CER Youth Resources for Faith Formation

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Everything a congregation does is faith formation. And, there are opportunities present in structured learning environments that give our youth a chance to engage with a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This can mean a structured curriculum that goes in-depth or integrating stand alone workshops.

Best Practices

  • Our Whole Lives (OWL) comprehensive sex education is an important offering for our youth. The grades 7-9 curriculum is important. And, our older youth need a return to these conversations in OWL 10-12 as they and their peers become more sexually active

  • Include the youth in exploring what areas of faith formation they want to explore

  • Experiential Education is an important pedagogy for both our adult facilitators and youth to understand and practice using

  • Coming of Age and Bridging are life transitions that are enhanced and deepened by use of intentional reflection and programming.

Curriculum

About the Authors

headshot of Evin Carvill-Ziemer
Evin Carvill Ziemer

Evin serves the Central East Region in the areas of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, and Intercultural Competency work and as Primary Contact for congregations in upstate and central New York. Evin holds a Masters of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion and Bachelor of Arts from Carleton...

Shannon in her office
Shannon Harper

Shannon Harper joined the Lifespan Faith Engagement Office as Co-Director in the summer of 2022. Previously, Shannon worked with the Central East Region since the Fall of 2016.

For more information contact .

Evin Carvill-Ziemer and Shannon Harper

Resources Currated by Rev. Evin Carvill-Ziemer (left), CER Program Manager for Youth Ministry and Shannon Harper (right), CER Youth and Young Adult Coordinator

Backpacker's Notebook Exploring Unitarian Universalist Faith and Community

By Donna DiSciullo, Michael J. Tino

A unique and personalized notebook for UU youth and young adults.

Backpacker's Notebook

Bridging A Handbook for Congregations

By Gail Forsyth-Vail, Jessica York, Jessica York
From inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop

Bridging will enhance your Youth and Young Adult Ministry programs, and help make the process of becoming a young adult a spiritually fulfilling community event for your congregation.

Buy This Book

Coming of Age Handbook for Congregations

By Sarah Gibb Millspaugh
From inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop

Comprehensive guidebook for religious educators of adolescents...

Buy This Book