Children & Youth - Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

PLEASE WELCOME: New RE Coordinator Aileen Habal!

My name is Aileen Habal and I am a graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Currently, I am employed as a Purchasing Admin. Assistant to an Internet Cable Manufacturing Company. I like watching movies and series on Netflix and listening to music and audiobooks, and I enjoy gazing into the clouds in the sky, which makes me feel calm and relaxed. My husband and I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. And having the opportunity to work with children can be a rewarding experience that brings both personal enjoyment and the opportunity to contribute to their development.

2024

RE is excited to provide weekly sessions for children aged 5 to 12 years of age.

Sessions begin at 10:30 in the Multi-Purpose Building (MPB) and last until the service ends.

RE Teen Group meets at 10:30 in the teen room of the MPB. YUUp Tampa (youth UU program) is a safe place for individuals ages 13-19 to be educated and empowered in the Unitarian Universalist traditions of inclusiveness and compassion. Michelle Stover, a high school teacher, and Beth Brownell, a clinical therapist, and UUCT’s RE Coordinator will be leading the program.

Dates for the remainder of the year: 11/10, and 12/8/24

WIGGLE ROOM (Right next to the Minister’s Office)

Families with children up to 4 years old are welcome to visit the Wiggle Room. It is stocked with toys, rocking chairs, and a changing table. It is a welcoming space to quiet a restless child during worship and still be able to hear the service. As our collection of volunteers increases, it may be possible to staff the Wiggle Room once again.

Soulful Home:If you can’t make it to a live RE session (or even if you can) you may want to engage with the monthly theme by accessing a packet of materials at home. The packets include stories, games, discussion topics, action invitations, craft ideas, and links for further family exploration.

For information contact RE Coordinator for Children and Youth, at re@uutampa.org

(if you do not receive a response within 72 hours, please contact the Chairperson Judy Lane, or any member of the RE Committee directly)

The Role of Parents and Caretakers

Arrive on time and come to church regularly. Children develop a sense of belonging by attending regularly. They get to know their peers and we get to know them if they are here often. Follow the activities of your child’s class. Talk to your child about what is happening in class. Talk to the RE Coordinator and teachers. Talk to your child about things that matter. You are their primary religious educator. Tell your children about your beliefs and what you value. Be a good listener to your children. Let them know that their ideas and thoughts are of interest to you. Participate in intergenerational activities. Spending time with members of the congregation at dances, dinners, and gatherings other than Sunday Services helps strengthen our UU community. Share your time and ideas. Our program needs the energy and creativity of many people in order to be a success.

Our Seven Principles in Simple Language

Every person is important and valuable.

All people should be treated fairly.

Our churches are places where we should accept one another and learn together.

Each person should be free to search for what is true and right.

All people have the right to speak out and vote on things that matter to them.

We should help build a peaceful, fair, and free world.

We need to take care of the earth, the home we share with all living things.

Philosophy of Religious Exploration (RE)

Unitarian Universalist Religious Exploration is a lifelong process that facilitates each individual’s path of spiritual growth and promotes an understanding of how to live our principles and values. It extends beyond the classroom and is dependent upon the whole congregation’s support and participation. The goal of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa religious exploration program is to provide a safe space to explore, question, wonder, listen and reflect in a joyful, affirming environment. We envision children, youth, and adults who:

Know they are lovable beings of infinite worth, imbued with powers of the soul, and obligated to use their gifts, talents, and potentials in the service of life
Affirm that they are part of a Unitarian Universalist religious heritage and community of faith that has value and provides resources for living
Accept that they are responsible for the stewardship and creative transformation of their religious heritage and community of faith
Realize that they are moral agents, capable of making a difference in the lives of other people, challenging structures of social and political oppression, promoting the health and well-being of the planet, acting in the service of diversity, justice, and compassion
Recognize the need for community, affirming the importance of families, relationships, and connections between and among the generations
Appreciate the value of spiritual practice as a means of deepening faith and integrating beliefs and values with everyday life
Experience hope, joy, mystery, healing, and personal transformation in the midst of life’s challenges

Child Safety

At UUCT, we take children’s safety very seriously. Please click here to learn more about our congregation’s Child and Youth Protection Manual.

Stay in Touch – Stay Informed

Educating our children is everybody’s responsibility, whether or not we have children ourselves. If you are thinking of coming to UUCT for the first time, considering joining the church, or are a longtime member, we want to hear how you can help enrich our Religious Exploration program. Please get in touch with us by:

Attending a Sunday service (or any other activity) and filling out a visitor information card
E-mailing UUCT at info@uutampa.org
Contact our Religious Exploration Coordinator for Children and Youth, at re@uutampa.org . If you do not receive a response within 72 hours, please contact the Chairperson Judy Lane, or any member of the RE Committee directly.

Family Resources

– This page will be updated frequently with links to resources and connection opportunities –

– Please share resources you think may be useful to re@uutampa.org –

Soulful Home for May

:: UUA RESOURCES ::

:: UU and UU-ALIGNED RESOURCES ::

Sparkle Stories : Gentle, loving audio stories. They have stories for addressing anxiety!

Flamingo Rampant – Facebook Live Story Time

Queer Kid Stuff : Adorable and informative videos

Soulful Home Packets : Email for access re@uutampa.org

Reflection Press – Awesome gender identity curriculum and books. I have used these in our church classes. Look at Free Stuff and For Kids! for at home resources.

:: HOME LIFE ::

Good and Cheap : Eating Well on $4 a Day

Simple and filling recipes with easy to source ingredients. This cookbook is a FREE PDF created originally to help those utilizing food stamps and food assistance eat well on a budget. The recipes are yummy and easy. Good for kids and adults!