UFPC Religious Education

At United First Parish Church (UFPC), we engage in summer Chalice Circles, Soul Matters Sharing Circle small group ministry, and Spirit Circle, which is another way to embody lifespan Unitarian Universalist religious education. Spirit Circle was created at UFPC a few years ago as part of a visioning process led by the congregational board that illuminated UFPC’s desire to focus on family ministry with the goal of fostering connections between children, families, and others in the congregation. What was needed was less of a focus on school-centered learning and curriculum and instead more shared, multigenerational experiences. 

Religious education programming on Sunday mornings is for families, with outings open to everyone in the congregation. Outings include hands-on learning days at Holly Hill Farm and trips to services of other religious faiths.

Four Components of Spirit Circle:
Art offers a spiritual life force that is palpable with the sense of joy, and sensory connection; Mindfulness supports our sense of calm and internal practice of peace; Earth Care offers us an opportunity to join in greater union with our Earth as we transform our suffering planetary through healing ways; and UU Values is at the center of our religious-spiritual life. It is the central pulse which provides learning, inspiration, wholeness, and holiness as we join with one another on Sacred Sundays.

2025-2026 Spirit Circle Instructors:

• Elizabeth Foster (Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry, dre@ufpc.org)
• Max Olson
• Paula Webster
• Jon Belber