Activities for Children and Youth

Described here are activities that are designed particularly appropriate for children and youth. Many other all-church activities throughout the year are welcoming and inclusive of our children and youth.

Child Dedications — At child dedications the UCE community welcomes children and expresses support for the child and family. Child dedications are performed Christmas Eve service and by special arrangement with the ministers.

Ornament Sunday — Make ornaments and decorations to trim the tree and take home.

Holiday Treat Lunch — A festive lunch on a December Sunday, with cookies, juice, and milk.

Christmas Eve —Candlelight services at 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm, with stories, carols, and reflections on Christmas.

Easter — Between our Sunday services on Easter, there is a “canned goods” hunt outside. Brunch follows the second service.

Religious Education Recognition service — At a May worship service, we celebrate the religious growth and learning of our children and recognize the work of our teachers and other volunteers.

Church Picnic — After the service on the second Sunday in June we celebrate summer with a picnic on the south lawn.

Social Action for Children and Families

Social action is integrated into many of our classes, and there are many opportunities for children and their families to participate in congregation-wide projects. Here are a few:

Our Giving House — We participate in collecting items needed by a local homeless shelter/food pantry
Guest at Your Table — We help gather contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to support human rights.
Green Sanctuary — In cooperation with the Green Sanctuary Committee, we educate each other about environmental issues and work on projects to recycle and encourage use of sustainable resources at home, in church, and in the community.
Common Threads —Knitters or crocheters at any level of skill create special gifts including premie blankets and hats and shawls for palliative care.
Soup Kitchen — Several times a year we host an Evanston Soup Kitchen. Adults and children prepare and serve a meal for those in our community who might otherwise be hungry.

FAMILY SOCIAL ACTIVIES

Board Game Nights – Dates as scheduled. Fun for all ages. Bring a favorite board game and a snack to share (or just bring yourself).
Night of the Arts — On a February evening, the sanctuary will be transformed into a place to explore, discover, and create art, crafts, food, and more.
Summer Camping — The date and location change from year to year, but it is always a good time.