Belonging begins with being known and cared for.
Before children are old enough to wonder what they believe, they are learning whether this is a place where they are safe, known, and loved.
Some of the earliest work of faith formation doesn’t look much like religious education at all. Young children are learning to share space and resources, ask for what they need, reasonably expect that caring adults will respond, and notice the needs of other people. They’re also building a habitual relationship with this place and these people—one rooted in safety, familiarity, and care.
That foundation matters. Before children can deeply explore stories, values, theology, or questions of belief, they need a community they trust enough to explore them in.
Our hope at this age is wonderfully simple: this place feels familiar, these people feel safe, and I belong here.
What Sundays Look Like
The Rainbow Room opens at 9:50 AM, allowing parents to bring children directly to Room 4 in the classroom wing and meet the Guides who will care for them.
Children play as friends arrive, then gather to sing, place a felt flame on our felt chalice, hear a story centered on our JETPIG values, and create something together. Afterward, there’s plenty of time to play with friends until families return.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay for as long and as often as they’d like. If you need to remain nearby but don’t want to miss the service, ask us about livestreaming the service into the room.
Your child, your family
You know your child and your family’s needs better than we do, and we want to know what works for you.
Maybe you desperately need 45 minutes to tend to your own spiritual life and would like us to try every reasonable soothing strategy before coming to find you. Maybe your family’s approach to attachment and consent means you’d like your child brought to you the first time they ask. Tell us.
Care preferences shared on your registration form are available to our Guides, and we encourage you to talk with the adults in the room at drop-off, too. That communication helps us care for your child in ways that support the values and practices of your family.
Babies, too?
The Rainbow Room is designed primarily for walkers through pre-K, but infants in arms are welcome when the number and activity level of children in the room make that safe.
And when she’s not subbing in an RE space, you may occasionally find our Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration making her Sunday rounds with a happy baby on her hip—with parental permission, of course. Sometimes a grown-up needs a break, too. If you need that, please ask! Skyla knows who many of the happy baby holder in the sanctuary and social hall. There are plenty of willing surrogate grandparents just waiting to be asked. Ask for what you need!
Good to know
Children may visit once before registering; please leave contact information for the adult responsible for them with the Guides. After that first visit, we ask families to register for Religious Exploration.
We don’t serve snacks in the Rainbow Room, and Guides don’t provide diapering or toileting assistance. If your child needs bathroom help, we’ll come find you.
Pick-up is at 11:15 AM, or immediately following the service if it runs long.
Helpful links
Register for Childen and Youth for Religious Exploration →
Free Childcare Form →
Safe Congregation Policies and Practices →
Resources for Families →
Please send any questions you have about programs for children, youth, or parents to the Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration, Skyla King-Christison, at dre@uucorvallis.org
