Kids, Youth & Families
Urban Village Church is here to support our children and youth. Our mission is to create sacred spaces for kids, teens, and their caregivers to explore God’s message of love and grace. We are grateful that God made so many different families in so many different ways to build community together.
Sunday Morning Spaces
Faith and learning come together in a nurturing, inclusive, and fun environment. Children birth through 5th grade meet on Sunday mornings during worship at UVC West, Edgewater, and Wicker Park. Our inclusive space and interactive lessons nurture their sense of wonder and support their growth as they explore faith in meaningful ways.
Youth
UVC Kids is here to support junior high and high school students as they dive into meaningful discussions and explore life’s big questions. UVC is currently hosting a Confirmation Program called “Confirm Not Conform” that includes innovative lessons, field trips, mentor relationships, and allowing youth to take responsibility for understanding their faith and its power. Email confirmation@urbanvillagechurch.org to learn more.
Current Students - Click Here
Our Picks for Kids
(and their grown-ups)
If you are looking for kids books, parenting resources, or children’s Bibles, this is a round-up of the materials we love. We hope you find your next favorite here.
Special Events
Be sure to check your site’s calendar and your email to stay updated on all the exciting activities happening for UVC Kids. (links to calendar and contact form)
Recurring Events for Kids
Wild Church @ UVC West
Wild Church is a special gathering held on the first Sunday of the month (generally) where UVC Kids and their grown-ups spend time in nature instead of attending worship. The starting location will be emailed the week before Wild Church. Email erica@urbanvillagechurch.org for more info.
Books and Babies @ UVC West
Love books but juggling life with a little one? Join Books & Babies, a caregiver-friendly book club where you can enjoy great reads, connect with fellow book lovers, and bring your kids along--no shushing required! Meet on the First Wednesday of the Month @ 9 am at UVC West. Kid not required to join. Email erica@urbanvillagechurch.org for more info.
Safe Gatherings
All UVC Volunteers and Staff are Safe Gatherings Certified. Safe Gatherings is a comprehensive system that incorporates background checks, reference checks, and abuse prevention training to ensure the safety of our children.
FAQs
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Children are encouraged to start the morning in the main worship space with their grown-ups! We believe there is value in families singing and centering themselves together. About 15 minutes into the service (usually after the "Passing of the Peace"), children will be dismissed to their dedicated UVC Kids spaces with our leaders.
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Currently, we offer Sunday morning programs for children (birth through 5th grade) at our West, Edgewater, and Wicker Park sites.
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Our Sunday morning spaces are designed to be nurturing and interactive. Children participate in age-appropriate lessons that explore God’s message of love and grace through storytelling, crafts, and play. We focus on fostering a sense of wonder and helping kids see faith as something relevant to their lives.
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Absolutely. While we love having kids in our UVC Kids programs, children are always welcome to remain in the sanctuary for the full service. We love the "joyful noise" that comes with having families in worship!
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Yes. At Urban Village Church, we practice an open table, which means everyone is welcome to receive communion, regardless of age or faith background. Children in UVC Kids will have the opportunity to participate in this sacred meal.
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Yes! One of our core values is that God created many different families in many different ways. Whether you are a single parent, a multi-generational household, an LGBTQ+ family, a foster family, or anything in between, you and your children are fully seen, loved, and celebrated here.
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The safety of our children is a top priority. All UVC staff and volunteers are Safe Gatherings Certified. This comprehensive system includes background checks, reference checks, and specialized abuse prevention training to ensure a secure environment for every child.
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Our Youth program supports junior high and high schoolers as they navigate life’s big questions. We currently offer an innovative Confirmation Program that includes lessons, field trips, and mentor relationships. It’s a space where youth can take ownership of their faith and explore its power in the world. For more details, you can email confirmation@urbanvillagechurch.org.
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Wild Church is a unique gathering, primarily at our UVC West site, held once each month. Instead of a traditional indoor service, kids and their grown-ups head outside to experience God through nature. If you’d like to join us, email erica@urbanvillagechurch.org to get the meeting location for the month.
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Yes—that’s the whole point! Books & Babies (at UVC West) is a caregiver-friendly space where you can enjoy adult conversation and book discussions without needing a babysitter. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 9 am, and "no shushing" is required.
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We’ve curated a list of our favorite inclusive resources, including storybook Bibles and parenting books that align with our values. You can browse our "Our Picks" collection anytime at UVCKidsOurPicks.softr.app.
Children's Ministry Coordinators
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Caitlin Dobbins (she/her)
Family Ministries Coordinator, Ravenswood
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Erica Au (she/her)
Family Ministries Coordinator, River Forest
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Peter Bornhoff (he/him)
Youth Coordinator, River Forest
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Kelton Neals (he/they)
Family Ministries Coordinator, Wicker Park