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What is Religious Exploration?
In the words of The Reverend Tom Owen Towle,
"The mission of Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious education is to create and sustain an intergenerational community of truthfulness and service, holiness and love...Unitarian Universalist religious education is neither book nor guru centered. It is not adult or even child centered. It is congregation centered, wherein all ages cooperatively engage in what Starr Williams called 'a cycle of nurturing.'"Through dedicated Religious Exploration programming, children, youth, young adult and adult members of the First Parish community have the opportunity to study and practice our Unitarian Universalist faith. Our RE program offers the opportunity for students to engage in inquiry-based learning and develop understandings of others' beliefs as a way of developing and exploring their own ideas about faith, spirituality, and holiness. Please read on for information on the cohort-based programming in the First Parish Religious exploration program.
Religious Exploration programming at First Parish is developed collaboratively by First Parish professional staff and the Religious Exploration Committee, including members Lynn Blom, Matthew Bampton, Betsy Whitman, Charmen Fox and Olivia Blom. The Director of Religious Exploration is Allison Gammons.
Children's Religious Exploration
Children and Youth Religious Exploration is not your typical Sunday School! Using as our foundation the Unitarian Universalist Principles, we strive to help the
children and youth in exploring their own beliefs and values. We often use art, theater, and stories in our
exploration. One of the key philosophies
of Religious Exploration at First Parish is "learning through play," and we try
to ensure to make RE as fun and dynamic as we can for all the children.
We offer Religious Exploration classes on Sunday mornings
for all ages: from our infant/toddler childcare through Youth Group for our
High School students.
Sunday Mornings for Religious Exploration can take a few
forms. Most common is regular
classes. On these mornings the children
and youth will begin with their parents for the beginning of the worship
service. After some time together, the
children are "sung to their classes," at which point they will either join
others in their age group for class, or they will be with all ages for a large group activity.
On the first Sunday of each month, rather than joining adults in the sanctuary for the early portion of the worship service, Children and Youth gather in the Children's Chapel for their
own unique worship experience before going to their Religious Exploration
classes.
Several times per church year, First Parish holds Intergenerational Worship Services. Children, Youth, Young Adults, and First Parish members of all ages worship together for the duration of the service. Childcare is available on these days for the youngest members of our community, but older children are expected join the community in worship. For more information about what is happening on any given Sunday for participants in our Children's Religious Exploration program, please see the Religious Exploration Calendar.
Religious Exploration programming ends at 11:15am. Our expectation is that parents of children who are in fourth grade or younger will meet their children at the completion of class, prior to joining in the post-worship fellowship and coffee.
Children's Religious Exploration Classes
This year, all classes will be working with the Unitarian Universalist Principles. In addition to this, on one Sunday each month, participants will focus on a specific Faith in Action project aligned with the Congregation's Faith in Action theme for the month.
Infant-Toddler Class
Childcare is available for the youngest among us, in the
Play Room on the second floor of the Parish House. Our Nursery Room Supervisor is Rebecca
Washko. Childcare is available from 9:50 until 11:20. Preschool to KindergartenThis class meets in Room 2 on the second floor of the Parish House. This year, they will be exploring the UU Principles through the stories of Dr. Suess.
First to Second GradeThis group will meet in Room 3 on the second floor of the Parish House. They will be using the Tapestry of Faith curriculum: "Love Surrounds Us."
Third to Fourth GradeThis group will meet in Room 5, downstairs in the Parish House. They will be using the Tapestry of Faith curriculum: "Faithful Journey."
Fifth, Sixth and Seventh GradeThis group will meet in Room 6, downstairs in the Parish House. They will be using the curriculum "In Our Hands." Their Lead Teacher for the year is Christina Oliva.
Youth Group
This group will meet in the Children's Chapel on the second floor of the Parish House. Under the guidance of their advisor, Hillary Stucker, they will create their own curriculum and explore Unitarian Universalism, and how to put their faith into action.
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