Welcome to our Spring 2024 calendar for Religious Exploration (RE) for children and youth at First Parish! We want to build confidence and celebrate differences, while traveling on a spiritual journey together. We offer engaging programs that build friendships, community and values that last a lifetime.  

Theme-based activities each Sunday include art, nature, social action, and of course, celebration! Activities and programs are designed for all ages. 

Nursery care is available for babies and children aged 0-5 with various creative age-based activities. It is offered from 9:30- 12 noon each Sunday on the lower level of the Parish House. Families with children who are 5 are welcome to have them participate in Nursery or RE, depending on the week, activity or mood. 

 Children K- 8 are invited to the Parish House (up the hill) for RE at 10:00am on Sundays unless there is a Time for All Ages (TFAA)- noted on the calendar below. On those days, everyone gathers in the Sanctuary for the beginning of worship. After the TFAA, kids and leaders walk up the hill together for RE. A small snack is provided during both groups, and we end our time together in the Parish House or on the playground for pick up at 11:30am. 

  

Please join us as we explore spirituality within our upcoming monthly themes! 

 

April – Honeybees & Community 

May & June – Play! 

 

April 7- Poetry with Nate Klug
Reverend Nate Klug is not only our Minister, but he is an accomplished poet! Join us up the hill in the Parish House with Nate, where he will share some of his secrets, and we’ll read and create some of our own poetry about community. 

April 14 – No RE Start of Spring Break
There is no RE or Nursery care today, but there will be fun activity packets available for children in the sanctuary and Stearns Room. Children are always welcome in both areas. Have a fabulous break! 

April 21 – Beehives with Craig Donaldson (TFAA)
After a Time for All Ages, we will walk across the street to see Craig’s amazing beehives and hear all about his community of honeybees, why he keeps bees, and what goes into taking good care of them. Afterward, we will head to the playground for play & pick-up. 

April 28 – Bee Talk with guest, Roselyn Romberg
Roselyn is a board member of the Massachusetts Beekeeper’s Association. She knows a lot about bees! Today, she will join us in the Parish House to talk about the importance of bees and many myths and misunderstandings about them (as well as which ones are actually native to this area!). She will bring lots of fun equipment for us to explore (Have you ever heard of a bee smoker?) and teach us about (and even let us taste) the differences between honey varieties! 

May 5 – Springfest & Flower Communion (TFAA)
Today, church takes place in the Parish House for an intergenerational service! Bring a flower to share for today’s Flower Communion. There will be a Time for All Ages with our 5th grade members of Roots & Shoots. We will stay in the service, to enjoy the celebration and bell choir. After church, we’ll continue to celebrate spring with outside festivities, if weather permits. There will be a May Pole, music, face painting, and flower crown-making! 

May 12 – Mother’s Day with Nancy Henderson
Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate all kinds of mothers and mother-figures in our lives. Join us up the hill today, where we will make a very special gift for these people with our friend Nancy!  Today’s project is geared for all ages.  

May 19 – UU Foundations, Beeswax candles & Chalices (TFAA)
After a Time for All Ages, we will head up the hill to talk about Unitarian Universalism. We will explore the role and symbolism of the chalice within the UU faith and the 8 Principles that serve as a guide for Unitarian Universalist beliefs- all while we make beeswax candles and our own chalices to take home! 

May 26 – No RE Memorial Day weekend
There is no RE today, but there will be fun activity packets available in the sanctuary and Stearns Room for children. Have a wonderful long weekend and- take a moment to think about the meaning of this holiday and remember those who have died while serving our country. 

June 2 – Youth Sunday “Community”
This is a Sunday not to be missed! Come to an intergenerational Sunday planned by our youth! The theme is “Community”. They will share what community means, through reflections, music and prayer. Children K+ are encouraged to stay in the service today!    

June 9 – Pride & Celebration Sunday!  (TFAA)
It’s time to celebrate! Don your colorful clothing and join us in the Sanctuary as we commemorate LGBTQIA+ Pride Day! After a Time for All Ages, we will head up the hill for our last official RE program of the year, & we’ll celebrate with popsicles and games!  It is sure to be a fun-filled day!