First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, Massachusetts

Imagine a place for you and your loved ones to worship together, create lasting friendships and a strong sense of community, to investigate spiritual paths and read from holy texts, to work towards peace and justice, and to help save our precious planet.

The RE program at First Parish creates a place where children get a chance to be together to learn and discuss Unitarian Universalist values to help them navigate life in our challenging time. Adults and children together learn lessons from interesting and fun curricula, make the time to discuss the big questions of life, and ponder spiritual questions.

We offer a place where children can make friends of all ages for life, where they learn to care about others before themselves, and to grow spiritually and emotionally. Our church school is a busy and fun place full of music, art, stories and dance. And our doors are open to all newcomers.

During the winter and spring terms in 2011 our children will be exposed to lessons in a variety of interesting topics (please take a moment to look at the curriculum page to learn more), and will be challenged to take the values they have learned on Sunday mornings back to their homes, schools, and playgrounds. Our hope is to raise children to think about our UU values beyond the church doors, with open eyes and loving hearts.

Sophia Fahs, a great UU educator once said " Life becomes religious whenever we make it so: when some new light is seen, when some deeper appreciation is felt, when some larger outlook is gained, when some nobler purpose is formed, when some task is well done".

We hope to offer a new light to our children each and every week, through lessons that discuss topics like recognizing and accepting diversity, looking for and changing social injustices, and living our lives in honest and meaningful ways.

Are you new to First Parish, or are visiting for the first time? Please seek out someone carrying a sign or name tag that reads “Ask Me about R.E.”. They will be able to answer questions, point you in the right direction, offer you a cup of coffee and a registration form, or greet you with a smile.

Members of the Religious Education Committee and I are always glad to hear your thoughts about the program. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a visit, please contact me at 781 648-3799 ext 14, or email dre@firstparish.info.

I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you and your children.

Tina Schultz
Director of RE