Given our proximity to the University of Washington, education at University Lutheran is a high priority. During the school year we offer a full range of educational opportunities for all ages. ULC is a nurturing place for children, youth and families. On Sunday mornings, children are always welcome in worship, and most join their families for much or all of the service. Also available is our well-stocked nursery, where children play under the warm, expert supervision of our nursery teacher and her assistant. Eleven A.M. is Sunday School hour. During this time children gather with their teachers to sing, pray, talk and play, as they learn about the Bible through stories, drama, music and art. Middle school students explore critical questions of faith as they prepare for confirmation. High school students consider the challenges of following Jesus in our secular culture. Each December the students present a Christmas drama. Middle and high school students also make up our youth group. Twice each month, students gather for discussions, fun and service. This year's service projects will include serving in a soup kitchen, raising money for our sister school in Africa, baking cookies for the Kairos Prison Ministry, and making lunches for day laborers. Community-building activities include overnight "lock-ins," playing in the snow, and basking at the beach. Summers are the time for mission trips. In 2004 and 2006, ULC students joined Lutheran youth delegations to build relationships with the Ailanga Lutheran Junior Seminary in northern Tanzania. Another trip is planned for 2008. In 2007, our youth visited The Campbell Farm in eastern Washington, where they ran a vacation Bible school for migrant and native American children. They also picked pears for Northwest Harvest, served lunch in the Union Gospel Mission, and worked in the yard of a disabled elder in the Yakama tribe. For adults, there are forums each Sunday after worship. Topics range from discussing Biblical texts to current events. A Bible study class meets each Wednesday morning. Men's and women's retreats provide time for contemplation and community-building. Family-centered intergenerational events include Advent wreath-making, an Epiphany "Walk with the Magi," summer picnics and more. §