Welcome to the Children and Youth Ministry
at Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church
Faith Development is All We Do
Unitarian Universalism is All We Teach
The Congregation is the Curriculum
At Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church we welcome everyone to participate in all activities. We provide many opportunities for children and youth to gather for fun, fellowship and faith development.
We begin with our very youngest members in a well equipped, lovingly staffed nursery. The birth to three-year-olds gather each Sunday in the nursery to be nurtured and supported while their parents attend worship. While in the nursery, the little ones experience our Principles in action as they are loved and guided in their interactions with others. They have access to story books and toys that offer developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
On Sundays we provide religious education classes for children and youth in age appropriate groupings. We use developmentally appropriate curriculum to guide our young people on their journey as Unitarian Universalists. This summer we are utilizing Spirit Play, a Montessori inspired program, to focus on the Principles and Purposes of Unitarian Universalism. The elementary age children are meeting as a large group during the summer.
We provide many opportunities for families to worship together. Over the course of the year we gather as a full community to celebrate Water Communion, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter Flower Celebration and our Annual Blessing of the Animals. In addition to these traditional services we have other worship experiences for children, youth and families over the course of the year.
During the year there are social opportunities for everyone to gather and grow together in fellowship. The First Friday of each month sees our families come together for fun and games on Family Game Night. The First Sunday of the month brings us our all church potluck lunch following worship. The Youth sponsor the Annual Easter Egg Hunt for the elementary age children. Halloween and Christmas bring special parties for our children. On the Sunday of Ingathering and Water Communion we have an ice cream social with lawn games and opportunities to sign up for other activities and groups.
There are lots of opportunities for all adults to share with the youngest in our community. We offer volunteer opportunities that allow for sharing of time, talents, and skills. We utilize volunteers as teachers, assistant teachers, child care in the nursery, playground supervision, party planners, as well as special presenters in the classroom. In the past members have taught beading and jewelry making to our children, brought in representatives from community groups to share, shared how to appropriately interact with a service animal as well as many other activities.
Our children and youth are very active in the Social Justice activities of the congregation. In addition to supporting the work of the Social Justice Council as families, the children participate at the classroom level. It is a long standing tradition in our Youth Group to participate in Pride, the annual event in Charlotte supporting the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender people, by staffing a booth to sell t-shirts, bandanas and other items. The proceeds go to support Time Out Youth. Our elementary age children made crafts to sell in order to purchase school supplies for homeless children in Mecklenburg County.
Our Leadership
Liz Grimes
Credentialed Director of Religious Education-Associate Level
Liz joined the Religious Education program of Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church in the fall of 2008. During more than 35 years as a Unitarian Universalist, Liz has served in many areas of Religious Education programming. She also brought with her many years of experience working with children in many different settings. Her experience as the adoptive parent of 5 children with various special needs and foster parent to more than 50 children and youth allows her to understand the many needs families of all configurations have. She seeks ways to increase her knowledge and understanding of the needs of children, youth and families through continuing education at the District and Association level. Liz’s dedication to the faith development of children in age and developmentally appropriate ways is the guiding light in her ministry to the children, youth and families of Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church.
Our Volunteers and Friends
Adults get involved in wonderful ways – teaching classes, leading special programs and events, providing transportation, mentoring Coming of Age youth, befriending our children, sharing music, supporting service projects – the list goes on forever. We are blessed to have a congregation who cares for all members of our families, from the oldest to the youngest.
To volunteer to work with our children and youth or to register your child, please fill out the following forms and return them to PUUC.
Registration Form for 2011-2012
Staff and Volunteer Application for RE