Programs for 2020-2021

This year, we are getting cREative with our programming to meet the needs of children, youth, and families as they – as we all – become accustomed to an unusual school and church year.

Our programs this year are designed to be…

  • Nimble – so we stay relevant and responsive to needs, schedules, and changing situations;
  • Sustaining – of our relationships with one another, we are a community who cares;
  • Nurturing – of spirit… we’ll be facing much this year, Dear Ones; we hold you in love.

Upcoming RE Events

Sunday Morning Worship | 10am
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/430798926?pwd=RE9LSFZxZUNDQW11MVV1NnlWQXIwQT09
Meeting ID: 430 798 926
Password: 749004
Phone number (for audio only): 646 558 8656

Family Breakfast Club | Sundays @ 9:15am
https://zoom.us/j/92598661240?pwd=S0c5V2d2a0RPdVcwTk4xb3owRVFiQT09
Meeting ID: 925 9866 1240
Passcode: 493283

Classes & Activities

Any activities we offer in-person (physically distanced, outside on the playground or at off-site destinations) or offer virtually will require registration in our program AND/OR registration for the activity. When you register for the program, parents will receive a weekly newsletter with updates of offerings (optional) and/or text message reminders (also optional). Children will receive weekly postcards in the mail which feature gentle stretches and movement exercises they may do to relieve stress and or virtual learning or homework fatigue; and they will receive monthly “Parish to Porch” kits based on a monthly theme (crafts and activity ideas). The themes will be further explored in…

Regular gatherings for children – including:

  • Pre-K – K:  Story times and sing-alongs (one or two days per month, time TBD)
  • 1st – 2nd and 3rd-5th:  Monthly Zoom or in-person (outside) gatherings – play games, scavenger hunts, virtual theatrics, crafts, virtual field trips, etc. (one or two days per month, time TBD)
  • 6th – 7th:  “Crossing Paths” like “Neighboring Faiths” but built for a virtual environment – students will learn about other faith traditions, then Zoom into worship services of those faiths (one or two evenings per month and a “field trip” to a virtual worship service on Friday evening, Saturday evening, or Sunday morning)
  • 8th – OWL: Taking Flight; human anatomy and sexuality – a time honored class at FPL; registration for FPL members at first, then for non-members if space allows (one or two Sunday evenings per month; 7:30 start)
  • 9th – 12th:  Youth Group “Sacred Words, Words in Action” – religious language can feel very distant to our traditions today, but there is historical significance. We’ll consider some sacred words. Students will consider ways of linking religious words to social action. By the end of the year, youth will choose a word as their own and share how this word has meaning for them at this place and time. (one Sunday evening per month; 7:30 start)

But wait… no, really… wait. Let’s take a deep breath. We’re in no rush. You’ve got a lot to think about with the start of school. Please register your family so your kids can get the postcards and kits. We’ll work together to find good times for all the rest.

Here are some ideas and activities for nurturing your own spirit and for engaging with the larger Spirit.

  • In the Parish News this spring, we began sharing a Weekly Grace. Here they are collected for you.
  • In the Summer News Briefs, we changed things up a bit and offered Weekly Prayers for Bedtime. We continued with evening prayers during the winter holidays with Weekly Prayers for the Gloaming. Here they are collected for you.
  • Are you getting out in nature or wanting to get out in nature? Make it intentional with a nature journal. I’ve included one we’ve used in our house – and you can make your own! Creation is a marvelous thing! Go out and celebrate it!
  • Praying And Coloring – this is such a great activity to do quietly, with others in your family. Your finished work can be kept and held dear or sent to someone you love.
  • Our buildings are closed and we cannot gather in our familiar sanctuary. You can create your own home sanctuary! Here are some design tips and “Soul Matters” materials for engaging with and within your sacred space.

I’ve taken our curriculum and tried to build a program that can be done at home, in your own time. That said, if a group of us find something so good that we just want to talk more about it, we’ll schedule some Zoom meetings – or gather in the rainbow chairs at the church for a good chat…

  • “Harry Potter and the Sacred Stories“ – an AMAZING podcast series that uses Harry Potter AS sacred text! HARRY POTTER FANS, YOU’LL LOVE THIS! Take it book by book! There are “trailers” on the VRE website! (Parents, preview – I haven’t listened to all of them… yet!)
  • How about “D’oh, God“? The Simpsons cartoon is an unusual (and unusually cheeky) place to find religious content; but it’s there. Watch an episode and use the notes for discussion! (definitely for slightly older kids – parents, use discretion)
  • The Little Brute Family are rough and gruff. They never say please or thank you… until, one day, Baby Brute finds a little lost wandering Good Feeling. This story is all about First Parish in Lincoln’s Covenant… In the love of truth, and in the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of all. 
  • LunchTime for All Ages Activities to do at home: We hope you were able to join us an are glad you’d like more information about our activity OR we’re sad you couldn’t join us, but are glad you’re engaging with the activities now! Either way, we hope you enjoy the tour of the van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, looking at cloud formations, going on a nature hike with Henry David Thoreau, and going to the zoo to see all the creatures! It’s all right here.

Parents, we’ll have social gatherings after bed time, guest speakers, and a monthly meeting for those who wish to participate in a small group centered on “Parents as Primary Sex Educators: You can do it, we can help.” If you wish to be part of this group, email  Margit@FPLincoln.org with the subject “PPSE”. This group will start in October.