Children's Religious Education

In the Sanctuary

Children and youth participate in congregational worship in the Sanctuary for the first part of the service every Sunday morning. Children experience being in community with the larger church through opening words, the opening hymn, sharing the covenant and children's time. Multigenerational services are held once a month in which children stay in the Sanctuary for the entire service. Children under 3 are cared for in the Nursery during the worship service.

Spiritual Developement Programs

Religious Education is offered for children in pre-school (age 3.5) through grade 8.  The Religious Education program at FCU is a co-operative model where religious education classes taught by volunteers from our church community. It's foundation is the commitment and efforts of the adults who teach and assist. The quality of the programming offered to the youth of this church is directly dependent on the commitment and participation of the adult members of our church. Please view our brochure on Faith Development for Children at First Church Unitarian.

If you are new to FCU and would like to register your child in the religious education programming, arrive at church  early and ask the users/greeters to introduce you to the Director of Religious Education or a member of the Religous Education Committee who will orient you to our programs.  Additionally we have a registration form you will be asked to complete.

Classes by Age Group

Birth - Pre-Schoolers: Chalice Kids

This group will enjoy stories, arts and crafts, and fun playtime with Caregivers in our Nursery with themes of Peace, kindness and connection.

K - 2nd Graders: Wonderful Welcome

In this program, children identify intangible gifts central to Unitarian Universalism such as friendship, hospitality and fairness, and share these gifts with others.

3rd - 5th Graders: Love Connects Us

Love Connects Us celebrates important ways Unitarian Universalists live our faith in covenanted community. Moved by love and gathered in spirit, we embrace our responsibility toward one another and the world at large. We encourage one another's search for truth and meaning. We strive to be active in peace-making and other efforts to improve our world.

6th-8th Graders: Heeding the Call: Qualities of a Justicemaker

Youth are encouraged to view themselves as agents of change in the world as they develop qualities crucial to justice work. They reflect on their own lives while making connections to the lives lived by others, building self-awareness while growing as leaders. Includes a Justicemakers Guide to help youth track their activities outside the workshop and a long-term Faith in Action project to lead youth, step-by-step, in becoming allies to marginalized communities.

7th and 8th Graders: Our Whole Lives (OWL)

Participants learn to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. OWL equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.

9th Graders: Coming of Age

Coming of Age Ceremonies (COA), marking the transition from childhood to young adult, are as old as history. They have included ritual abductions, vision quests, and bar and bat mitzvahs, all to help youth learn about themselves and prepare for adulthood. Participants explore theology, spirituality and history through discussion, drama, music, writing and art. Youth learn how to define their beliefs and put their faith into action. The program involves; pairing youth with adult mentors; discussions and retreats that emphasize self-awareness and confidence-building; service to the church and community; and a culminating affirmation ceremony.

All Ages: Chapel Sundays

Once a month, a multi-age program for children in grades pre-K- eight will take place. The multi-age program will consist of Chapel, social action activities, seasonal celebrations, and other special events.

Special Events for Children

One Sunday a month at 10am, all of the children (except Spirit Play) join in a cooperative celebration. These include:

• Sukkot
• Wampanoag Thanksgiving
• Hannukah
• Imbolc
• Chinese New Year
• Mardi Gras
• Easter
• Earth Day