Youth Ministry Overview
Vision Statement
The children of our world live from a fundamental awareness of God’s indwelling presence and unending love.
Welcome
Welcome to Youth and Family Ministry at Unity Church of Overland Park. Our Youth and Family Ministry honors each child and family as an expression of the Christ within. Each Sunday our classrooms are full of children and teens exploring Unity Principles and teachings in a fun, engaging, safe, and interactive environment. Each classroom is staffed from a team of loving and dedicated volunteers who enthusiastically guide our youth through their own personal discovery of their relationship with God and how that power can have a wonderful impact on their lives.
I am constantly amazed by the depth of spiritual understanding our youth share with me and am thankful for the opportunity to work in such an environment.
Many Blessings,
Brandon Nagel
Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Program Overview
Sacred Safety
- All parents/guardians are required to sign their children in, (ages 2 to 10), each Sunday and to have a registration form on file.
- At the conclusion of the adult Sunday service the children join the adults for a closing experience.
- Once the Sunday service has ended the children are guided back to the classroom and parents/guardians are required to pick them up immediately following the service and to sign them out.
- All staff and volunteers have undergone back ground checks.
Class Times
- Youth ministry programs are available for children and teens, 3 to 18 years. Our classrooms are staffed with a volunteer teacher beginning at fifteen minutes prior to the start of the service in the sanctuary.
- Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers through age 2.
Our Nursery is available during each Sunday service beginning at fifteen minutes prior to the start of service in the sanctuary. Our Nursery is staffed by several loving individuals each Sunday. In addition to basic child care our youngest children in the nursery have special activities planned for them. Each Sunday typically features a story and a simple craft or art project for the children to enjoy.
Childcare is also available during evening events scheduled Monday through Thursday at the church. Although walk-ins are always welcome, reservations are preferred so we may be prepared for you and your children. Reservations for evening child care can be made by contacting Nursery Supervisor Kayti Downey.
Children’s Ministry
In a typical week, after checking your children into their classrooms, they spend ten minutes in fellowship and pre-session crafts. Our lessons then begin with a time of meditation, which is followed by a story and discussion of the spiritual lessons presented in the story. Frequently these stories are from the “Children’s Illustrated Bible” which presents the material in more of a storybook form. Our children are then lead through a creative experiential based activity that allows them to express and experience the lesson on a personal level. It is our goal in Youth and Family Ministry to create unique and one of a kind experiences that mirror the lessons our adults are learning in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings!
3 year old through 5th Grade Children's classrooms are located on the 2nd floor.
Uniteens
Uniteens (6th – 8th grade group) participate in discussion, crafts, games and meditation every Sunday during both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. This group explores spiritual truths in a safe and age appropriate environment. They have the opportunity to connect with other teens and to take the ideas and spiritual principles shared and see how they can incorporate them into their lives. Bible and metaphysics are explored and self expression is encouraged.
Our Uniteens are also actively involved in both service to the church and supportive community building activities (such as lock-ins and camp-outs) as they grow through their middle school years.
Uniteens meet in Harmony Hall 5 on the lower level.
Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.)
Our Y.O.U. is made up of high school students, ages 14 to 18 years old.
This classroom is staffed by 1 to 3 sponsors each week. The group meets during the 11:00 Sunday service. The focus of our Y.O.U. chapter is on assisting the teens in developing leadership skills and to encourage them to have an active role in the classroom experience. It is a classroom that is student led, adult guided. This age group uses their understanding of the Bible and Truth principles to discuss and look deeper into the issues and concerns that they encounter each day. This is a very active ministry. They support one another and enjoy many opportunities to explore their spirituality through social outings, social service projects and other events.
Opportunities to attend sub-regional events, regional retreats & rallies and International gatherings are offered throughout the year. For more information about upcoming regional Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) events (including event registration forms) please visit http://www.scucaregion.com/YOU.html
Y.O.U. meets on the lower level in Serenity B.