Religious Education for Youth

The Mission of the High School Youth Group at Heritage is to create a safe, trusting, and open-minded setting where youth, grades 9-12, feel a sense of ownership and freedom to express themselves. The Young Religious UUs (YRUU) program fosters community among youth and between youth and adults.

 

The goals of the youth program are to provide high school teens with opportunities to learn and apply Unitarian Universalist values, explore life issues, develop self-esteem and self-respect, learn about other religions, demonstrate social responsibility, explore one's own spirituality, and to have fun.  They will engage in community building, leadership and learning opportunities through avenues of worship, friendship, food, music, games and social action.

Learning

 

Discussion and experience are central to our youth as they foster intellectual growth and mental energy, Helping youth and adults alike to expand their horizons and learn.

 

Social Action

 

Unitarian Universalist youth have passionate opinions and have been at the forefront of social action activities.  Our youth explore their values and put action behind their concerns.

 

Worship

 

Worship is the heart, compassion, and love we share together.  An important part of many youth events, youth worship tends to be interactive and nontraditional, with sharing as a focus.

 

Leadership

 

Our youth contribute greatly to the denomination by being primarily a youth-led organization.  Youth leadership is about reaching consensus, fostering cooperation, and making sure everyone is heard.

 

Community Building

 

Some of the most valuable experiences happen during social activities:  Time to bond together, share values, establish trust, generate intimacy, and practice acceptance.  This includes planning events with youth at other area Unitarian Universalist churches.

Meeting Times

 

Our High School Youth Group usually meets on the first and third Sunday mornings of the month from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  The youth meet in a room especially designed for them with a relaxed atmosphere.  Upon arrival, they go directly to the youth room where the Youth and Young Adult Minister greets them.  Other times, the Youth Group meets for movies, social action projects, fun and planning.

 

A typical meeting time on Sunday morning includes checking-in with each other, a chalice lighting and reading, a topic for discussion, followed by an activity and planning.

 

Often, high school youth volunteer their time and talent to the larger church community by participating in the worship service, on committees, and in church-sponsored social action projects.

Youth Conferences

 

The District Youth Steering Committee (DYSC) of the Heartland District of the Unitarian Universalist Association provides opportunities for youth to take on leadership roles within the district.  The DYSC hosts five youth conferences (Cons) throughout the year.  Youth conferences provide opportunities to form lasting relationships with youth and adults in the district.  “Cons” are fun and informative.

 

Upcoming Cons:

Feedback

Upcoming Meetings:

 

October 19

October 26

November 2