Religious Exploration

Beginning in Fall 2025, our new model of age-based classes will typically meet 2-3x/month, mid-September to mid- June, 10am-11:30am, with a break for Christmas Pageant rehearsals in December.  

Nursery (Ages 0-2 and 2-3): Dreamers I & II 
Pre K – K (Ages 4 & 5): Explorers 
Grades 1-2: Seekers 
Grades 3-5: Trail Blazers 
Grades 6-7: Wayfinders  

Our goal is to provide a safe, loving environment where children can build friendships and community, participate in Sunday rituals, learn about sacred texts, and practice our shared values. We challenge children and youth to explore their understanding of God and Spirit, and help them develop as thinking, compassionate, curious, people. We provide opportunities to grow in their self-understanding as spiritual beings and practice social justice through action and service. 

Nursery Care is available whenever there is RE (non- holidays) for children up to age 3. Our Nursery is located on the lower level of the Parish House (the best entrance is through the playground). Younger children are always welcome to attend “big church” and take a break (with their adult) in the connecting Stearns Room Kid’s Corner (with books and toys) as needed, and/or head up the hill to the Nursery (with their adult). 

On the First Sunday of each month, children aged 4 & up are encouraged to come to the Sanctuary with their families. On these Sundays, the group hears a Time for All Ages (TFAA) or children’s message, and Cherub Choir (grades Pre K- 3) will likely perform. After those activities, younger children are brought up the hill for smaller group time, while older children (grades 1-7) stay in church. These services are designed to be “intergenerational” and welcoming, with fun music, kid-friendly orders of worship (complete with puzzles and coloring), and more engaging themes. Kid noise and presence are welcome, and all ages are encouraged to participate in routines and rituals such as Holy Communion or readings. We welcome your help in making our shared worship a sacred experience for everyone. 

On all other Sundays, children come straight to the Parish House (up the hill) at 10am. We start as a larger group with a Chalice lighting and centering prayer before moving into the above groups based on age & grade to explore sacred storytelling, social justice and spiritual development. We use engaging, dynamic and multi-sensory curricula designed to inspire joy, wonder, and creativity for each age group. 

Given FPL’s combined background in both Unitarian Universalism and Congregational beliefs, we will explore each aspect during our Fall and Spring terms (terms run for approximately 7-8 weeks). Each curriculum builds faith foundation but is also flexible enough for children to jump in anytime.  

Fall 2025. Each group will follow an age-appropriate curriculum based on UU principles and social justice.  

Spring 2026. Programs will be focused on sacred stories and Christian and Jewish traditions. 

Winter Workshops. In January and February (between Fall and Spring terms), we offer “Winter Workshops” for different ability levels, embracing the gifts of congregants (such as photography, cooking, painting, etc.). 

Larger Events. On some Sundays, there are larger special events offered for all ages on Sunday mornings, including our annual Advent Workshop, Christmas Pageant, and Social Action Sunday (hands-on service). 

Long weekends: Recognizing the busy nature of family life, we take a break from RE Programming and Nursery Care on most long weekends throughout the year (i.e. Indigenous People’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, President’s Day, etc.) Children are always welcome in church, and we have plenty of fun supplies for kids in the Stearns Room.