Children & Youth

We believe in the belovedness of every child in our church community and support their growth, personhood, and unique gifts. Our diverse families and caregiving relationships learn from, support, and share resources with one another—it matters to all of us to do the best we can for our kids. 

We use the power of story to explore, nurture, and share a justice and love-centered faith with all the children and youth, remembering the wisdom of the prophet Micah (6:8): to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly in the world.

Our regular Sunday School meetings explore important spiritual themes and stories through lessons, prayers, songs and healthy snacks. 

The youngest members of our community also participate in a variety of activities throughout the year:

Annual events have included the blessings of the bicycles, backpacks and animals, the end-of-summer church picnic, and our Christmas pageant.

Youth Groups for students in grades 6-12 and include field trips, service learning, interfaith journeys, and lots of opportunities for adventure. We believe you’re never too young to start working for justice, and our youth activities reflect our shared commitment to making the world a brighter place. We meet regularly throughout the year, and friends are always welcome to join in!

The junior and senior high school students meet throughout the year to explore important spiritual issues and pursue charitable endeavors that benefit the community and the world.

Our students have met with their peers from the Greater Hartford Islamic Center and Berlin Mosque, along with other faith communities here in Connecticut. We’ve gotten to know young people and families from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. In former years, our young people have visited Congregation Beth Shalom Rod Fe Zedek Synagogue in Chester, CT. They have also traveled to Haiti to participate in the work of the Crosby Fund for Education there. 

Our youth volunteer in New London to serve meals to guests at the DINE program; have traveled to New York City to offer meals to unhoused neighbors and make connections through the Midnight Run organization; and we’ve been to Georgia and Alabama to walk in the footsteps of civil rights history and heroes who have changed the world. 

We also participate in a variety of social and service events throughout the year, including bowling nights, bonfires, and a Mardi Gras breakfast.

Confirmation is a way for us to affirm the amazing young adults in our midst as an intergenerational, dynamic church community. They are the future leaders who will be creating a kinder, more just world together, and it’s our goal to support them on their journey into adulthood.

Confirmation classes are open to all high schoolers who are interested in becoming adult members of the church. In class, we’ll wrestle creatively with the big and small questions about faith, life, the divine spark within, justice, compassion and what it means to live a meaningful life. 

Confirmation classes are held Jan-June. Participants are also paired with an adult mentor, participate in field trips, and perform community service hours. 

For more information, please contact Laura at lfitz.nager@gmail.com.