Parent Support and Resources
Many who attend Unitarian Universalist churches are coming from another faith tradition, or a childhood that did not include going to church or temple. Many families with children include parents who each come from different faith perspectives. We recognize that Unitarian Universalism can be like navigating in a foreign country — the language is unfamiliar, and the ground can feel a little shaky at times! We are all here to support you and your family.
Adult Programs
The Adult Programs Committee at First Parish offers a rich array of programs for adults and older youth that include classes especially geared for those new to UUism. Each fall we offer “The New UU,” held on four evenings. In addition to the many classes, there are weekly drop-in circles for newcomers at noon on Sundays after church. A full listing of Adult Programs is available through the link above, and in a brochure available at church. Consider taking a class with your teenager — liven up those tired old dinner time conversations!
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) website
We also recommend the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) website and its many helpful links to help guide you in your search. One recommended link for parents is www.uua.org/families.
The UUA also publishes a monthly magazine called “UU World,” which includes a pullout section especially for children, “UU & Me!” Members of UU churches receive “UU World” as part of their membership, others can subscribe through the UUA website.
Also on the website is a link to the UUA Bookstore which has an impressive collection of books that families and those new to UUism find useful and interesting. One booklet that is highly recommended for all UU families to have in their home libraries is “Religious Education At Home,” published by the Church of the Larger Fellowship. This booklet is available at the UUA Bookstore, at the RG&L registration table in September, or from the DRE at other times.
Another important resource is a pamphlet entitled “RE Curriculum & Reading Resources for Educators and Parents,” also found at the RG&L registration table or from the DRE.
Online Chat Rooms
There are also a wide variety of “chat rooms” available for on-line discussion groups. One recommended to parents is www.uu-parenting.org. More links can be found on the UUA website listed above.
UU Summer Camps & Retreat Centers
UU summer camps for children and family retreat centers that are popular with First Parishioners include Camp Unirondack in New York state, a UU summer camp for children and youth; the Rowe Camp and Conference Center in western Massachusetts; Ferry Beach, in Maine; and Star Island, 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire in the Isles of Shoals. Click on the links above for more information about each of these camps/centers, or see the resource table in Parish Hall for literature, or contact the DRE or any member of the ministry staff.