Youth

Welcome to Faith Development for Youth at Main Line Unitarian Church.

Our religious education programs seek:

to develop Unitarian Universalists who are fully functioning religious beings engaged in honest dialogue, lifelong learning, and exploration of self and world.

to sustain strong families and create multigenerational relationships that value all.

to invite and promote questioning, curiosity, and religious freedom.

2012-13 Curricula

View the Faith Development for Children and Youth Brochure to read about this year's classes and evening youth groups.

Jason Bender
Youth Coordinator
610-688-8332 x31
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Religious Education for Youth on Sunday Morning

Ninth Grade
Coming of Age (COA)  |  11:00 a.m.
Coming of Age has been redesigned for 9th graders at Main Line Unitarian Church, in recognition that they are at the beginning of a journey—able to reflect on all they have learned, while investigating and defining their own beliefs. This program invites students to deepen their understanding of Unitarian Universalism and their knowledge of MLUC, and to begin a contemplative process around their own spirituality.

The Coming of Age year includes opportunities for service, fellowship, fun, and adventure, as well as a Unitarian Universalist Heritage Tour and overnight events. Activities on Sunday mornings and at other times engage youth in a process that culminates in the creation of personal credos (from the Latin: “what I set my heart to”). In May, a special youth-led service celebrates a unique threshold in their spiritual journey, when youth are ready to share their own credos with the larger congregation. This program requires a high level of commitment by parents and youth, and regular attendance and participation are essential.

Tenth – Twelfth Grades
Young Unitarian Universalists in the Morning (YUUM)  |  11:00 a.m.
Young Unitarian Universalists in the Morning encourages youth to explore ethical issues in a Sunday morning class that feeds the mind, body, and spirit. Social action, ritual, and team-building activities are included, and a small group ministry approach is used. Involvement in YUUM is the final Religious Education program opportunity at MLUC. As such, it seeks to prepare youth for the next stage in their pathway to spiritual maturity by building confidence in their articulation and discussion of spiritual issues, empowering ethical decision-making skills, encouraging balance and self-care through centering activities, and inviting their participation in the experience of congregational worship.

Sunday Evening Youth Groups

Seventh and Eighth Grade
Junior Youth Group (JYG)  |  6:00 p.m.
Junior Youth Group is a co-ed Sunday evening program, whose activities have included rock climbing, laser tag, and canoeing. JYG youth also participate in service projects such as the MLUC Holiday Workshop. Activities are led by adult advisors, with significant input from the youth.

Ninth – Twelfth Grades
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)  |  6:00 p.m.
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists is a co-ed Sunday evening program that offers high school youth a channel for social interaction, where they get to know each other as unique individuals and often establish life-long friendships. Youth leaders and advisors facilitate and support. There is a balance of service, fundraising, social, and worship experiences. Activities include the Philly AIDS Walk, soup lunches, district conferences, interfaith worship, and parties. YRUU is also responsible for leading one service a year for the entire congregation.

Youth in grades 7–12 participate in monthly youth-led worship, which tends to be non-traditional and interactive.