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, November 15, ALL Religious Education classes will meet in their temporary classroom assignments.
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.
Giddy up, folks! The 2nd Annual RE Rodeo is coming to town on November 22, 2026!
This is a free, family-friendly event open to everyone! Invite friends, neighbors, and family to come join us in festive fall fun with balloon animals, a petting zoo, photo both, and rodeo games!
Child Dedications
We will celebrate Child Dedication on Sunday, Nov. 22nd during service.
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
Grounded to Grow
Grounded to Grow is a spiritual grounding program for people who are new-ish to our congregation and wondering how to take their next step. Beginning Jan. 9 and ending May 15, 2027, this monthly gathering offers time to slow down, connect with others, and deepen a sense of belonging within our community.
Together, we’ll explore Unitarian Universalist identity, shared values, and spiritual practices that help sustain us through change and growth. The program is designed to support participants as they find their footing—building relationships, gaining confidence in congregational life, and discovering meaningful ways to engage, serve, and grow alongside others.
Grounded to Grow is an invitation to root yourself in community while remaining open to transformation—learning not just what this congregation does, but how we live our faith together. Register here to begin your journey.
Participants can expect:
- Meaningful conversation with others who are also new-ish
- Simple spiritual practices that invite reflection and grounding
- Exploration of UU values, identity, and how faith shows up in daily life
- Space to ask questions—both practical and big-picture
- Opportunities to learn how to engage more deeply in the life of the congregation
There’s no expectation to have prior knowledge or to participate in any particular way. Grounded to Grow is designed to meet people where they are and support them as they grow into connection, confidence, and community at their own pace. Childcare by request only—see form.
Dates, 9 AM to Noon:
Jan 9 – session 1
Feb 6 – session 2
Mar 6 – session 3
April 10 – attend seminary for a day at UUCA
May 15 – session 4
Early Hour programming
Join us 1st-3rd Sundays for our Early Hour offerings, held 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.
November Schedule
1st Sunday of the Month—Drop In Covenant Group
2nd Sunday of the Month—Adult RE
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.
Still Spots Left in the Covenant Groups
Covenant Group Registration is now open. Follow this link for more information and to register. Covenant Groups are a wonderful way to get connected here at UUCA.
Faith 360 Registration
Faith 360 Registration Is 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
Ouch Training | November 21, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Let’s come together for an “Awareness-Raising” morning. We all have a bit of Bias, and it often appears unannounced in our language and behaviors. Some of those behaviors can interfere with our decisions and actions. Our bias can intentionally and unintentionally do others serious harm. Let’s try to change that. You’ll leave with specific tools to use when Bias pops up in your life.
Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers | November 11, 2026 | 7:00pm
Fanny Jackson Coppin (1837-1913) rose from enslavement to graduate from (and teach at) Oberlin College. The first black school superintendent in the United States, she believed that students should have a choice about the kind of education they received: a classical education including Greek and Latin, or a skills-based education with “practice teaching” and Industrial training programs. She advocated successfully for young girls’ access to higher education, engaged in global missionary efforts, and published an autobiography focused on her life as a student, teacher, and administrator. Join us via Zoom on Wed., Nov. 11, to learn more, with Gay Gibson Cima facilitating. All are warmly welcomed, and no advance reading is required. Questions? Ask Gay at cimag@georgetown.edu.
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
African American Book Sharing Circle | November 20, 2026 | 7:00pm
We will discuss Breathing Out: Ruminations of a Millennial Black Woman (2026) by Whitney Parnell. In this raw and groundbreaking anti-racism declaration, Parnell weaves in narratives from her years of activism running a Black-led organization, experiences with training in allyship, and daily encounters in the world as a Black woman. From 2016-19, Parnell offered allyship workshops at UUCA, training 258 people.
Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
MoonFire Animism Ritual | November 15, 2026 | 12noon
Please join MoonFire on Sunday, November 15 at 12:00 pm when we will give thanks to the great variety of spirit in all things. Animism is an element in many Pagan practices and can be misunderstood: let’s explore it together.
A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual; you might like to bring food or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, or share our food and supply of washable re-usables. Any questions, please contact us at moonfirecoords@gmail.com
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
Join us 1st-3rd Sundays for our Early Hour offerings, held 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.
Rooted to Rise: Growing Our Leadership
Read about UUCA’s newes leadership development opportunity
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.