Middle School/High School

The following describes programs that have been available in the past. 

Sample Day
10:30 Youth begin in the service
10:45 “Entering & Centering” (chalice lighting and meditation)
11:00 “Exploring & Focusing” (lesson and activities)
11:45 “Closing & Parting” (reflection and extinguishing the chalice)

Youth Room

Providers: 2 Volunteers
Location: LL104 , classroom
Times offered: Every Sunday
Start Time / Drop-off: Middle schoolers start in the worship service
Pick-Up: Youth are released on their own at 11:45 a.m.
Teacher/Child Ratios: Two volunteers minimum (Safe Church Policy)

TRUU Youth Group

The TRUU Youth Group serves middle and high school students and was named “Totally Rad Unitarian Universalists” by previous TRUU members.  This group is youth led (and adult chaperoned.) It has met on Sunday evenings in the past. The youth group room is now LL105.

It has three components:

  1. Community (fun activities)
  2. Action (community outreach)
  3. Cons (youth conferences within the MidAmerica Region of the UUA)

Students in grades 7 to 12 have opportunities to meet outside of Sunday morning for the purposes of building spiritual community, leadership development, outreach to the region, and involvement in the MidAmerica Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association, including attending weekend youth conferences across the Upper Midwest.

Coming of Age

The Coming of Age program for seventh- and eighth-graders is a rite of passage that recognizes the transition out of childhood. We recognize that, while our youth are not yet adults, they have reached the stage of development where they are thinking and reasoning for themselves, and our part is to facilitate the continuing formation of their religious identity within a Unitarian Universalist framework. The program has four major areas of emphasis:

  • Mentored Learning
  • Community Service
  • UU Identity
  • Writing an Affirmation Statement.

This program varies based on the needs and interests of the students. In the past, highlights of the year included a field trip at the end of the school year (which the group fundraised for throughout the program), the Coming of Age Sunday service, and the ceremonial dinner the night before.

OWL: Our Whole Lives

The Our Whole Lives curriculum is based on a philosophy of comprehensive sexuality education designed to help youth make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual behavior. It equips them with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture.

Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, the program helps youth clarify their values, build skills, and understand the physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and political aspects of sexuality. It promotes sexual and emotional health in our communities and fosters meaningful dialogue among peers, partners, families, and friends. The curriculum’s approach speaks to the needs of today’s youth and helps prepare them for a meaningful tomorrow. UUFoM has partnered with Midland’s United Church of Christ congregation to offer these classes with developmentally appropriate material, from kindergarten through high school. The program is taught by specially trained facilitators. Parent orientation is included.