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Ministry for youth is both challenging and rewarding work. The goal is to build community, within the congregation and between various age groups.  Programs focus on community building and ritual while balancing the time to include major components of a strong youth program: worship, learning, ministry within the church, community service, leadership and fellowship.

Both the 7^th Grade and 8^th/9^th Grade groups meet at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Grades 10-12 (YRUU) meet at 11:15 a.m. only. Youth groups are divided into three age levels: 7th grade, 8th/9th grade and 10th-12th grade. Youth need time to re-acquaint themselves each fall and teachers are instructed to take the time to build community within each group. As youth mature the curriculum becomes more complex and ideas take longer to understand. It is important for each group to feel comfortable talking to each other about these larger issues. Every Sunday I attend part of each of the youth classes, spending time learning about each student and staying abreast of any trends that may come up. In addition, there are at least three social events for each group each year that I attend.

Community building is done with games, exercises, and discussion designed to generate enthusiasm for our faith, for our youth and young adult groups, to strengthen their relationship with our church, and to keep them interested in making a difference in the world.

Parents are an important part of the program. Their support is vital for snacks, scheduling, chaperoning and, in 7th grade, they are frequently needed to help the teachers with the lesson for the day. Adolescence is a very stressful time of life and it is also very helpful for parents to be in close communication with teachers or me about anything unusually stressful so we can support youth in their spiritual needs.

It is important that our youth feel at home here, and that they are in a safe place where they can think through their own values and beliefs in the context of supportive relationships. It is a place to talk to adults and people their own age about matters of significance without fear of rejection. And a place to build character and develop moral truths to survive in today’s world. All youth are welcome who want to join and participate in our groups.

Links:

Youth and Children's Calendar of Events

RE Brochure

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR YOUTH STAFF

Dana Regan (dregan@firstunitarianportland.org), Director of Religious Education for Youth, 503-228-6389, ext. 15

About Dana Regan:

Dana Regan has been a part of the staff at First Unitarian Church since 1995 and obtained the title of Credentialed Religious Educator in 2007. She works with the Religious Education Committee to provide leadership and oversight of the Religious Education program for youth and to encourage total family and church participation in intergenerational events and activities. She directs the Youth Programs at First Unitarian Church and helps coordinate the Portland area Unitarian Universalist Campus Ministry program at three campuses: Lewis & Clark, Portland State University and Reed.

Dana has pursued a wide variety of professional development and denominational service opportunities. She has earned a certificate of completion for eight of the Renaissance modules from the Unitarian Universalist Association. She currently serves as the Chapter President of the LREDA-PNWD and is an active member of the Willamette Valley Religious Education Cluster and the Liberal Religious Educators Association.