Uncover the history, heroes, and bold ideas that built our faith!

Get ready for an adventure through time! This spring, our 5th and 6th graders will dive into Beginnings, an action-packed journey through the history, core values, symbols, and trailblazers of Unitarian Universalism. Designed to inspire curiosity and pride in our heritage, this story-centered curriculum brings the past to life through dynamic storytelling and hands-on activities. Youth will craft their own UU prayer beads, and discover the thrilling origins of our faith's most famous symbol—the flaming chalice—created in 1941 as a beacon of hope and secret symbol of safety for refugees escaping persecution.

Throughout the season, kids will meet the real-life historical superheroes who shaped our free-thinking faith. They will learn about progressive visionaries like Sophia Lyon Fahs, who believed learning should be driven by wonder and discovery rather than boring memorization, and Theodore Parker, who taught youth to trust their own inner moral compass. By exploring our roots, from early ideas about universal love and divine unity to the 1557 Edict of Torda—the first decree of religious tolerance in human history— youth will see how our faith has always been ahead of its time in standing up for freedom of thought and conscience.

Most importantly, Beginnings bridges history with action today, empowering youth to live out Unitarian Universalist values in their daily lives. By exploring real-world champions of equality like civil rights leader Dr. Errold D. Collymore and looking at modern movements like the 8th Principle to end racism and oppression, students discover that our faith is an active, living commitment to making the world a better, more loving place.

Our 5th and 6th grade class meets during our spring Faith Formation season on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, following worship and social hour. Taught by at least two trained, background-checked volunteer guides who foster a safe and welcoming space for all minds, this program is the perfect launchpad for young people discovering who they are and what they believe. Online registration is required prior to attending.