One of the central parts of our ministry is our education program for children and youth. We strive to offer creative, fun, spirit-filled, and safe programs that reflect the love of God and the movement of Christ to serve everyone. The result of this commitment is that our kids love the church, they love bringing their parents to church, and the love the idea that they can go to a place where they are not just the recipients of education and doctrine, but that they are participants in the mission and ministry of the church. Every age group is involved in leading worship at RUCC in some way. This approach fosters our desire to listen to the needs and the faith experiences of others regardless of their age and background. As our children participate in the vital activities of Bible Adventures, they are looking to our youth programs that stress faith development and service to others. They see our youth as active leaders in the church and look forward to some day being a part of that ministry. All youth and children volunteers are subject to a background check as well as we seek to ensure the safety and care of ALL God’s children.
Our Whole Lives
An important part of our youth ministry is offering a program called, Our Whole Lives – Sexuality and our Faith (OWL). This is curriculum of the United Church of Christ and is a comprehensive program that defines sexuality education as much more than just sex. It is a ministry of wholeness, completeness and also one of justice and inclusion. The core values of the OWL program are: Self Worth, Sexual Health, Justice and Inclusivity, and Responsibility. It is gift for our young people to experience this sense of wholeness, and it is a gift for parents to engage in these discussions in a holy and sacred environment. If you want to know more, please speak with a member of the Youth Coordinating Ministry or visit Our Whole Lives.