First Universalist Society in Franklin’s Religious Education Classes meet on Sunday mornings during our 10:00 am service. Babies and children under 5 are welcome to attend the service with their caregiver(s) or go to the Nest Nursery (details below). Unless otherwise noted, we invite children and teens to join their caregiver(s) in the sanctuary for the beginning of the service. After the Time for All Ages, which is at approximately 10:15, the congregation will sing the children, teens, and teachers to their classrooms.

In 2025-2026 Religious Education will be taught either as a whole group called The Circle or in grade based groups. We have discovered that there are gifts and benefits to both learning together as a whole group and learning with similar aged peers. To stay updated on what is happening on a given week, please see the Religious Education Schedule and/or the E-messenger which is emailed every Thursday (email office@fusf.com to be added to the email list).

The Circle – A gathering for children and youth (PreK-9th Grade)

Circle classes are a time for the community of children to come together around a common theme, usually related to a seasonal holiday or a larger service project. Circle Sundays brings our Religious Education classes together to learn and grow in community together. Everyone is welcome in the circle!

Gathering in Our Class Communities

Nursery – recommended ages 0-5

The FUSF nursery will be open every Sunday from 9:30 am – 11:30 pm (Labor Day – mid June).  Babies and children in this age range will enjoy a morning of play. While our nursery is designed for children ages 0 to 5, older children are welcome as long as they are able to play safely and respectfully with the younger children.  Caregivers will be asked to sign their children in and out of nursery each week. 

Lower Elementary (PreK – Grade 3)

This group will be using Soul Matters elementary curriculum packets. Each month we will be exploring a different theme and connecting that theme to our Unitarian Universalist Values and faith. During classes the children will be introduced to the theme with a story, book, or wonder box followed by conversation. Then they will explore the theme by completing activities such as games, crafts, creating art, and/or play.

Soul Matters 2025-2026 Themes:

September: Building Belonging
October:  Cultivating Compassion
November:  Nurturing Gratitude
December:  Choosing Hope
January:  Practicing Resistance
February:  Embodying Resilience  
March:  Paying Attention
April:  Embracing Possibility
May:  Awakening Curiosity  
​June:  Flourishing Together  

Grades 4 – 9

Our older Religious Education group will be using Soul Matters‘ Middle School curriculum. Each month we will be exploring a different theme and connecting that theme to our Unitarian Universalist Values and faith through discussion, games, and art.

Grades 9-12

Our students in grades 9 through 12, are invited to: attend worship in the sanctuary, volunteer as an assistant teacher in the younger class, work in the nursery, or complete tasks for the FUSF community.