Rev. Athena Kolbe is our Minister of Faith Development. Originally from California, Rev. Kolbe moved to Detroit after completing seminary. She graduated with a Master's degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in 2006. Rev. Kolbe coordinates faith development programming for children, youth and families at First U.U. Detroit.
Reverend Kolbe is the author of the acclaimed Bridges program for youth.
Welcome to the First Unitarian Univeralist Church of Detroit! Children – including babies and toddlers – are always welcome in the sanctuary. A bag of art supplies and paper for coloring should be available in the pew-back pocket. Ask an usher if additional art supplies are needed during the service.
A nursery is available for during services for infants and toddlers. Located on the second floor (ask an usher for directions – finding the room on your own could prove difficult), the nursery is staffed by experienced, professional childcare providers. You are welcome to leave your child with us during the service and for the first 15 minutes of the social time after the service. We recommend spending some time with your child in the nursery before the service so that he/she can adjust to the new environment.
Our nursery is well stocked with developmentally appropriate toys, extra diapers and changing supplies. Please bring a small supply of formula/milk if your baby will need to be fed during the service.
Children ages 4-10 are welcome to join us for a lively Sunday program focusing on friendship, fun, and learning. While adults are in the service, children are doing art projects, planting flowers, making crafts, playing games, listening to stories and learning about our faith. Visiting children are always welcome to attend the elementary school program – please ask an usher to direct you and/or your child to the elementary room on the second floor. Children in this age group will probably want to dress in clothing they can play in and get dirty, rather than their “Sunday best” as we often spend time playing outside and engaging in messy craft projects.
Bridges, a special program focusing on spiritual leadership development and community service, is available for youth who are at least 11 years old or have completed the first semester of 5th grade. We meet every Sunday and have fun activities on other days of the week. Our program is designed to help youth grow into healthy, responsible young adults who are firmly rooted in the principles of Unitarian Universalism. Our Sunday activities include small group learning, workshops, art, music, computer-based learning, leadership skills and other team-building activities. On other days of the week we have movie nights, do volunteer work, and go on field trips such as to the Arab-American museum, ice-skating, camping trips, Cedar Point, and the Holocaust Memorial.
Visiting youth are always welcome to join the youth program. Please ask an usher to direct you and/or your young person to the youth room on the second floor.