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 multigenerational activities to facilitate sharing among many age ranges. Some worship services are designed primarily for adults, with classes for children and youth that overlap with a portion of the service, while other worship services are designed to be intergenerational. 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. All activities and classes are led by volunteers (the only staff support is a part-time coordinator for Children & Youth Faith Development -CYFD- Programs); thus the involvement of congregants is an essential element.

Children and Youth

UU Lansing has a Safe Congregation 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 pre-school children. Classes are divided into age groups.

·         K-4th 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.

‍ ‍5th-8th grade - This year our 5th to 8th graders will be using a Soul Matters curriculum called Crossing Paths, which explores Unitarian Universalist values and principles, as well as other major world religions. Children attend the worship service for the first 15 minutes.

     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.

       [7th - 9th grade - Some years the congregation offers Our Whole Lives (OWL) or Coming of Age programs.  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. This is not offered for 2026-2027.]

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. Spiritual Oasis is a member-led weekly zoom session with sharing of resources and a quiet time of reflection and renewal. Also, periodic classes/programs/covenant groups for adults are offered on a wide range of topics; congregants are invited to consider offering a class.