Families are an important part of the community at First Unitarian Church of Dallas. We strive to offer a variety of opportunities for families to grow in their faith together, and to support parents/caregivers in this effort.

Spiritual Parenting Series – A weekly email series with resources for spiritual reflection from Rev. Beth Dana.

Families of Children with Special Needs – Meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 8 p.m. on Zoom. Join the group in Realm (listed under “Support Groups”) to get more information about monthly meetings.

Parents Facebook Group – A space for parents and families in our congregation to connect during the week and to share ideas, joys, and challenges of raising Unitarian Universalist families.

Family Faith Practices Booklet – A publication by First Church that offers UU families guidance and resources to bridge the Sunday morning experience with their home life.

Family Chalice Lighting – Lighting and extinguishing the chalice in the Sanctuary signifies the opening and closing of Sunday worship. Each week, members take turns in this ritual. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to ritual and worship, and to make shared memories. Sign up to light the chalice at the offices Front Desk in the Hallman Building, or online HERE.

Parent Time Resources – A variety of resources shared by presenters at Parent Time, an online program offered earlier in the pandemic.

UU Playdate – A play group for young children (infant through 5) and their caregivers. Contact Catherine Tunks for more information about restarting this group.

Community Service – Keep an eye on the Friday DU and the Children’s Ministries e-news for information about current service opportunities.

Libraries – Two libraries house thousands of resources to assist parents, teachers, children, and others in exploring family/life issues, spirituality, Unitarian Universalism, education, world religions, and more. The main library is on the 2nd floor above Channing Hall, and a Children’s Library is on the 2nd floor of the Hallman Building.

Little Free Library – Visit our church’s Little Free Library in the courtyard by the playground (enter off St. Andrews due to construction on the north side of campus). Take a book and/or share a book! Look inside the cover for a sheet on which you can write notes to the next person who picks up the book.

Ceremonies of Dedication for Infants and Children – This ritual celebrates all families, welcomes infants and children of all ages to our church community, and affirms the commitment of families and the congregation to the spiritual growth and development of each child. Prior to the ceremony, parents/caregivers are asked to meet with the Senior Minister and Minister of Faith Development to discuss their hopes for their child and to learn more about the significance of this special service. We conduct ceremonies of dedication twice each year – on the Sunday preceding Christmas, and on Mother’s Day.

How can families support the spiritual growth of their children?

• Make attendance at church and Sunday School a regular habit. When children join you in worship, they learn that they are an important part of the church. When you volunteer to join the teaching faculty, they learn that their classes are important to you.
• Incorporate spiritual practices into your home life (e.g. saying grace before meals)
• Engage in service to the church and in the wider community together as a family

Contact us if you have questions about how your family can become more involved in our church.