High School Youth Program
First Parish has a wide variety of youth programming that we offer to high school age youth. It is our hope that all of the youth connected to First Parish will find one way or many ways to connect with the other youth and the wider church community.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Group
Our youth group is called YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists). We meet every Sunday evening (except Holiday weekends) from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. We “check-in” with each other each week and then do everything from discuss issues in our lives to play games to worship. This youth-led group is open and welcome to everyone whether you come each week or drop in when you can.
Welcome Letter to Youth and Families for the 2011-2012 Church YearWe go on two camping retreats per year, usually in the fall and winter, and hold lock-ins at the church throughout the year. While on retreat, we build community, relax, enjoy nature and have fun.
Youth Advisory Council
YAC is a committee of youth leaders and a few caring and connected adults that meet once a month to plan and coordinate First Parish’s youth programs with the Youth Director. YAC is made up of youth from each grade level. If you are interested in a fun leadership opportunity, then see the Youth Director or one of the senior leaders.
YOUTH SOCIAL ACTION
Social Action Projects
The YAC plans a few social action projects specifically for youth. Some examples of the projects in which we have participated are listed below. We do not necessarily do each one of these every year.
- Jericho Road Bike Ride
- Fall Council on Aging Workday
- Oxfam Dinner
- Boston City Reach Retreat
- Common Cathedral
- April vacation Youth Service Trip to New Orleans
- April vacation Youth Service Trip to El Salvador
- Transylvania Pilgramage, every other summer (See the Pilgramages Page)
- February vacation Heifer Project Service Trip to Honduras
- November service trip to Heifer Overlook Farm
Religious Education Assistants
Youth can earn community service credit by assisting with Religious Education on Sunday mornings. Contact Pam Howell at First Parish if interested.
WORSHIP
Worship Leaders - Youth Service
Youth can help plan and participate in the Youth Service which is usually held in March or April. We have a lock-in the Friday before to rehearse.
Sunday Morning Worship
Youth are warmly invited to be readers or make announcements at Sunday morning services. Sometimes youth lead worship for children in the Chapel as well. Please contact our ministers, Elaine Beth Peresluha and/or Jenny Rankin, if you are interested.