Religious Education
Welcome to Religious Education at First Church where we provide tools to help us
- grow spiritually
- build stronger families
- improve relationships
- make the world a better place.
Children and Youth
Children and Youth start out in the sanctuary and leave from the worship service for their classes after the Big Idea. Classes for children through 5th grade are available at the 9:30 service. At the 11:30 service time, there are classes from Preschool through 12th grade. Middle and High School youth often meet until 1:00 p.m. They will find their parents in Channing Hall when finished. Children 5th grade and younger conclude their classes with a Closing Circle in the Fireside Room, where parents can join them and pick them up. Click here for more information.
Young Adults
Anyone in their 20’s and 30’s is invited to join other young adults for a variety of different programs that focus on faith formation, social justice and fellowship. Contact YoungAdultCoordinators@firstuu.org for more information or see our Enrichment Brochure for information about regularly scheduled get-togethers. Join us for lunch on the first Sunday of each month at 12:30 p.m. We gather in the front courtyard before going for lunch at a local restaurant. Or come along for brunch on the third Sunday of each month as we head out for a good meal, great conversation, fun and fellowship at 10:30 a.m. after the first worship service.
Adults
Growth GroUUps make up the core faith formation program for adults. Growth Groups are small groups designed to provide First Church members and friends with a setting to get to know each other while discussing the week’s sermon and how the subject matter affects our daily lives and spiritual growth. The groups meet weekly for 8 to 10 weeks then take a break of a few weeks before restarting. Contact growthgroups@firstuu.org for the next start date.
Family Ministry
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the activities of the Children and Youth Religious Education Program not only to support their children but to develop ties with other families. We also offer a monthly Parents’ Night Out and a monthly Parents’ Group on Sunday mornings for growth and fellowship. Families can keep up with this ministry through Rejoice, a weekly publication of the Religious Education community.
Sexuality Education
We offer a curriculum of age-appropriate sexuality education by trained facilitators to children, teens, and adults. The curriculum, Our Whole Lives, helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture.