A Printable RE Brochure includes all the information below.

Open the Window

In 2012-13, we will explore Nature and Life Cycles with the children and youth of First Parish in Cambridge.  “Open the Window” is a theme inspired by our own sacred connections with nature and our 7^th Principle, and the reminder that we are part of the cycles of life.  It calls us to “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part” – or, as the children know it, “we care for Earth’s lifeboat.”

Nursery care is available year-round for babies and toddlers under age 4.  Children 0-4 are welcomed into our bright, warm fully-staffed nursery. Our experienced staff will help your family make a smooth transition to child care. Your child’s first experiences with us include music, free play with other children, storytime and snack in our gluten-and nut-free environment.

Children registered in our program can expect a mix of activities, a small group class experience most Sundays, and spiritual experiences and challenges appropriate to their age. 

Youth can expect a Sunday morning Coming of Age program for grades 8-9 (September-December 2012), Our Whole Lives for grades 7-8 (January-December 2013), and biweekly YoUUth Group on Sundays at 12:00pm for High Schoolers.

All are welcome at our holiday Multigenerational Services.  Please see RE SChedules for 2012-13 dates.  No classes are held on these Sundays.

Children in grades 1-6 meet monthly for Ingatherings/Share Your Bliss Sundays.  RE staff and members of the congregation with special talents and interests will lead the children in special large-group activities, worship, and justice-making activities.!

Sunday Morning Curriculum

PreK-K: 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.  Wonderful Welcome is part of the UUA’s online Tapestry of Faith, based on our Seven Principles and Six Sources.

Gr. 1-2: Free to Believe

  This group will explore the Unitarian Universalist principles and sources while nurturing the emotional, social and spiritual lives of our children. Its first sessions focus on UU principles, values and beliefs through hands-on activities, stories, games, songs and discussions. Children address the conflicts they often face and create an accepting classroom community. Later sessions focus on life’s big ques-tions (about God, death, the creation of life) through the lens of UU sources. 

Gr. 3-4 Moral Tales

This Tapestry of Faith program uses world wisdom stories to provide children with spiritual and ethical tools to make the choices and take actions that reflect their Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values.

Gr. 5-6 Toolbox of Faith

This Tapestry of Faith curriculum invites participants to reflect on qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith.  This group also focuses on the Heifer Project International for their justice project.

Gr. 7 Getting to Know First Parish in Cambridge

Through volunteering in many aspects of church life, our emerging youth participate in this specially designed program that honors their growing competence and introduces them to the inner workings of our congregation.  Projects range from assisting with the Preschool group to ushering at Multigenerational Services to serving at Tuesday Meals.  Youth will also develop a project of their own to benefit the church.

Gr. 8-9 Coming of Age

Coming of Age helps youth discern for themselves what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, individually and as part of the larger faith community. It involves individual activities, family participation, and working with a mentor, specifically: team-building, discussions, field trips to UU heritage sites, a weekend-long leadership retreat and the writing of a Credo, or statement of belief, to be shared with the congregation.

Gr. 9+ YoUUth Group

Our youth will help design a balanced year of programs which include spiritual discussions, community-building, leadership, worship, and service within and outside the walls of the church. Oh, and plain old fun!

Special Programs for 2012-13

Parents and Guardians Expectations

We ask all families to commit to 3 things:

Please see a member of the Religious Education Committee or RE staff for more details or scholarship information.

Questions? Contact Director of Religious Education Mandy Neff at (617) 876-7772 x. 205 or dre [at] fpcambridge [dot] org.