We are an intentionally inclusive congregation, and welcome all who covenant with us in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.   We welcome families of all shapes and sizes, and hope that here you may find a spiritual home!

Our religious education classes are designed to enrich the spiritual lives of children, youth and families.   We strive to help one another grow in spiritual awareness and practice, deepen understanding and respect of our religiously diverse world, and live UU principles in daily life.

We encourage parents to ask questions, visit classrooms, and participate in a variety of programs to support your own spiritual growth.  We look forward to working with you to nurture the spiritual lives of our children and youth!

Welcome Visitors!

If you are visiting for the first time, we suggest that you plan to arrive 15 minutes early so one of our greeters may welcome you and show you and your child/ren the classrooms.  Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and continue 15 minutes past the end of the worship service to allow parents time for fellowship, and classes time to complete their work.  To help ensure safety we ask that all children in grades 4 and younger be picked-up by a parent at their classroom; dismissal times are 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.   Each week we welcome new families who are looking for a spiritual home.  We encourage you to contact our Director of Religious Education, Colleen Vahey, who is available to talk with you about your visit and answer any questions: cvaheyuu@gmail.com; 847.359.8440 x4.

Worship

Worship is an integral part of what we do as a spiritual community.  Most Sundays, children in Grades 1-6 attend the first 20 min. of worship with their parents.  Jr. and Sr. High youth are encouraged to attend the full worship service any Sunday before or after class.  We also offer six intergenerational services throughout the year, when all ages attend the full service.  The last Sunday of each month, young people in Grades 1-6 share their own worship service in Atherton Hall, before beginning their Faith-in-Action service learning.  We hope you will join us for these important times of sharing worship together.

Childcare

Free childcare for infants - age 2 is provided at every service, except Christmas Eve.  We have a professional childcare provider with over 20 years of experience, who works with a team of dedicated volunteers to provide a safe and nurturing experience for our youngest members.

Cooperative Program

Our religious education program is supported through the annual operating budget of the church, so your generous pledge to the annual fund is requested.  The vitality of our program also depends on the generous support of many dedicated volunteers. When you register your child please let us know how you'd like to share your gifts with our community.   Helping in the religious education program is a great way to get acquainted and learn more about our living faith.  Background checks, a covenant of ethics, and participation in orientations and trainings are required of all volunteers working with children and youth.

Attendance

We ask that parents make a commitment to regular attendance (as possible within your family circumstances).  Consistent attendance helps your child best connect with other students, and experience the full benefits of participation in this program and community.