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During a special Sunday morning service in the fall, our older elementary school children in second grade to fifth grade are individually presented with a Bible signed by our ministers. Church members are encouraged to join in the celebration by bringing their childhood and family bibles.
On the Sunday that is closest to Halloween children are encouraged to wear costumes and celebrate.
In early December we traditionally have a craft fair where Church members volunteer to teach children a variety of Christmas crafts to use as gifts and decorations.
A couple of weeks before Christmas at the 9:30 worship service, all the children are involved in presenting a Christmas Pageant. The Children perform all of the parts, from the musicians and narrators to (when available!) the Baby Jesus. There is even audience participation! Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season, this is a wonderful opportunity to remember the true spirit of Christmas.
In mid-December there are two church services of Christmas instrumental and choral music along with scripture. The children’s choir performs along with our youth and adult choirs. Child care is provided for both services.
The church has three services on the night of Christmas Eve. The earliest and shortest service at 6:30pm is devoted to families with young children. The middle service at 8:00pm includes older elementary school children and their families.
On Palm Sunday during worship, our children participate in a Palm Parade in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
On Easter Sunday, our child care workers sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt Easter morning on the Activity Time playground. Children are encouraged to bring their baskets.
The Board of Children’s Ministry annually sponsors a visiting musician to perform for the children of UCG.
The All Church Retreat actively involves all ages (from babies to elders). There are programs for children, youth, and adults and excellent child care. It’s a great opportunity to meet UCG folks and make lasting connections.
Our church school year ends in May with a family service that focuses on gratitude and celebrates the rising 6th grade class.
On the Sunday closest to the 4th of July, we have an evening worship service that features lots of music and fun. Children can attend some or all of the service and/or go to child care which is provided for the entire evening. At the conclusion of the service all children participate in a 4th of July parade. After the service there is an ice cream social.
UCG co-sponsors “Peace Camp” with Gainesville’s Unitarian Universal Fellowship in June. Children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade experience energetic worship and activity periods run by a diverse group of volunteers. Camp offers a wide variety of activities– chess, golf, cooking pretzels, pizza and baklava, drama, sports, crafts, stories and more. Peace Camp also includes children of low income families and migrant workers who would not otherwise get a “summer camp” experience. These children benefit from the wide array of structured day activities, while UCG kids benefit from a diverse community of peers that bring rich cultural and language differences.