UIG Youth | Kids & Teens

Our Teachings

Five Core Principles:

1. There is a higher power that exists everywhere, all the time. That power is good. Some call this power God. Some call it by other names. If God is good, there is always goodness in the world, even when it's hard to see.
2. If that higher power exists everywhere, it must also exist inside of humans. Therefore, humans must also be good. Each human has the choice to act from that place of goodness. When they do, we say they are in alignment with God.
3. Our thoughts are powerful. What we think about, we start to believe and act on, and our beliefs and actions shape our experience of the world. When we pay attention to what we think about, we can choose to think thoughts that help to improve our experience.
4. Prayer and meditation are tools to help connect to the good within so that we can destress, focus, and bring that goodness into our thoughts, actions, and lives.
5. While thoughts and prayers are important, we must also follow through by acting in a way that shows our goodness. We can choose to help others learn to show their good too.

Spritual Groups Program

1. On Sunday mornings, you can get to our classrooms through the door in the back parking lot, or you can come in through the main entrance and an usher will happily show you the way.
2. When you walk into the room, you'll immediately see a table with snacks and iPads for check in. Teens can check themselvs in while children must be checked in by a parent/guardian. You'll meet Miranda, our Associate Minister, here and she'll guide new visitors through the check in process. From there, you'll be directed to either the Kids Program or the Teen Program.
3. Kids, you will see a table with chairs and a craft or play waiting for you. You'll meet our wonderful teachers, classroom assistants, and other kids. During the lesson, you'll be asked to share your name, you'll get to participate in some games and crafts, and hear a story. You'll also get to try kid-friendly ways to meditate.
   
   Teens, you will see a room with chairs and comfy floor cushions with your own tea and cocoa station. You'll sit wherever you want to and chat with the other teens until we start. During the lesson, you'll be asked to share your name and participate in a variety of activities, discussions, breakout groups, and a meditation. Teen lessons are led by teens, either through taking turns or with one teen volunteering to lead the whole thing. You always have the right to pass though, so you can participate at the level that's comfortable for you.