Lifespan Faith Development at UUCA nurtures spiritual growth for all ages, from children to older adults, through engaging, values-centered programming. Rooted in Unitarian Universalist principles, it fosters curiosity, connection, and a commitment to justice and compassion. Through classes, workshops, and community experiences, participants are supported in exploring their beliefs and living their values in everyday life. Contact LeeAnn Williams, Director of Lifespan Faith Development, to learn more.
News & Updates
See important news and upcoming dates for connection, growth, and learning across the lifespan.
Children & Families
Children’s Religious Education
This Sunday, October 4th, we will have our beloved Blessing of the Animals multigenerational worship service. Unless your class specifically shares an alternative meeting schedule (for example, OWL classes often have a strict meeting schedule independent of other RE classes), all grades and ages are welcomed to remain in the sanctuary for this special worship. If you haven’t joined us for a multigen service, we recommend you read this guide so you can know what to expect for everyone in the family!
Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning to a familiar classroom, this is the perfect time to get connected. Be sure your family is registered in Church Center so you don’t miss our Weekly Family Newsletter– filled with classroom information, important dates, policy updates, and everything you need for a great year ahead.
New Teen Coordinator
We’re delighted to welcome Jenni Swisher as UUCA’s new Teen Coordinator! Jenni has worked with our teens for several years and recently led their social justice trip to West Virginia. We are grateful for her leadership and excited for all that lies ahead for our Teen Group. Please join us in welcoming Jenni!
Child Dedications
We are thinking about celebrating a Child Dedication sometime this fall/winter.
Child Dedication is a very special ritual where we as a community pledge our support and care to our families as they raise their children in our Unitarian Universalist faith. If you have not had an opportunity to participate in a Dedication, this would be a very festive and meaningful time to do so. If you have questions or would like to sign up to participate, please email LeeAnn at Lwilliams@uucava.org.
For more information about the Unitarian ritual of Child Dedication, visit here–Baptism / Child Dedication in Unitarian Universalism | UUA.org.
Adult Faith Development
Still Spots Left in the Covenant Groups
Covenant Group Registration is now open. Follow this link for more information and to register.
Faith 360 Registration
Faith 360 Registration Is Now Open! Grow your faith, explore new ideas, and connect with others through Faith 360, UUCA’s adult faith-development program. This season’s classes offer opportunities for learning, reflection, conversation, and spiritual growth. Explore the lineup and register today!
Link: https://uuca-526363.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3891918
Early Hour programming
Join us this September for our Early Hour offerings, held Sundays from 9:00–10:00 AM. Each gathering provides a different opportunity to connect, reflect, and learn together. We meet upstairs in the Board Room.
1st Sunday of the Month—Drop In Covenant Group
2nd Sunday of the Month—Adult RE with LeeAnn
3rd Sunday of the Month—Meditation with Melissa
We hope you’ll join us for one—or all—of these opportunities as we continue to learn, reflect, and grow together.
Faith360: Family Systems | Sunday, October 4 | Noon to 1:30
Facilitator: Rev. Amanda | Register here
Ever noticed that patterns repeat themselves in your family—whether it’s a cut-off, or a meddling parent, or a regularly terrible Thanksgiving dinner? Ever noticed that patterns also repeat themselves in institutions, like your workplace…or the church? Join Rev. Amanda to learn more about how family systems can help us recognize patterns and manage our own anxiety as we navigate those patterns.
Love at the Center (Selected Essays Discussion) | Mondays at 7:00pm | Starting October 19
Ready to grapple with Love? It is at the center of UU life, but it is rarely simple.
In this four-week discussion series, we will explore selected essays from Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies, edited by Sofía Betancourt. Together we’ll consider how Love relates to Unitarian Universalist values, including the strengths and complexities we encounter when those values intersect in our lives. Come ready to think, question, listen, and share. Participants are encouraged to read each week’s essay in advance, but all are welcome.
Our first discussion will focus on “Unitarian Universalism: One Holy Love for All” by Connie Goodbread, pages 85–89. We will meet Monday evenings at 7pm from October 19 through November 3 in the Welcome Room.
Books can be purchased online, or you can stop by the office to borrow one of a limited number of copies. Also, the book is available from various online book stores, including the UU Bookstore, and there is an Amazon Kindle version.
Advance registration is not required, but expressions of interest, questions, including future readings, and copies of relevant excerpts are welcome by contacting Bernie Piper at bernieUUCA@gmail.com. Register on Church Center using the Adult Faith360 Form.
Rooted to Rise: Growing Our Leadership
Are you looking to deepen your leadership skills while staying grounded in your values? Rooted to Rise is UUCA’s leadership development program for members ready to grow their capacity to serve and lead in our community.
Through spiritual reflection, engaging conversation, and practical skill-building, we’ll explore topics including navigating conflict, healthy leadership, and developing your authentic leadership style. Whether you’re already serving in a leadership role or considering one in the future, Rooted to Rise offers tools, support, and connection to help you grow.
The program meets once a month from October through June, generally on the second Saturday, with time between sessions to reflect and put new skills into practice. If you participated in LEAD or Grounded to Grow, Rooted to Rise is a natural next step—but previous participation is not required.
Next Cohort in Fall 2027.
Questions? Contact LeeAnn for more information.
UUCA Men’s Book Group- October 18, 2026
The UUCA Men’s Book Group will meet on Zoom at 7:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 18, 2026.(Note: 1 week later than usual.) The nonfiction book for this month is Sleeping With the Devil: How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude, by Robert Baer. It is available in new and used paperback and in various other formats. Ken will send the Zoom link the week of the mtg. If there are any questions about the group and its meetings, or if you want to be on our monthly email list, please email Ken Marshall at kenmar42@gmail.com
Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers- October 21, 2026 | 7:00pm
Marion Anderson astonished U.S. and European audiences with her contralto voice in the mid-twentieth century, leveraging her popularity to fight against segregation. When the Daughters of the American Revolution wanted her to sing to a segregated audience in Constitution Hall in 1939, she enlisted Eleanor Roosevelt’s assistance to organize an alternative: an outdoor concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where she sang to a racially diverse audience of 75,000, plus millions of radio listeners. Her letters, journals, and diaries are newly available online. Come and learn more about Anderson’s life and reflections! Join us via Zoom on Wed., Oct. 21, with Diane Dorius facilitating. All are warmly welcomed, and no advance reading is required. Questions? Gay Gibson Cima cimag@georgetown.edu.
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
Ongoing Programs
We have programs with different levels of commitment and involvement. Many of these are run and lead by volunteers!
Children’s Religious Education
Our Children’s RE Program is a robust offering that takes place during worship. Wondering what to expect on a Sunday Morning? Check it out here!
Contact: Christina Kennard
A New Space is Taking Shape: We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to sharing the finished downstairs space with you. Thank you for being part of this journey as we create a place where curiosity, connection, and belonging can flourish.
More details about what’s coming
We’re excited to share that the lease for Building Kidz Preschool has officially been signed! Building Kidz is currently working through the county permitting process, and while we do not yet have a confirmed start date, things are moving forward. As plans continue to take shape, you may begin to see some Building Kidz activity in a few of our classroom spaces from time to time. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we learn more and navigate this transition together. We’ll continue to share updates as additional details become available.
| Littles under 3 years old | Practice social-emotional learning and peer engagement with paid and trained staff providers |
| Preschool-Kindergarten | Explore friendship, feelings, and values through play and crafts |
| Elementary School Ages | Classes are divided by grade with unique curriculum in each. Overarching themes center around UU Values and Community building |
| Middle School | Our middle school classes offer engaging programs that explore personal identity and relationships within community |
| High School | Our teens enjoy a thoughtfully crafted mix of social connection, community service, and UU exploration during their time here. |
Child-Friendly Spaces at UUCA
Nursery will be open every Sunday from 10am-11:45am, pending staff availability. This space is for children under 3 years old. In the rare event that we must close the nursery or reach capacity, we welcome families with young children to take advantage of our upstairs spaces.
At UUCA, we’re delighted to offer two special spaces where children can feel comfortable, engaged, and included during worship services:
- Spirit Space: Located at the front of the Sanctuary, Spirit Space is designed for children 4 years and younger. Parents and caregivers are asked to stay with their little ones here or nearby, creating a nurturing environment for early exploration and connection.
- Reeb Center: The Reeb Center is a bright, lively play area open to toddlers and kids of all ages. Parents or guardians are asked to supervise their children to ensure a safe, happy experience.
These spaces reflect our commitment to making UUCA a welcoming place for families. Whether your child is curious and active or prefers quiet play, Spirit Space and the Reeb Center offer warm environments to grow, learn, and build community during worship. We’re excited to share these joyful spaces with you and your family, supporting children as they explore our UU values of kindness, curiosity, and belonging.
Faith 360: Adult Religious Education
In Fall and Spring, we release a new lineup of workshops, classes, and meeting series that nurture adult spirituality and exploration. Throughout the year, we also have a variety of small groups and recurring meetings that promote learning and connection across the lifespan.
Early Hour
Early Hour Programming
Early Hour Programming takes place on Sunday mornings from 9:00–10:00 AM, offering a rotating mix of reflection, learning, and connection before worship.
1st Sunday of the Month: Drop-In Covenant Group — spend an hour in meaningful reflection, deep listening, and shared conversation.
2nd Sunday of the Month: Adult Religious Education — explore our UU faith, spiritual practices, and big questions together.
3rd and 4th Sundays of the Month: Check Connections and the Calendar for special programs