Religious Explorers
Children at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship are guided in their religious lives through a combination of worship, small group activities, social action, and fellowship. BUF’s ministry with children creates a welcoming, trusting environment in which each young person is nurtured spiritually, stretched mentally, and supported emotionally. Our challenge is to empower our children to take responsibility for their beliefs and for their ethical and moral decisions.
During the Sunday Service…
Newborns to age 2 are invited to stay in the main sanctuary with their caregivers. A “wiggle room” at the back of the sanctuary is available to those who wish to use it, with toys for young ones and a window and speaker so you can still see and hear the service.
Children 3 years through 8th grade will begin Sunday mornings in the service with their families. Then children will be invited to religious education as part of the worship ritual, at which time they make their way to their various classrooms, upstairs on the top floor.
Youth Group
Middle and High School Youth Group typically meets on Sunday evenings, rather than during Sunday morning services. Youth Group day and time vary from year to year based on the needs of the families and kids currently in that age group. Check in with our Religious Education Coordinator to get connected with the Youth Group facilitators.
Unitarian Universalists believe in supporting our youth and young adults through times of transition, such as life stages, relationships, home, work, and identity. These life stages are full of changes that include loss, gain, confusion and growth. Our faith helps us make meaning of the changes we may experience. Thus, every year, we celebrate youth who complete high school with a bridging ceremony during Sunday service.
Volunteering
There are many volunteer roles available in our Religious Education program. If you are interested assisting with classes, playing with young children in preschool room, or joining the Religious Education Committee, please contact our RE Coordinator.
Please note that our safety policies require volunteers to be background-checked, sign a code of ethics, and participate in volunteer training.