Coming of Age Opportunity for 7th and 8th Graders

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Being a part of a Unitarian Universalist Coming of Age program can be an amazing experience in a young person’s life. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign invites 7th and 8th graders to be a part of a Coming-of-Age program. The goal is to provide space, community and experiences that guides them in self-discovery. A major part of this self-discovery centers on beliefs and values. By the end of the program, each participant will be able to articulate more clearly their beliefs and values and how they envision their beliefs and values will interact in the larger world. They will also have more tools to continue their discernment. After all, understanding our core values and beliefs is not a one-time process.
Normally, UUCUC holds this program for a full year.

Because we are in the middle of a pandemic, we have altered its look. For the 2021 program, it will run from February to May. This is what participants can expect:

  1. To meet once a month via zoom video conference with the full group and guest speakers. 
  2. To meet once a month in person (socially distanced and outdoors) in an experiential outing that will guide us to build community and self-discovery. 
  3. To meet once a month with a mentor from the congregation who will share experiences and wisdom.  The mentor will also listen and provide space for the COA participant to talk and explore their ideas. 
  4. To journal using the creative COA journal (provided by UUCUC)
  5. To write or create a credo to be presented in some creative form in one of the May, 2021 worship services.  Credos can be written, drawn, or expressed in many ways. 
  6. Be a part of a community that is exploring along with them.  Even the leaders and mentors are exploring. 
  7. To develop an understanding of how their beliefs and values fit with (or do not fit with) Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values. 

If you are interested, fill out the following form (quick and easy):  https://uucuc.breezechms.com/form/12f945.

If you have any questions, call/text/email Michele Grove, Interim Director of Religious Education: re-director@uucuc.org/605-237-1319