Religious Exploration

for Children, Youth, and Families

We welcome you and your family into the vibrant village of the First Parish in Lincoln! FPL is a place where we can all grow and learn together. We explore spirituality in a variety of meaningful ways while having a lot of fun together by offering programs that build community, character, empathy, and a heart for social justice. Feel free to drop in and join us for RE anytime! 

Programming & Volunteer Opportunities.

WE NEED YOU!  We’ve been working hard to expand our Religious Exploration (RE) offerings to meet our growing numbers.  With all the activities we’re offering, we’re going to need additional volunteers!  Join a class one weekend; lead a food drive at Donelan’s; help with the Advent workshop; lead the pageant!  There is something for everyone! Check out the SignUp Genius form below.

Upcoming Events.

Click here to view all upcoming events for children, youth, and families.

Pizza & Game Night

July 13 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

RE Open House, Playground Cleanup & Picnic

September 7 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Open & Welcoming at First Parish.

Openness and Welcoming is a recurrent theme throughout our Religious Exploration programs as First Parish actively serves LGBTQ+ children and youth in all our programs. Parents of […]

Click here to read more RE news.

Our Sunday School (RE) Model.

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). 

Welcoming All Ages in Worship.

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. 

Our Whole Lives (K-2nd, 5th grade, 8th grade).

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a reputable fact-based sexuality education program that is offered to 3 age groups of children and youth at First Parish and our wider community. K-2 and grade 5 are offered on rotating years; 8th grade is offered every year. In 2025-26, OWL for 5th grade and 8th grade is available. OWL for K-2 will be offered again in 2026. 

Each engaging, age-appropriate program builds a safe learning environment and is provided by trained facilitators. The model and content provide fact-based information that encourages healthy decision-making habits and self-awareness. Topics include: relationships, communication, puberty, gender identity, digital safety, consent, etc. Prior registration and parent orientation are required for each level.  Registration is limited. The program fee is $150 (assistance is available). For more information, contact lora@fplincoln.org. 

5th grade OWL 
Parent Orientation: Monday Sept. 15, 7- 8:30pm
Classes: 10 Mondays, 3:15- 4:45pm, beginning in November 

8th grade OWL 
Parent Orientation: Tuesday October 21, 7- 9pm
Classes: 13 Sundays 7:00- 8:30pm, beginning in November 

FPL Nature Trail.

We have an exciting new outdoor space where kids and adults can explore, learn, and contemplate! Please come and enjoy our evolving FPL Nature Trail (adjacent to the side parking lot near the ramp)!  

Youth Program.

First Parish in Lincoln provides a safe place for teens to explore their spirituality and identity, where they can be loved and supported for who they are. We provide opportunities for teens to participate in and lead worship and participate in meaningful service in the community and beyond. Youth Opportunities include: 

Volunteering (at Cradles to Crayons, Household Goods, First Parish, and Farrington)

Trips to learn more about racism and homelessness first-hand (CityReach overnight and UU Roxbury

Action together (sandwich making and clothing drives)

Coming of Age program (multi-week program that promotes community and exploration of personal belief-systems) 

Youth Sunday (coordinating our annual youth-led service as a group) 

Special Events for Families.

FPL offers events and opportunities for families to connect! Please check out our calendar for upcoming events!  Activities include:   

Sept. 7 RE Open-House, playground clean-up & picnic 
Sept. 14 Parenting Book Read Discussion- Bless This Mess
Oct. 23 Family Work Day at Farrington with potluck after 
Nov. 23 Advent Workshop 
Dec. 10 Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling 
Feb. 4 Pizza & Movie Night! 
Mar. 15 Social Action Sunday 
Potlucks and Pizza Nights 
And so much more! Please join us!