Religion/Spirituality

In addition to Friday community prayers, Masjid Al-Qur'an has an extensive array of educational and social activities including Islamic education classes. In the spring of 2005 the masjid began a weekly program titled, "Most of All Get an Understanding," which aims to educate non-Muslim members of the community on Islam. The masjid is a member of Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries an interfaith group comprised of 70 faith communities in the Boston area. As part of their urban-suburban partnership program, Masjid al-Qur'an has been paired with Temple Shalom, a reform synagogue in Newton. The partnership has brought rabbis to speak at the masjid and members of the masjid have attended prayer services at the synagogue. The two religious centers have coordinated volunteer activities together such as a food drive and delivering food to home-bound elders on Christmas day. Imam Taalib draws inspiration for the partnership from the fact that the building which houses the masjid was formerly home to a Jewish function hall.

Homework Help: Teens have a supervised time for homework, peer tutoring, and set times in the computer lab. School performance is reviewed and monitored. 
MCAS Preparation: Specialized and remedial tutoring is provided twice a week in math and English to prepare high school students for graduation requirements.
College Preparation: Tutoring is offered in both math and verbal skills to help with standardized tests. Workshops are provided on topics such as financial aid and application assistance. Tours of local colleges are arranged.
Computer Literacy: Classes focus on basic principles of word processing, spreadsheets, internet research, and web page design.
Focus Groups: A male and female focus group meets once a week to address adolescent developmental issues and the multiple challenges that confront youth today such as sexual activity, drugs/alcohol, family conflict, immigration issues and deportation, diversity and racism, gang participation, violence, and planning for the future.
Economic Literacy: These classes focus on managing money wisely. Teens set up a no cost bank account and learn to cut spending and increase savings.
Teen Center Council: Teens meet regularly to discuss pertinent issues affecting youth, seek resolution to conflict among members, and help develop and implement programs. Chosen leaders participate in the Teen Center Council and selected members will participate in the community’s Youth Council.
Performing Arts: Artistic programming throughout the year include classes in African Dance and expression through poetry and music.
Outdoor Education: In partnership with the Sierra Club, the Teen Center participates in hiking, canoeing, and over night camping trips in all of the New England area.
Recreational Activities: Planned activities include sports, dances, fashion shows, tournaments, cultural activities, and special field trips.
Youth Mediation: Trained by the Attorney General’s Office, teens help their peers resolve conflicts and disagreements without violence. This program offers students the skills needed to interact with each other at school, home, and in the community.
Counselors in Training: Counselors in Training are paid positions with job responsibilities in the St. Peter’s after-school program and the Teen Center, working 10-15 hours a week. Counselors help with the supervision of youth, homework, arts and crafts, and other projects. Counselors in Training are expected to perform well in school and take advantage of the Teen Center’s services.
Community Service: All teens have the opportunity to carry out supervised community service projects to increase their knowledge of the community and its needs, foster a sense of investment in their neighborhood, and develop positive values of service and contribution.
Family Fun Night: Events are held periodically offering games, cultural activities, and refreshments to involve members’ families.
Family Support: Referrals for community services are offered to the families of participating teens in need of outreach, mediation, and other services.

Children's RE First Parish offers a parent-run Religious Education program for children and childcare for infants and toddlers. On most Sundays, the minister or service leader will invite the children to come forward for the Children’s Focus early in the service, after which the kids go upstairs for their program. If you come with children, you are welcome to have them either try out our RE program or stay with you during the service. If you wish, you may also accompany them upstairs. This year, we will be learning about how other cultures and religions celebrate life, their beliefs, famous people, occurrences in nature, and times of year. Using a UU curriculum known as “Holidays and Holy Days” we will learn about important days as well as significant parts of the traditions and culture they come from. Through crafts, ceremonies, games and discussion, our religious education program will help our children learn more about the world and people around us and the many ways people are religious. The more holidays we learn about, the more we can understand. Some holidays will be more familiar, while others will open us to other spiritual and cultural practices. Adult RE Programs for adults have included: Building Your Own Theology Meditation and other spiritual practices Historic Jesus