New to FUSN / Religious Education
Bring Your Children and Your Selves to Religious Education Classes
The First Unitarian Society in Newton's Unitarian Universalist Religious Education (RE) program includes, under one administrative umbrella, Sunday morning Nursery care and classes for children up through Grade Seven, a comprehensive Coming of Age Program, Sunday evening Youth Group, and Adult Religious Education, forming a lifespan religious education program.
The mission and the goal for the children's program:
To value the ongoing search for truth and meaning in life, to cultivate strong moral character, to promote social justice, to learn about other religions, and to develop tolerance and respect for the different ways people express their spirituality. The program aims to strike a balance between the following areas of study: Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values, Judeo-Christian heritage, world religions, peace and social justice, the connection to the earth, and personal decision-making skills.
The First Unitarian Society in Newton Lifespan Religious Education Program is staffed by a full-time director of lifespan religious education, and a part-time assistant. They work together with the lay-led Religious Education Council to provide programs for the society's lifespan learning community. The children's program is a cooperative model where parents teach one semester every two years; other opportunities for involvement are always available.
Nursery through Grade Seven
There are two paid youth helpers and one adult staff member in charge of the Nursery, which is open to babies and toddlers up to age three from 10:10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Sunday mornings. The RE year has two semesters: September-January and February-May. Each class, from Kindergarten through Grade 7, has a specific curriculum and may have different teachers for each curriculum. Descriptions of all curricula are available in the teachers' room.
The Fall Nursery - Grade 7 schedule can be a helpful tool in letting your family know what is happening on any given Sunday. The Spring Nursery - Grade 7 schedule is also available.
Coming of Age
This rite-of-passage program primarily involves 8th graders, bridging their experiences with FUSN's Nursery-through-7th-grade Sunday morning program to the Youth Group. The COA program has four parts: Comparative Religions, Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education, social service, and a year-long relationship with an adult mentor who is a member of the FUSN community. There is a weekend retreat in the fall and First Friday program meetings throughout the year, culminating with a graduation service in May attended by the FUSN community.
Youth Group
The Youth Group is comprised of high school age youth (grades 9-12) who gather weekly for worship, fun, social action, and deepening relationships. It is an ongoing group that seeks to foster spiritual depth, clarify both individual and universal religious values and create a peaceful community on Earth. A part of the Unitarian Universalist youth movement, this group welcomes all high school students in our faith community.
Adult Religious Education
This program aims to suit the needs and interests of FUSN congregants as the community identifies them. Programming for adults has always been an important part of FUSN's tradition, and the Adult Education Committee, with strong staff support, identifies community members who have special skills, experiences, and expertise to share. Recent courses range from Bible Study, to Mindful Parenting, to Saints and Sinners.
Interim Director of Lifespan Religious Education: Mr. Barb Greve, Email: dlre [at] fusn [dot] org
Assistant to the IDLRE: Wendy Berenson, Email: reassist [at] fusn [dot] org
Director's Office Hours
Tuesday & Thursday: 1-7
Wednesday: 10-4
Appointments are available at other times - please call or email to set up an appointment.
Phone: 617-332-3438
