Youth Program

Youth and Family Ministry (YFM)

YFM LESSON RECAP OF THE WEEK 

April finally brought showers, today (4/26), and will hopefully bring May flowers. Similarly, the Power of Life theme this past month will hopefully 'bring' Powerful children in May. We finished April by making paper dolls of dogs and cats and talked about the last two "needs" as defined by Meiko Kamiya. Those "needs" that can increase our lives  are "A Bright Future" and "Meaning and Value." We asked the children if they had something big to look forward to, because if we have something to look forward to then our lives can be imbued with vitality and animation. Additionally, if we look at and see the meaning and value in our lives and our interactions with others, we can understand the fullness of our presence in the world. (In her book, Divine Audacity, Linda Martella-Whitesett defines the Light of Life as including Animation, Vitality and Presence). We used the images of dogs and cats as embodiments of looking towards a joyful future, e.g. they can get excited to eat a meal, sit in your lap, or when they realize you are coming home. Cats and dogs can also remind us of the value and meaning we can have in another being's life. Our Life is sacred in relation to our Self understanding, to the relationship with the Divine, and in relationship with another being.  
     
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT SUNDAY? 
In May, we'll look at the Power of Power, which Mrs. Martella-Whitesett defined as having the qualities of concentration, self-mastery, and authority.  Some of what we will be studying is the masterful artwork of Japanese women's clay artwork, asking the children to structure how they want to hold their spiritual services, or exploring how they can refine and become masterful in a chosen occupation or hobby.  
 
Join us and let's be Powerful being together. 
 

ABOUT UCP'S YFM PROGRAM

We invite you to join us at Unity Center of Peace on Sundays at 11:00am with your younger family members. While you enjoy our Celebration Service in the sanctuary, they will benefit from participating in our robust, loving, nurturing curriculum for children and youth. All programs are age-appropriate and are led by our carefully selected, and fully background checked, Spiritual Education staff members.

Our YFM rooms are in the upstairs part of the building and Sunday School resides from 11am-12:10pm. Please be sure to sign your child in using the clipboard on the door. Near the end of service, the children will be brought downstairs by the Youth Ed teacher to give a brief announcement about what they did and what they learned and to receive a special UCP blessing by the minister and congretation. We currently do not have a program for teens (Y.O.U). Teens are encouraged to sit in the Sunday Service with their parents at this time. 


OUR YFM VISION STATEMENT
We envision young people growing up with a clear grasp of their spiritual nature and power, living from their ability to make a difference in the world, to express love, to choose kindness, to relate authentically, and to model spiritual values.

                                                                                                                                                              
  
   shannon preto 2           
   
MORE about our Youth Education Director (YED), Shannon Preto
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact Person: Shannon Preto
Role: Youth Ed Director
Email:

We're Hiring - Sunday Youth Ed Assistant

DESCRIPTION AND COMPENSATION

Part-time – 2.5 hours per week on Sundays at an hourly rate of $16 per hour 

YFM Youth Ed Assistant Hours – Every Sunday 10:30am-1:00pm

Invoice to be submitted last Sunday of each month - Paid on 1st Sunday of following month

Primary Objective:

  • Assist the YFM teacher on a Sunday morning during the Spiritual Education experience
  • Engage with teens in conversations and lead unique, community focused projects.
  • Play with and care for all children (aged 4-8) who are too young to participate in the Sunday adult program
  • To clean and tidy the YFM space and spend time with the children (and parents) at the After Service Social Hour

Read more: We're Hiring - Sunday Youth Ed Assistant