Children’s Worship Experiences

There is a variety of opportunities for children to experience worship. We recognize that ritual is important to the lives of children, so every Sunday all children and youth are welcome in the sanctuary to experience the first fifteen minutes of the service. The children participate in the Time for All Ages message, and then they are sung out for their morning activities.

Children’s Chapel – Occasionally, the children gather in the chapel to explore the congregational monthly theme. This enables parents, children and the whole church to go on the same spiritual journey, and gives parents the opportunity engage with their children in conversation on the same topic. We delve into the monthly theme through  story, song, movement and silence. A sense of worth is exemplified where all of the children are encouraged to be active participants in these monthly gatherings.

Multi-generational Services

Multigenerational worship is an important element of worship at First Parish. It is designed to engage all ages—from babies to elders—in a shared experience of spiritual growth. They are held once or twice a month so that children become more comfortable in the worship setting along side their parent/guardians.  Multigenerational services usually happen around holidays (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving) or times of special significance for our congregation (In gathering, Flower Celebration, Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday, Animal Blessing).  Children are always encouraged to be active participants in the service and the service is structured so that it is more engaging and fun for children.

Social Justice Sundays

Our second Unitarian Universalist Principle: JUSTICE, EQUITY, AND COMPASSION IN HUMAN RELATIONS is an important part of who we are. On Social Justice Sundays children and youth are given an opportunity to participate in a project that affects the wider community or world. We have done Birthday Bags for our local food pantry, encouraged children’s participation in a local diaper drive, and we have done mini-walks in support of  various social agencies.