We’re looking forward to a vibrant year together at First Unitarian filled with connection, learning, and joy. Here are some highlights to mark on your calendar:
Sunday Morning Religious Education
At First Unitarian, we believe everything we do on Sunday mornings is worship. Sometimes that looks like gathering in the sanctuary for Ritual Sunday, sometimes it happens in classrooms with engaging RE curriculum and peers, and sometimes it looks like a whole-community party or celebration. Each of these is worship in its own way—and you get to choose how you worship each week.
Community Dinner Nights
Starting in October, the first Monday of each month will be Community Dinner Night. We’ll share a potluck meal together, followed by multi-age programming: elementary kids will kick off with a drum circle, upper youth will dive into improv, and adults can choose from groups like Art & Spirituality, knitting, and more. Childcare will be lovingly provided for ages 5 and under.
Family Activities & Meetups
From campus movie nights and festive parties like Trunk or Treat and the Carnival to off-site gatherings such as ice skating at Millcreek Commons and sledding at Sugar House Park, families will have many chances to connect throughout the year.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
We are thrilled to offer three levels of OWL this year: Kindergarten–1st (fall), 5th/6th (spring), and 7th/8th (year-long). If there’s enough interest, we’ll also host Parents as Sexuality Educators.
This year promises to be full of opportunities for every age to learn, connect, and thrive. None of this, however, will be possible without strong volunteer support. We need parents—active and engaged—to step forward and volunteer throughout the year. Together, we can make this an extraordinary year for our children, youth, and families. Our immediate need right now is for Sunday morning help, across every age level. If you have 1-2 Sundays a month, you can step in and help. Without this support, our Sundays will look radically different. Think you can help? Visit here.
Grow in Spirit. Act with Love. That’s our theme for the year—and we can’t wait to explore it with you! Our Religious Education program at First Unitarian Church offers children and youth a space to wonder, learn, and grow together through engaging classes, community-building activities, and hands-on experiences rooted in Unitarian Universalist values.
Whether your family is brand new or has been with us for years, now’s the time to sign up! Registration helps us plan classes, pair teachers, and make sure every child has the best experience possible.
Religious Education kicks off September 14th, and our children and youth are ready to learn, question, and occasionally ask you things like, “Was the resurrection story science fiction or horror?” or "If unicorns are mythical are they still part of our interdependent web?" We need adult leaders to help guide the way!
The job comes with:
Flexible scheduling
A built-in teaching partner (no solo missions)
The chance to shape young minds without assigning any homework
Whether you love circle time, deep discussions, or the occasional biodegradable glitter craft, there’s a spot for you.
Sign up here to choose your grade level: https://tinyurl.com/rerocks
Join us for our new monthly Community Dinner Nights! We’ll share a potluck meal, then break into multi-age activities: activities and games for kids, skill workshops for teens, and multiple programming groups for adults. Come for the food, stay for the connection!
Bring your blankets, camp chairs, and cozy layers for a fun fall evening under the stars! We’ll screen a family-friendly film (title TBA) on Friday, September 26 on the church lawn. We’ll have popcorn; feel free to bring picnic dinners and spill-proof drinks. Kids can wiggle, parents can relax, and everyone can enjoy community time together.
Let’s kick off a new year together! After the 11 AM service, join us in the garden for our annual Ingathering Potluck—a joyful, all-ages feast of community, conversation, and comfort food. Bring your appetite, your neighbors, and your spirit of connection. Newcomers especially welcome—there’s always room at the table!
We are so incredibly fortunate to have our amazing playground structure for our kids and families to gather before and after church. All of this play, however, does require cleanup. We're going to talk about this in Little Chapel with the kids, but if your kids are playing on the playground, please encourage them to clean up the sand toys. Buckets for the toys are in the playground shed. It is the responsibility of EVERYONE to clean up the area. Thank you for helping your children learn to take on this responsibility for our community!
Bystander Intervention Training & Discussion, September 4th, Zoom Only, 12pm-2pm
Make a real difference for immigrant communities in Utah! Learn to safely take action using the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct)—a proven method for intervening in harassment, detention, or deportation situations. Training is from 12-1pm, and is followed by a discussion from 1-2pm. You will have to register for the training and the discussion separately. Register for the training by clicking this link, and register for the discussion by clicking this link.
Bring your courage and curiosity—every action counts! Questions: immigrationjustice@slcuu.org
UU Auction, Theme: Stand Up, October 18th,
The countdown is on! Thanks to everyone who’s shared ideas—bonsai classes, photo shoots, vacation stays, disc golf, gluten-free treats, a wild bird show, and more! We’re still looking for fresh contributions. Ideas include but aren't limited to: Items (artwork, gift baskets, treats), Services (pet-sitting, tech help, lessons), Experiences (dinners, classes, performances). Know someone with a talent or a connection to a restaurant, shop, or venue? Invite them! Click here to submit your idea!
Full Week Faith plans are daily activities for families to work on together and within the community. Each week, you will find a family discussion question, a chalice lighting, a journal prompt, an activity, and more. Full Week Faith plans are meant as a jumping-off point for families to engage in faith development together!
Miss RE in Little Chapel? Watch RE-Imagining Chapel! Parent pro-tip- Put it on when you just need 15 minutes of peace!
Each week we chronicle the lives of Unitarian, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists throughout history!