Youth Education

Spiritual Sunday School

Vision Statement
As a spiritual youth program, we provide a safe, sacred place of love and acceptance where our children and teens are honored for who they are on their spiritual path. Our purpose is to create lessons and experiences based on Unity Principles and Teachings that empower the Christ potential in each individual to grow and prosper. Our classes are blessed with dedicated, loving volunteers who bring their own creativity and spiritual guidance to share with all.

Unity’s Five Basic Principles

God is all good and active in everything and everywhere.
I am naturally good because God’s Divinity is in me and in everyone.
I create my experiences by what I choose to think, feel and believe.
Through affirmative prayer and meditation, I connect with God and bring out the good in my life.
I do and give my best by living the Truth I know. I make a difference.

Children’s Youth Director: Mary Nowroozi, C.S.E
Teen Youth Director: Jean Boston
Uniteen Sponsor: Mark Boston

School Year Classes
Nursery ~ Infant to Age 3
Children’s Church ~ Age 3 to 2^nd Grade
Juniors ~ 3^rd to 5^th Grade
Uniteens ~ 6^th to 8^th Grade
Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) ~ 9^th to 12^th Grade

Class time: During the 10:00 a.m. service. Children will sit with their parents at the beginning of the service and will proceed downstairs to their classes after being blessed by the congregation.

All parents/guardians of children, through Uniteens, are required to sign in their children before entering the sanctuary. Once the service has ended, parents/guardians are required to pick up their children and sign them out.

Spiritual Sunday School Curriculum

Welcoming during Sacred Circle
Opportunity to Share Gifts/Talents
Prayer and Meditation
Singing
Biblical or Contemporary Story
Love Offering
Art Project or Activity

Children’s Church and Juniors

The Children’s Church and Juniors Ministry is for children age 3 through 5^th grade (approximately age 10). The lessons for these two classes are based on the Living Curriculum philosophy that was developed by the Association of Unity Churches International. It is not one specific piece of material, but is

“a process and a program of spiritual support to assist children, teens, families and the church community in successful living. A Living Curriculum is designed to ‘draw forth’ the Truth mainly through experiences, storytelling and creative expression. Each lesson relates to an issue in a person’s life and seeks to facilitate an experience of God connected to their life.”

The lessons focus on reinforcing the idea that God is within us, around us, and everywhere present and that we are loved unconditionally. These teachings are a beginning to establish a basic understanding of the Bible and how the stories reflect Unity Principles. The children also explore the Twelve Powers, envisioned by Charles Fillmore, Unity’s co-founder, that are lovingly inherent in each and every one of us. Other sacred writings and contemporary stories are used. Furthermore, the children are encouraged to connect with their inner wisdom and guidance to live the Truth they know.

Teen Youth Ministry

Our mission is to open our preteen and teenagers to exploring their spirituality through fellowship, service and leadership. We strive to help pre-teens and teenagers develop healthy self image and life skills while engaging in active curriculum and other written materials.

We wish that each Uniteen or YOUer will be open to letting their light shine.

Uniteens

Uniteens are students in 6 through 8 grade/ages 11 -14 years old.

The group meets during the 10:00 Sunday service to explore spiritual truths in a safe and age appropriate environment. They will explore spiritual principles through books, the bible and other Unity information. This group also encourages social outings that provide a place for our preteens to socialize and develop healthy relationships.

Opportunities to attend regional retreats (Unitreats) are offered twice a year.

Additional information for Uniteen regional events; www.glruniteens.org

Y.O.U. (Youth of Unity)

Our Y.O.U. is made up of 9-12^th graders/ages 14 to 18 years old.

The group meets during the 10:00 Sunday service.

The focus of a Y.O.U. chapter is on assisting the teens in developing leadership skills and to encourage them to have an active role in the classroom experience. It is a classroom that is student led, adult guided.

This age group uses their understanding of the Bible and Truth principles to discuss and look deeper into the issues and concerns that they encounter each day. This is a very active ministry. They support one another and enjoy many opportunities to explore their spirituality through social outings and other events.

Opportunities to attend sub-regional events, regional retreats & rallies and International gatherings are offered throughout the year.

Additional information for Y.O.U. regional events; www.glryou.org

How to Get Involved
We require that our parents/guardians volunteer as “Angel Aides” (teacher’s assistant) one Sunday service at least once every three months. For those parents/ guardians or any interested person in the congregation to become a teacher in the classroom, please speak with either the Children’s Director or Teen Director about observing a classroom experience and the necessary training involved.

“Angel Aide” and Teacher Requirements

Must be an active member of Unity of Fox Valley Church, especially for teachers
Must be willing to undergo a background check
Must practice the Unity Principles in your daily life
Must be passionate about one’s own spiritual growth
Must be patient and supportive of the spiritual growth of children of all ages

Benefits from Volunteering

All Sunday lessons and supplies are provided
Free CD of the Sunday Service
Training opportunities offered
Guidance for teachers who decide to pursue credentialed leadership through Certified Spiritual Educator or Licensed Unity Teacher
Enhanced personal spiritual growth
Opportunity to be a spiritual guide for children
Development of friendships