Religious Education

First Parish Church’s Religious Education Program is a values-based program that encourages our children and youth to be the best people that they can be.

We offer religious education classes that allow children and youth to develop their faith as Unitarian Universalists and youth groups that encourage a sense of community. Children and youth learn the importance of giving back to the world that embraces us in its care as they participate in service projects throughout the year.

Religious Education Coordination

The Religious Education Program at First Parish Church is coordinated by our Director of Religious Education, Rayla Baldwin-Mattson (dre@fpc-stow-acton.org). Rayla works in collaboration with the Religious Education Committee, a group of volunteers from our congregation, to ensure that our program is of highest quality.

Nursery Care

We have a nursery in the lower level of Fellowship Hall, across the parking lot from the church. Parents of infants and toddlers, up to age three, can leave their children to be cared for by our Child Care Coordinator. Our Nursery hours are 9:45 to 11:25. Parents are asked to leave a cell phone number with the Child Care Coordinator and to put their phones on vibrate. If your child becomes upset we will call so that you can come be with your child. Parents who prefer to spend time with their child(ren) are welcome to remain in the nursery. There are changing tables in the nursery, in the bathrooms in the Vestry, and in the women’s bathroom in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Classes

Sunday mornings begin with all children, youth and adults gathering for the 10AM service in the Sanctuary. Children and youth stay for the Time for All Ages. After that, all children ages four and up are welcome to participate in one of our Religious Education classes held in Fellowship Hall and in the Vestry. Visiting children will need to have parents fill out a Visitor’s Form. Classes end at 11:15am.

Our Curricula

We follow a three trimester schedule each year: 

  • Fall (Sep.– Nov.)
  • Winter (Dec. – early Mar.) 
  • Spring (Mar. – May)

Our curriculum topics include: 

  • Ethical and moral education
  • Self awareness and self acceptance
  • Social and environmental justice
  • Building meaningful connections with peers 
  • Unitarian Universalist identity 
  • World religions, including the Judeo-Christian roots of Unitarian Universalism 
  • Sexuality and our faith

More Information

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Last updated: October 2023