We come together, across and within generations, to support the spiritual development of each person through the whole lifespan.

Introduction: At UU Lansing, there are specific age-related programs (summarized below and described in separate pages) to provide guidance in faith development , as well as programs for intentional multigenerational activities to facilitate sharing among many age ranges. Families and friends of all ages are invited to share worship services and nearly all of our events and activities throughout the week. Some worship services are designed primarily for adults, with classes for children and youth held at the same time, while other worship services are designed to be intergenerational (with no separate classes for PreK to 6th grade). For parents/caregivers with babies, our nursery is staffed every Sunday with two background-checked childcare providers, who attentively care for our youngest attendees so parents can fully engage with service and coffee hour; there is also a “cry room” in the sanctuary where the service can be heard via speakers. There are special events during the year to provide fun and sharing for many age groups, e.g. Halloween party, Christmas tree decorating. All activities and classes are led by volunteers Since all classes and activities are led by volunteers (the only staff support is a part-time coordinator for Children & Youth Faith Development -CYFD -Programs), the involvement of congregants is an essential element. [Links to be provided to other pages' in the summaries below]

Children and Youth

UU Lansing has a Safe Church policy requiring that two adults must be present in each room and background checks are required for all volunteers. A nursery is available for babies and toddlers. Classes are divided into age groups.

·         PreK-6th grade - Children in this Sharing Our Gifts curriculum attend the worship service for the first 15 minutes and then exit to their classrooms after a Story for All Ages (except children do not have a separate class for intergenerational services held every month or two). Lessons are drawn from the Soul Matters curriculum.

·         7th - 9th grade - Many 7th to 9th graders choose to participate in our biennial programs, Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Coming of Age.  OWL for adolescents begins with a mandatory parent/guardian orientation and closes to new registrations after it begins (unlike other classes), to foster a trusting and committed small group for this intensive course taught by specially trained facilitators.

     Youth Group  - Youth group provides a safe, welcoming space for teens to continue their faith development through relationship building, service projects, group discussions and more. This group meets most Sunday mornings during the worship service.

Faith development programs for adults

Young Adults: Young adults ages 18-39 gather periodically for lunch and games, or plan other social activities.

Older Adults: The Semi-Conscious Aging group provides fun and friendly interactions for people in the later years of life who meet once a month during the day.

Adults of any Age: Long-standing programs provide opportunities for discussion of books and for discussion of key ideas or current topics. The Pretty Good Book Group meets one Sunday a month after the worship service. Forum meets weekly (most weeks) before the worship service. Also, periodic classes/programs for adults are offered on a wide range of topics; congregants are invited to consider offering a class.