At Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County (UUCDC), we believe that faith formation is a lifelong pursuit.

We constantly strive to engage our bodies, minds, and spirits as we learn about Unitarian Universalism, other religious traditions and wise-people, and issues facing our world. We live our values by offering Religious Education (RE) for children and youth, and Faith Formation for adults. 

Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith development activities are community centered. 

We learn and grow together. This can include instruction, discussion, creative activities, and, most of all, fun. Through these programs, we aim to strengthen our UU identity, inspire social advocacy and action, and reinforce UU principles as guides to life choices.

UUCDC is the place young families turn for RE that informs and inspires kids. It’s a spot where progressive ideas and liberal values are nurtured. We also value comprehensive sexual health education for children and youth. It’s where your family belongs. 

This starts with Sunday morning RE classes for children from preschool through middle school. Each week during the school year, families attend the 9:30 a.m. service together. After about 15 minutes, children are invited to join friendly volunteer teachers for age-appropriate activities until 10:45 a.m or whenever services end, whichever is later. 

 

We offer the highly acclaimed Our Whole Lives (OWL) program at various levels including Kindergarten/1st grade, 4th/5th grade, and 7th/8th grade. Click here for details about classes for 2024–2025. 

Youth groups for higher grades meet during the 11:15 a.m. service.

Children and youth religious education at UUCDC is led by Director of Faith Formation Chrissy Bushyager and run entirely as an education cooperative by enthusiastic volunteers. Parents and guardians are expected to participate by regularly bringing their kids to church, teaching, chaperoning some activities, or filling other roles. 

Teachers and advisors form lasting bonds with students, guiding them into adulthood and independence. We always need reliable volunteers to pitch in. 

For more information about children and youth programs or to volunteer for them, email Chrissy or call her at 610-566-4853, ext. 1003. Please also sign up for our weekly religious education e-newsletter published between mid-August and mid-May.

Adult Faith Formation provides adults with opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. Faith Formation classes are offered on topics such as being a UU, world religions, personal growth, social justice, and more. Programs include Soul Matters, during which small groups of congregants hold in-depth conversations about topics like faith, spirituality, and values.

All ages also have access to our Faith Development Library. 

Take advantage of these enriching experiences.

Recent Religious Education Newsletter Items

  • Summer Programming for Kids!
    We are thrilled to announce that we will have a Summer RE program at UUCDC! Alyssa Franklin will lead this exciting new endeavor for preschoolers-5th graders during our Sunday services from June 15 through August 24. Stay tuned for more information and come check it out! UUCDC’s annual Congregational Meeting will occur on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at 11:30am, a different time than previously announced. This will allow us to celebrate our YUUCKIs after their 10am service. The meeting will be held in-person and online via Zoom and will be accessible both by phone and online. Childcare will be provided during the meeting. Please register for the meeting online here  and indicate if you are attending in person or on Zoom.
  • We need more volunteers!
    We are still in need of a lot of volunteers for our RE program for the fall.  Come join our fantastic volunteers who know that spending time with our kids and teens is valuable and meaningful work. Please help fill these slots: 3 Preschool volunteers 3 Kindergarten volunteers 4 1st/2nd grade volunteers 3 3rd/4th grade volunteers 2 5th/6th grade volunteers 3 7th/8th OWL teachers 2 YUUCKI advisors
  • YUUCKI Service and Youth Bridging
    Our 10th-12th grade YUUCKIs will present a fantastic worship service this Sunday, June 1 at 10 am. Our “older youth” (compared to their COA peers) have crafted a service that reflects on the transformations that they have experienced in their lives. We will also honor and celebrate our 3 graduating seniors (Kaleb G., Alex N., and Owen S.) with our bridging ritual. Youth-led services are a great opportunity for younger children to see their older peers in leadership roles. Please plan to bring your younger kids to this service. Children of all ages are always welcome in the sanctuary. There is also a Family Room at the other end of the lobby that offers some space to move and play while watching a livestream of the service.
  • Spring Session Starts Soon
    The Jr Choir, Music is Magic will be singing the special music for our flower communion service on Sunday, March 23. One of the songs they’ll be singing is called Cover Me in Sunshine, written by Philly’s own P!nk which features her daughter in the original version. If you were in the choir in the Fall, there is no need to re-register; we assume you want to continue the fun. If your child is between 3rd and 8th grade and would like to join you can register here.
  • Spotlight on Coming Of Age (COA)
    As a faith community we mark the transition from Child to Adolescent through a program called Coming of Age.  During the COA year, 8th/9th graders participate in a variety of workshops, challenges, and fun activities aimed at helping youth further define who they are and what they stand for.  The COA experience culminates in a camping weekend with physical and mental challenges, including an extended solo vigil in the woods. At the end of the camping weekend, parents/guardians are invited to camp to re-covenant with their adolescent in a ritual that acknowledges the need for new privileges as well as new responsibilities within the family. Mark your calendars for Sunday May 18th when the COA youth will lead worship and share their reflections with the congregation.