attend a worship service with their parent.
Learning Opportunities for Children and Families
At the First Unitarian Church of Oakland we strive to provide a warm and supportive community of Unitarian Universalist faith in which children, youth and their families can mature spiritually, intellectually and ethically. The materials below (PDFs) describe our programs and include material about how to enroll and volunteer in our shared ministry.
This year we are continuing our church work to "transform our learning community" and will be experimenting with our programs for children, youth and families in new ways. In the months ahead, we will be doing the work to "Build the Word We Dream About." Ours are lofty religious and spiritual goals! And, we understand that the scope of religious education is not only the subject matter in Sunday morning classes. It’s also about participation in transformative worship, social justice work and community building. We need your heart, hands and mind to make this ministry and our visions come to life!
Please take the time to review the materials and return registration forms to the church office as soon as possible. While much is familiar, there are many changes at hand!
Program Descriptions
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program Description
Policies & Procedures
Registration Form
In faith,
Rev. Michelle Favreault
Acting Assistant Minister of Religious Education
P.S. Take note of the new K-4 programs and the need for Spirit Play families to attend an orientation program on September 9, 11, 14, or 15!
Registration for our learning programs is required and some parent participation is expected. If you have questions, please call the church office at 510-893-6129 or emailing the Religious Education staff at re@uuoakland.org).
A regular on-line newsletter called “The Helping Hand” is a resource for parents and friends. To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, just send an email to re@uuoakland.org with the subject line "subscribe Helping Hand".
Family Story Circles offer a way for intergenerational growth and learning through a small-group ministry approach to exploring what it means to be and to belong within families of choice. Circles meet for eight weeks and address such topics as ritual, family structure, sharing and privacy, holidays, rules, and celebration. This program allows for the intentional spiritual practice of creating community, exploring family life, and getting to know other families through the practice of sharing and listening.
Chalice Camp is a week-long program of our Pacific Central District held in August at a local regional park for students (grades 1-6) to explore faith and have fun in an intensive Unitarian Universalist environment. Chalice Camp deepens children’s identity as Unitarian Universalists and expands their knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and their capacity to be articulate about their faith. Campers explore and experience UU identity, history, and values through energetic worship, games, drama, art, and community building. Lake Temescal in Oakland provides a beautiful place to run, play, swim, and learn. By worshipping, learning, and playing with UU children from other churches, campers experience a faith community broader than their local church. This year, the curriculum will focus on identity and justice. To get a registration form or get more information email chalicecamp@gmail.com.
Adult Learning Program: Spirit in Practice -- Ten Workshops for UU Adults
Sundays, Feb. 24-May 11, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. As a part of our congregational renewal during Rev. Kathy's sabbatical, the Adult Education team is pleased to present: Spirit in Practice. This new program explores eight aspects of spiritual growth and introduces an array of practices that can help participants deepen their spirituality. (Note: no workshops on March 2 or March 23). Workshop Leaders: Jamie McReynolds and Richard Stromer.
Spirit in Practice focuses on holistic and whole-hearted spiritual practices. Eight workshops focus one-by-one on the eight spheres -- personal spiritual practices; communal worship practices, spiritual partnerships, mind practices, body practices, soul practices (art/creativity), life practices, and justice practices. The first and tenth workshops round out the series with an introduction and a conclusion.
Each workshop will be about 75 minutes long and is offered as stand-alone educational experience. You'll have a different lens through which to view and engage the depth dimensions of your life. We hope that you attend as many as possible, to help you connect more deeply with the sacred ground of your being, however you understand it.
Please contact learn@uuoakland.org for more information or stop by the LEAP table in Wendte Hall to register.
Adult Learning Program: Building the World We Dream About
The First Unitarian Church of Oakland has been selected to field test this new UU curriculum starting in September. This new program engages participants in understanding the role of race and ethnicity in their personal and congregational lives. Building the World We Dream About is a series of interactive seminars that employs large and small group activities. On Wednesday evenings all year, we will gather to explore themes of racial and cultural diversity. Pre-registration is requested. There is no fee for this class, but a high level of participation is expected. Registration will be limited, but if you are interested in learning more about this program or in helping to promote this transformative learning opportunity, call 510-893-6129 x319.