Our Children, Our Faith
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. (Isaiah 54:13)
At the Union Church in Waban, we cherish our children and young people as valued and contributing members of our church community. We strive to support our children as they grow in their relationships with God — providing them with the words and means to recognize and name their own spiritual experiences, and learn how their faith can shape, direct, and enrich their lives. Through Bible stories, art projects, drama and music, formal and informal gatherings, holiday events, and community service, the children of Union Church grow in their faith and learn how to put their faith into action. As an interdenominational church affiliated with the United Church of Christ, our congregation includes members raised in a variety of religious traditions, as well as a number of interfaith families. What this spiritual diversity means for our children is that while they are rooted in Christian experience, they also learn to respect and engage with the faiths and spirituality of others.
The Christian Education and Spiritual Formation programming at the Union Church in Waban strives to:
- Nurture our children’s’ relationships with God, and nourish their spiritual lives
- Share and pass on the Scripture, stories, language and traditions of our faith
- Create environments where children grow in their relationships with one another and the church
- Provide opportunities for our children to live out their faith, growing in their care and commitment to neighbor and all creation
Faith and Service
Throughout this winter and spring, children at Union Church (kindergarten – 5th graders) participated in and helped to lead Mini-Missions, a new initiative to engage our young ones in simple, tangible service projects in the community. Children owned their Mini-Missions projects from start to finish, with the goals of growing in their understanding of service as an integral part of their faith and lives, and realizing they can make a difference in their communities and the world.
For additional information, and a calendar of dates related to Mini-Missions, as well as other upcoming gatherings/events for kids and families, please click below:
Mini-Missions Summary & Spring 2017 Calendar for Kids & Families
For a link to the wish-lists of needed items for Mini-Missions organizations (Newton Food Pantry, Birthday Wishes and the MSPCA), please click below:
Thank you for your support of Mini-Missions, our kids, and the good work of these organizations!
Sunday Mornings
Following the Children’s Message in worship, children and youth are invited to gather and continue their worship, fellowship and learning in our Sunday School classes.
Communion Sundays and Special Sundays: On the first Sunday of each month, and some special Sundays, our kindergarten through 5th graders come together in the Vestry for a special joint Children’s Worship. Children are then invited to rejoin their families in the Sanctuary for Communion.
Sprouts (infant through preschool)
In our professionally-staffed nursery and preschool room, our littlest members share a loving and safe space where they experience church through nurture, stories, songs, art and play. LOCATION: This group meets in the Nursery Room, across the hall from the Reception Room downstairs.
Rainbows (younger elementary)
In this room, we seek to grow in our relationships with God and one another through sharing, Biblical storytelling, music, art, and hands-on learning and service projects. Throughout the winter and spring, the children in this room also worked on Mini-Missions service projects (see above). LOCATION: Littlehale Room (On the main floor hallway near the church offices)
Stars (older elementary)
Our 4th and 5th graders also focus on deepening their relationships with God and one another, exploring the Bible through creative storytelling, prayer, art, conversation, service opportunities and more. Throughout the winter and spring, our Stars also engaged in Mini-Missions service projects (see above). LOCATION: Upstairs in the Choir Room.
Youth (middle and high school)
Our youth connect with one another, discuss the stories and themes of our faith, and explore how the Bible and faith may be relevant and lived out in their lives today. LOCATION: Downstairs in the Kitchen.
YOUTH LENTEN SERIES: Throughout the season of Lent (Sundays beginning March 5th through Easter), youth participated in a special series called Creating the Beloved Community – A Lenten Walk of Communion. We journeyed together, exploring the mystery of Communion and what it means to live together as beloved community. We gathered around the table; baked bread to share with the congregation and our friends at a local rehabilitation center; set the table with pottery we made ourselves; made soup for those in need; and led our community in worship and serving Communion. For a detailed schedule please click HERE.
Please click here for a full calendar of Youth Ministry Events for Winter-Spring 2017.
Children & Youth Ministry Registration
(Sunday School Registration)
Registering helps us learn about our children and youth – including any health or other information we need to be sure your child has a safe and great experience. We ask that all children and youth who plan to be part of our Sunday School, or children and youth ministry programming register.
Registration Form:
Below please find a link to a copy (PDF) of this year’s registration form. Please return completed forms to the church, or send a copy electronically to Amy Clark Feldman, Associate Pastor for Youth and Families, at [email protected]. Thank you!
Youth and Children’s Ministry Registration Form
Registration Fee/Contribution: We are grateful for your contribution to support the Children and Youth Ministries at the Union Church! Our suggested registration fee is $50 per child or $100 per family limit. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and all contributions will be used to purchase Bibles and supplies for our Sunday School and ministry programs for children and youth. If you wish to contribute the suggested fee, please find a PayPal option to do so below. If you would prefer to contribute a different amount, or to pay by check, please make your check payable to: The Union Church in Waban with ‘Children’s Registration’ in the memo section. Checks may be brought to the church or mailed to: The Union Church in Waban, 14 Collins Rd., Waban, MA 02468. Thank you!