Children and Youth Ministries Programs 2025-2026
Nursery at First Parish Brewster
Ages 0 to Pre-K
Sundays, 10:00–11:15 AM | Led by Claudia Hardwick
Our nursery is a gentle, loving space where the youngest members of our community are cared for with kindness and warmth. Each week, we read an engaging story to spark curiosity and a sense of wonder, helping little ones feel safe, comfortable, and truly seen as they begin their journey with our church family.
Meet Claudia:
Claudia Hardwick brings a heart full of compassion and years of experience in early childhood care. She creates a nurturing environment where every child is valued and receives the special attention they deserve.
We look forward to welcoming your little one and making Sundays a joyful start to their spiritual journey.
UU Elementary Program
Ages K to 5
Sundays 10–11:15 AM | Director: Anna Smith
Our Unitarian Universalist elementary program offers a nurturing and engaging space where children can explore their values, build friendships, and connect with the world around them. Grounded in themes of compassion, belonging, and kindness, the program follows the Soul Matters monthly themes, creating a rich environment for spiritual and emotional growth.
Each Sunday morning, children gather in our intentional and inspiring children’s space, where they can choose from a variety of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and reflection.
Program Highlights:
- Creative Arts: Monthly art projects bring values to life through creativity. A “Courage” theme might involve making superhero capes or masks, while a “Compassion” theme could inspire painting kindness rocks to share with others.
- Storytelling: Each week features engaging stories chosen to reflect our shared values and the developmental needs of young learners. Stories are carefully chosen to resonate with their developmental stage and to spark discussions about values and feelings.
- Community Building: Community Building: Cooperative games and group activities encourage teamwork, respect, and strong friendships.
Every Sunday is an opportunity for children to grow emotionally and spiritually—while having fun, making friends, and feeling at home.
Middle School Youth Group
Sundays, 4–6 PM | Advisors: Finn Allen & Maia Selkow
Our Unitarian Universalist Middle School Youth Group is an, inclusive space where young teens (grades 6–8) can be themselves, connect with peers, and explore what matters most. Rooted in UU values, the group blends fun, reflection, and action to support each youth’s spiritual and emotional growth.
Program Highlights:
- Social Action Projects: From volunteering to advocacy and community events, we’ll take on hands-on projects that make a real difference. Our middle schoolers have the opportunity to take the lead on projects that promote justice, inclusion, and compassion in the wider community.
- Reflection & Discussion: Each week, we make space for honest conversations and reflection. Together, we explore how love shows up in our lives, our communities, and the world around us, helping us connect what we believe with how we live and grow into more thoughtful, compassionate people.
This group is a supportive and energizing space to grow, serve, and build lasting friendships..
High School Youth Group
Currently on Pause
Interested in joining or helping to restart the group? Contact Anna Smith at cym@firstparishbrewster.org
Our high school youth group is a space where teens come together to explore big ideas, build meaningful friendships, and make a difference in the world. While the group is currently on pause, we’re hoping to gather interest and energy for a new chapter.
The group focuses on building a community grounded in empathy, respect, and shared commitment to justice. Youth are encouraged to show up as their full selves, share openly, and support one another in a safe, inclusive space.
What the group offers when active:
- Social Action Projects: From local volunteering to advocacy and organizing, youth lead and participate in projects that put love into action and support justice, equity, and inclusion.
- Reflection & Discussion: Meetings include space for thoughtful conversations about how our values shape the way we live, care for others, and take action in the world.
If you’re a high schooler looking for a place to connect, reflect, and create change, or if you’re a parent or caregiver interested in helping get this group going again, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.