Religious Education

Program Goals

The Religious Education Program at First Parish of Norwell seeks to foster in our students: 

• A belief in the continuous search for truth and knowledge

• An understanding of the viewpoint of others and an increased ability to make moral decisions

• An acquaintance with their Judeo-Christian roots

• An introduction to world religions

• A sense of their church as a place of spiritual support and community

Firmly grounded in the traditions and principles of Unitarian Universalism, and part of a gathered religious community that traces its history back to 1640, our programs seek to maintain the best of our traditions while continually exploring and seeking to grow in mind and soul. Our church school offers classes for children from age 3 years old through 8th grade. High school youth can become active in our youth group. As a cooperative church school, we rely on a dedicated and very enthusiastic group of volunteers who together are dedicated to our children and youth and to their growth in the liberal, spiritual, and social values of Unitarian Universalism.

Religious Education Committee

Religious Education Staff for 2023-2024:

Amanda Adams - Director of Community Engagement

Becky Smock - Lead RE Teacher and Activities Coordinator

Jon Babcock - Youth Group Director

Karen Hardner-Bernier – Youth Group Assistant

Kian Puleo and Donna DeChellis – Nursery Staff

Unitarian Universalism is a rich tapestry of spiritual, theological, practical, and social expression. It reveals a particular way of looking at the world, an "angle of vision" as Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed it, that is specific to the individual. We embrace each person’s own search for truth and meaning in an intentionally inclusive environment, while working to build a thriving community that is grounded in kindness, respect, open-dialogue, and good works. Our religious education program at First Parish Norwell fosters spiritual and intellectual growth for all ages. We embrace wonderment, questioning hearts and minds, and asking big questions. We embrace you!

Our programs are free of charge and promote:

• Thoughtful group dialogue and the power of healthy communication

• Self-reflection of one’s own thoughts and beliefs and an appreciation for personal growth and evolution

• A greater understanding of Unitarian Universalism’s guiding principles

• Empowerment for positive social action and change

We believe that the quest for personal truth and meaning is a lifelong journey. Our programs are carefully created to meet the needs of our community across the lifespan. It's never too early or too late to explore, question, grow, and take action in the world! First Parish welcomes you, your questions, your individuality, and your friendship. Join us as we grow together!

For more information or to get involved, contact the community@firstparishnorwell.org or a member of the Lifespan Religious Education

A Message from our Director of Community Engagement

Welcome!
Love is at the center of our values and informs our programming for learners of all ages. As we encourage our children to make meaning and search for understanding, we teach them to be guided by love—for one another, for our neighbors and our global community, for our earth, and for ourselves.

That means we place a strong emphasis on building friendships through play and interaction—in classes and on the playground after class is over. We build social events into the calendar so that people of all ages can come together to build bonds and enjoy our community.

We also prioritize social justice and responsibility through a monthly service project, making it easy for families to work together to do good things. When we take time to make art kits for Boston Children’s Hospital or collect socks for Carolina Hill shelter, we are living that love for our neighbors and building a habit of service in our children.

Our Religious Education classes are similarly rooted in love, tolerance, and a search for understanding of self and the world. We want students to explore, question, grow, and take action!

First Parish welcomes you, your questions, your individuality, and your friendship. Join us as we grow together!

-Amanda Adams

Sunday School

CHILDCARE

We offer childcare for babies and toddlers in the nursery located downstairs near our other classrooms. There is no charge for this service.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Our Sunday religious education program provides children an opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and world religions, as well as build community and develop skills they need to consider the big questions in life.

Religious education (RE) at First Parish of Norwell rotates through three themes, World Religions, Judeo-Christian, and Unitarian Universalism. 

• The RE program focuses on UU principles and sources, with an emphasis on embracing diversity and social action. 

• Children will have opportunities to consider their own thoughts and ideas while working in the context of a larger community that is grounded in love, respect, wonder, and hope.

• Programs are offered for the following:

• Grades: K-2

• Grades: 3-5

• Grades: 6 and up

Youth Group and Junior Youth Group

Youth Group: Grades 9 – 12

The FPN Youth Group is led by Director Jon Babcock. The group hosts a mix of fun events and service projects, such as campfire and pizza mixers, a foliage hike, a corn maze adventure, a group cooking project, preparing and delivering lunches for unhoused persons at Father Bill's, participation in the Project Bread Walk for Hunger, and assistance at our FPN Community Dinners.

Junior Youth Group: Grades 6 – 8

The FPN Junior Youth Group is led by Director Becky Smock. This is a combination of fun social activities and service projects. We meet with middle school students from First Parish Cohasset and their director, Kate Sullivan. All are welcome!

Adult Groups

There are many ways to broaden your learning at First Parish of Norwell—whether it is through our Climate Action Expeditions or workshops focused on becoming a "dementia friend" or being an ally to someone who is transgender or gender non-binary.

Our monthly book group meets on Zoom.

If you would like information on how to get more involved in learning at FPN, please reach out to Rev. Susan at minister@firstparishnorwell.org.

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