Family Services
Our Mission
As an active part of Unity of Oak Park, our mission is to provide a safe, judgment-free, supportive, encouraging, and nurturing environment for our children, teens, and Generation Z, to fully experience the recognition and acceptance of their oneness with God, each other, and the fullness of life. To provide Spirit-driven guidance in helping them realize and embrace the divine within Baba Tony and Chris Manvel lead our youth experiences with storytelling and hands on craft experiences.
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Any questions? please contact:
Youth Director Chris Manvel
unity@unityoakpark.org
Christopher Manvel
Youth Director
Baba Tony Brown
Assistant Youth Director
Unity Living Curriculum
Considering the wisdom of our co-founder, Myrtle Fillmore, who said “we are here to help bring forth the divine within our children.
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A Living Curriculum is designed to ‘draw forth’ the truth mainly through experiences, storytelling, and creative expression. Each lesson relates to an issue in a person’s life and seeks to facilitate an experience of God connected to their life.”
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Captivate your Heart to Capture our World 2024
January 2023 theme: Dream Big and Live Bigger
Youth Activities: Hiding My Christ Light (game), Mind/Body/Spirit (sensory experience), Blooming Rose (activity), Youth “Burning Bowl” ceremony - New Year, New Goals
Holiday/ Special Event: MLK celebration
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February 2023 theme: Faith It and Make It
Youth Activities: DIY Valentine’s Day Wreath, Congregational Valentine’s Day cards, Valentine’s Day cards for parents/grownups
Planning: World Day of Prayer (March 3rd, 2023)
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March 2023 theme: The Benefits of Being Practical and Impractical
Youth Activities: Power of Words (bubble activity), homemade Dream Catchers
Event: World Day of Prayer (collaboration with Prayer Chaplains)
Planning: Easter Sunday (April 9th, 2023)
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April 2023 theme: The Power of Perception
Youth Activities: Homemade Hosana! Branches, Easter Cross Suncatchers
Event: participate in Easter Sunday service
Planning: Carnation fundraiser for Mother’s Day (May 14th, 2023)
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May 2023 theme: Spill the T - Truth
Youth Activities: “What I Love About Mom…” (poems), Mask-Making (paper mache activity)
Event: Mother’s Day Sunday (poems for mothers) & carnation fundraiser
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June 2023 theme: What You Feed, Grows
Youth Activities: God is Like…?, Lessons in Chalk (outside), Glove Gardens (gardening activity)
Planning for: Father’s Day Popsicle Social (June 18th, 2023)
July 2023 theme: Power of Wonder - Play for Innovation
Youth Activities: Prayer Bead Bracelets, Prayer Doorknob Hangers, Shoebox Prayer Altars, A Prayer-Focused Life (activity)
Event: Youth & Family Ministry Summer Popsicle Social
Planning for: Summer BBQ
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August 2023 theme: Power of Wonder - Play for Success
Youth Activities: Meditation Island (ongoing throughout the month), chanting circle, relaxation and breathing techniques
Event: Youth & Family Ministry Summer BBQ
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September 2023 theme: Peace Begins with Me
Youth Activities: Letting-Go water painting, stained “glass” portraits, Peace Song Pictionary, Letters of Forgiveness
Planning for: Harvest Festival/Trunk-or-Treat (October 29th, 2023)
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October 2023 theme: Free Your Mind and the Best Will Follow
Youth Activities: Prosperity Chains, “I Am Prosperous” card game, Giving & Receiving Hands (paintings), Sharing the Wealth (spiritual currency activity)
Event: Youth & Family Ministries Harvest Festival (featuring Trunk-or- Treating)
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November 2023 theme: Mindfulness, Kindfulness and Gratitude
Youth Activities: Spiritually Thankful cards, thank you notes for veterans, Seeing Good Everywhere (scavenger hunt activity)
Planning for: Unity of Oak Park’s Christmas Concert (December ??, 2023)
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December 2023 theme: Dream Big and Live Bigger
Youth Activities: Advent (paper) Candles, handmade Angel Gabriel Ornaments, Piecing Together Peace (cardboard puzzles)
Event: perform in Christmas Concert (in collaboration with Unity of Oak Park’s Choir)
Class General Information
Spiritual Education classes are held for children 5 years and older during the 10:00 am service. Nursery care is also provided for children 4 years and under (including infants), during the morning service.
Sunday Morning Time Schedule
9:45 to 10:05
Opening Activity
10:05 to 10:15
Circle Time
10:15 to 10:55
.The Lesson / Discussion / Love Offering
10:55 to 11:00
Closing Prayer
The Drop Off
Students, ages 5 years to 8th grade, should be escorted to the Youth Ed Room, on the second level, by a parent or other adult between 9:45 and 10:15 am.
Sign-in is required.
The Pick Up
All children 10 years old and under are to be picked up in the Youth Ed Room immediately following the service by their parents or other adult. Signed out is required. We will not release the children to their non-adult siblings.