General Philosophy and Goals

Our Religious Education Program is based on the premise that each individual is a valued member of First Church. We aim to create a supportive environment and spiritual community of children and adults who explore the history, heritage, values and ethics inherent in Unitarian Universalism. Classes and worship experiences incorporate a variety of cultural and theological perspectives and faiths, including Judeo-Christian and world religions. Nurturing spiritual development, the program offers opportunities to incorporate those values in social action, enabling participants to make a difference in the neighborhood and the world. In general, we use materials recommended by and offered through the Religious Education section of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Children's Religious Education

Classes
Classes for children from ages 3 to 14 meet Sundays from 10:00 to 11:00 from September through May.

Children's Worship
In addition to their own worship service as part of church school, the children gather in the meeting house for the beginning of the service on the first Sunday of every month. There are also family-wide services conducted throughout the year. In this setting, children become part of the whole First Church worshipping community. They are invited to contribute to the service in many ways: chalice lighting and steeple bell ringing, pageants and youth services.

Social Action
A wise soul once said "people who have principles but no programs turn out in the end to have no principles." To that end, our children are provided with a variety of social action programs so that they can catch the social action spirit. Some of the programs they participate in are: Halloween's Trick or treating for UNICEF, Guest at Your Table for the UUSC, a Mitten Tree, preparing meals for the Friday night supper program of the Arlington Street Church in Boston.

Nursery
Our youngest children are cared for in the Nursery each Sunday morning. The Nursery is a warm, accepting atmosphere where trust can be formed so that the children are comfortable and happy in their first association with our church. Volunteers from the congregation provide this care. In addition, children of all ages are always welcome at church services.