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Religious Education Curriculum
This is the church of the Open Mind,
the Loving Heart, and the Helping Hands
Babies & Toddlers
Two loving and caring adults staff the nursery. Free play and stories are provided as appropriate. First Parish has a diapering policy and parents are requested to complete a Diapering form so that we know your wishes with regard to changing diapers. In order to honor our very smallest visitors, the nursery has a “no shoes” policy. We want the floor to be kept as clean as possible for our crawling babies.
Parents may wish to stay with their children until they acclimate to the nursery, so copies of the sermons are available on our web site.
Preschool: "We Are Many, We Are One "
This yearlong preschool curriculum offers children the grounding of a religious community and tradition. along with the freedome to discover and express their uniqueness. The underlying theme throughout is anti-bias and multicultural education, which celebrates diversity and interdependency.
There is opportunity for free play, and the children will be brought out to the playground area when weather permits.
Kindergarten & Grade One: "Stories about God"
This curriculum offers children a variety of experience with that which people call God. It exposes them to insights from all the world religions to foster the notion that God has many names and gives children the opportunity to express their own thoughts and feelings concerning God.
Grade Two: "UU Bible Heroes"
"In a world where so often might makes right and at an age when young children are beginning to form the values that will take them through their lives, this curriculum offers a year's worth of super heroes!" We will introduce our children to the stories of people from the Bible who have acted with courage and wisdom in their attempts to lead their lives fully and make the world a better place for others. Among the biblical people whom the children meet are Moses and Miriam, King David, King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Elijah, Joseph, Queen Esther, and Jesus with his parents, Mary and Joseph.
Grades Three, Four and Five: "Unitarian Universalism and Me"
The first teaching term will be devoted to learning and living our Unitarian Universalist Principles. The remaining two terms will be devoted to learning about famous Unitarians and Universalists throughout our history. During these two terms the children will be invited to come up with questions to ask volunteers who will come into the classroom as UU hostorical figures. This will give us an opportunity to bring faith to life as part of our Sunday morning experience.
Grade Six: "Neighboring Faiths"
Students explore different faith traditions from their historical origins to their presence in today's multi-religious reality. Students and teachers plan their program by choosing religious groups they want to learn about and visit, while relating the experience to their own growing faith.
Grade Seven: "Our Whole Lives: Gr. 7–9"
This year we will be partnering with three other churches for an entire year of Our Whole Lives.
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It 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 provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality. A parent orientation is given prior to participation.
Grade Eight: "Our Whole Lives: Gr. 7–9 (Part II) " and "Coming of Age"
Students begin the year with the final segment of "Our Whole Lives" sexuality curriculum. A second parent orientation is part of the program.
The Coming of Age program is supported by dedicated leaders and volunteer mentors from the adult church membership. Spiritual awareness, knowledge about UUism and commitment to service and social action are key components of the program. The church community acknowledges the transition to young adulthood in a Coming of Age Service in the spring.
Youth Group
Programming for our high school youth is a pivotal part of the R.E. program. We provide a “lifeline” for our youth through teen programming, while offering a safe haven of acceptance and the opportunity to become strong individuals. Our program also acts as a training ground for leadership, and creates an atmosphere that helps youth develop a strong UU identity. Historically, this group has been very social justice minded and takes a very active role in creating a better world for all people.
Our Youth Group meets most Sunday evenings under the guidance of our Intern Minister - Youth Group Advisor. We also are privileged to have a strong Youth Adult Committee.
If you have any questions regarding our program, please contact Irene Praeger Director of Religious Education at 781 444-0823 or e-mail her at