Programs for 2021-2022

September 19: Zoom/Virtual worship.  Part 1 of our In-gathering with Water Communion service.  We’ll bless water from our homes, where we’ve been the last year, and…

September 26: Gather for in-person outdoor worship!  Bring your blessed water from home!

Beginning in October, worship services will begin in-person OUTSIDE so families may feel comfortable bringing their children to worship.  Following the Time for All Ages (at about 10:15/20 or so), those who wish to continue in the worship service will enter the Sanctuary (with masks on, windows open, and distanced seating – no choir indoors) and those who wish to participate in Sunday morning programming for children, youth, and families will walk up the hill.  We’ll begin on the Parish House playground to get a sense of who is with us, then begin our morning activities – either by grade (if we have enough kiddos) or as a group. We will remain outside – only entering the building in pairs if bathroom facilities are needed. From the Parish House, we will be taking hikes, picking apples, meeting in smaller grade-groups to explore, playing on the playground, and more!

ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

Babies-PreK – Jan and her teen assistant will be ready to greet our littlest members at 9:45 outside on the playground tot-lot.  Use of indoor space will be for hygiene visits and only if the weather is inclement to remain outdoors. When indoors, all precautions will be taken – Jan is a pro… this is what she does all week.

K-2nd – On days when we have enough children to divide by grade, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders will meet for Spirit Play.  We will take traditional, spiritual, ethical, and moral tales, read through them and turn them into skits.  With luck, we’ll be able to offer presentations to our church community using the amphitheater seating on the playground.

3rd-5th – On days when we have enough children to divide by grade, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will meet for Sacred Stories.  Those who love, have knowledge about, or are curious about the Harry Potter books will use this enthusiasm to consider how the themes in the Harry Potter books compare with themes in the Old and New Testaments.  What do Moses and Harry have in common?  What is the role of prophesy?  What is the nature of good and evil?

6th-8th – will meet weekly on Sunday mornings and at other times to visit worship with other faith traditions (in-person or virtually).  We tried our best last year, but it left much to be desired.  Let’s re-boot and give last year’s 7th graders (this year’s 8th graders) an opportunity to join the exploration.  This fall: Buddhism, Hinduism; spring: Asian philosophy religions (Confucianism, Shinto, Taoism).

High Schoolers – are welcome to join us for worship.  You’ve earned it!  As you progress toward adulthood, we hope to continue to provide spiritual nourishment and general encouragement as you travel your path!  This is your community of faith and we love to love you!

Sunday morning RE cannot run without two ADULT VOLUNTEERS to support the paid teens who will be there weekly.  FPL RE is moving to a semi-cooperative model.  Please SIGN UP HERE to let us know which Sundays will work for you to take turn (consider making it the same Sunday your family participates in worship – all-in-one!).

BEYOND SUNDAY MORNINGS

8th Grade OWL – will take place again this year!  Beginning in early November and continuing through late May, we invite 8th graders to REGISTER HERE.  More information about dates will follow and you will be asked to confirm your registration after the parent meeting night.  We will require all participants to be vaccinated and will wear masks and distance… so space is limited.

High School Youth Groups – are in the final stages of planning and preparation… including a 9th grade group and a 10th-12th grade group.  More information to come!

Family Movie Nights – SIGN UP HERE to host a movie night in your backyard!  We’re hoping to have one each month (Sept, Oct, Nov/early – Apr, May, June… if Dec or Mar are warm, we’ll add ’em in!).  If you don’t have the equipment, FPL will provide the screen, projector, and a computer with a DVD slot (or connect your device to stream). You pick the day, time, and movie!  SiGN uP ToDAy!

Family Fun – You-all have the BEST ideas and get up to some really fun stuff!  SIGN UP HERE to lead a Family Fun adventure.  Hike? Apple-picking? Pumpkin picking? Hayride? These could also include a service piece… meet at Donelan’s to ask for food pantry donations? Codman clean-up day? There are lots of non-profits we can support with our time and talents!

Just for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers – There will be three family/parenting centered Adult Education offerings this church year; which will meet in the evening, in-person and via Zoom (hybrid – come on over or Zoom on in)…

• Anti-Racist Parenting Group:  using the themes from “Anti-Racist Baby” and adapting them for parents of children of all ages, we’ll consider how we talk about race and racism with our children and share resources.  Discussion, articles, TED talks, practices, sharing… this will be what you bring to it.
• Parents as Sex-Educators:  did you know YOU are your child’s best sex educator and body safety advocate?  Let’s talk about how to talk with our children about body parts, humans as sexual creatures, and body safety.
• Preparing for College:  this is not “how to save” or how to guide your child into the best school for them… this goes more to the heart of the matter.  Using the book, “51 Tips for Parents of College Students”, we’ll walk through how to ease the transition from high school to college for both youth and their caring adults.  What are some things you can do a year or more ahead? How will you cope and help your child cope after drop-off?  We’ll share information, ideas, and lots of support!