Our Religious Education
Curriculum and Philosophy

The Religious Education Committee is committed to providing meaningful programs that educate our total church community (children, teens and adults). Our liberal religious education program for children in preschool through grade eight embraces three threads that weave our program together with sensitivity toward diversity of belief among the members of the congregation.

The first thread is the Judeo-Christian heritage, which is taught in the primary grades through Bible stories and exploration of important holidays. Our focus is on the inner meaning and lessons of these stories, which are then related to children’s lives in our times. We have all church school activities each year to celebrate Hanukkah, Advent, Christmas, Passover and Easter.

The second thread is comparative world religion. Our middle school classes focus on the many religions in the world today. By examining and comparing various religions, then visiting local places of worship, our middle school students expand their understanding of their neighbors and themselves.

The final thread is a social consciousness, which runs throughout all grades. Church and community outreach projects provide our children with the opportunity of putting their faith into action.

These range from local needs (Ex. leaf raking) to supporting global organizations (Ex. Heifer Project) in an effort to relieve suffering around the world.

First Parish Church United is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ, and the Unitarian Universalist Association. We believe church school should present religious content and knowledge with sensitivity to the diversity of belief present in our congregation. We encourage our families to discuss the lessons with their children and help them see the lesson through the family’s own belief structure.