Campus Ministry Sunday Resources
Involving Youth and Young Adults in Planning and Worship
As you make your plans for your celebration of Unitarian Universalist (UU) Youth and Young Adult Ministry Sunday 2002 (Y&YAMS) we thought we might share some key ideas—actually derived through conversations with youth and young adults—about ways in which ministers and other professional leaders can best incorporate UU youth and young adults and their ideas and values in the service.
It is important to think of the service as an intergenerational celebration, not a youth Sunday. It should be imagined, planned and staffed by the congregation and minister involving people of all ages, but absolutely including youth and young adults.
In doing the planning, the minister or worship committee might productively use it as an opportunity to lead a conversation about worship: what it is, how it is formed, and whom it serves.
Invite youth and young adults to talk about what Unitarian Universalism has meant to them. Others can reflect upon the importance of the visions, dreams and ideals of youth and young adults in shaping our faith and actions.
Use the planning of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Sunday to make new connections and to get to know each other across generations.
Youth and young adults should be asked respectfully if they want to take on parts of the service—opening words, readings, reflections—but as an invitation not an expectation.
Have a conversation about what kinds of music are meaningful to the various members of the congregation, and try to serve them in their variety.
Invite youth and young adults to usher and greet.
Mix everything. Imagine youth and young adults in new roles.
Give everyone involved all the support, criticism, praise and rehearsal time they need to do a good job.
Continue reading in the next chapter: Forward Looking >
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
