Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Always Learning

“We want to see more of our children” I often hear from members of this congregation. Sometimes it feels like the RE building is miles away from the Main Hall on Sunday mornings.

So this year we are trying something new. Each class will have a Sunday to be Worship Associates for the 9:30 service. Purple and Orange had their Sundays this fall, Green and Yellow this winter, and Red and Blue this spring. The younger children may lead us in a song or chalice lighting, while the older youth can give us their personal reflections. We hope this will help our Main Hall worshiping community feel more connected to our children, and we hope it will give our children and youth a sense of what it means to be worship leaders.

We want them to share our UU knowing, that leading worship is not something that only a minister can do, it is a part of life where anyone can provide leadership with some forethought, practice, and sensitivity to their community. To help our children feel confident, the minister leading the service that Sunday will also be part of the worship associates’ class the week before. We hope this strengthens not only the link between the generations, but also communicates:

“Our ministers are connected to children and youth as they are to adults, and our Sunday worship is something we all create together.”