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’s Religious Education Returns September 20! 🎉
We can’t wait to welcome our children and families back for an exciting new year of Religious Education at UUCA!
This year, children will again enjoy engaging, age-specific classes led by our incredible team of dedicated volunteers. Our inclusive, values-based curriculum helps children explore Unitarian Universalism through stories, games, music, science, art, service, and hands-on activities—all while building friendships and discovering what it means to live our JETPIG values!
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 Back-to-RE Newsletter– filled with classroom information, important dates, policy updates, and everything you need for a great year ahead.
And after service on the 20th, our 3 Weeks of Welcome continues with Finding Inspiration: the Faith Fair.
Discover opportunities for lifelong learning at our Faith Fair! Explore Covenant Groups, Faith 360 classes, book clubs, leadership development, music ministry, discussion groups, and so much more. Whether you’re looking to deepen your spiritual journey, meet new people, or simply learn something new, there’s a place for you.
Covenant Group Registration is now open.
Follow this link for more information and to register. Covenant Group Strategy Team members will be staffing a table at the Faith Fair (Sept. 20th) for those who have questions or need help registering.
We need just a few more RE Volunteers!
We only need one more volunteer to join our PreK-Kindergarten Class, another in 6th Grade, and a few volunteers to round out the Teen Group Team!
Our sustainable volunteer model means teaching one Sunday a month and assisting one Sunday a month, with a teaching partner, prepared curriculum, materials, training, and support from RE staff.
Training opportunities:
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 7–8 p.m. (online, link will be emailed)
We need these spots filled soon to finalize our classes for the fall. Whether you’re a longtime teacher or brand new to RE, there’s a place for you! Ready to help? Contact LeeAnn at lwilliams@uucava.org.
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 with Melissa
2nd Sunday of the Month—Adult RE with LeeAnn
3rd Sunday of the Month—Meditation with Melissa
This week in Early Hour we will explore Doing Good, Being Good: Exploring Ethics: How do we decide what is right when our values, responsibilities, and desired outcomes conflict? In this interactive class, we’ll explore three approaches to ethical decision-making—goals, rules, and virtues—and apply them to real-life dilemmas. Together, we’ll consider not only what we should do, but also what kind of people and community we hope to become.
We hope you’ll join us for one—or all—of these opportunities as we continue to learn, reflect, and grow together.
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.
Registration is now open! See the registration form for dates and additional details.
Questions? Contact LeeAnn for more information.
Early American to 21st Century Black Women Writers Nannie Helen Burroughs (1879-1961)
Wed., Sept. 16, 7-9pm on Zoom
Meet Nannie Burroughs, a remarkable educator, orator, religious leader, businesswoman, and activist for labor and civil rights. The founder of the National Training School for Girls in Washington D.C., she forged important career paths for Black girls during the Jim Crow era. Join us via Zoom on Wed., Sept. 16, for a lively introduction to her writings, with Brenda King Shelton facilitating. All are welcome, and no advance reading is required.
Questions? Gay Gibson Cima cimag@georgetown.edu. Zoom link: https://uucava-org.zoom.us/j/86431166987?pwd=Q2VWazBQcnRVTzgvOEFibERHYXQ2dz09
African American Book Sharing Circle
Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
We will discuss America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries (2026) by Eddie S. Glaude Jr., a riveting account of the vicious cycles of American history framed by our national anniversaries. Glaude weaves together stories and voices past and present to show how American mythology obscures the dark truths of the country. For additional information, contact Pat Findikoglu (pfindikoglu@gmail. com) or Ann Ulmschneider (aulmsch@msn.com)
UUCA Men’s Book Group- September 13, 2026
The UUCA Men’s Book Group will meet on Zoom at 7:30 P.M. on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The fiction selection for this month is The Silver Bone, by Andrey Kurkov. It is an historical mystery novel which takes place in Ukraine at the time of World War I. The book was longlisted for the 2024 International Booker Prize. It is available in various formats and in local libraries. 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
MoonFire Mabon Ritual
Please join MoonFire on Sunday, September 20 at 12:00 PM, as we observe Mabon, the autumnal equinox. We will recognize and celebrate what participants have brought to fruition in their lives, and consider what calls for their attention during the dark half of the year.
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.
Copy of Winter 2026 Welcome Packet-updated by Comms Mngr
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