Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist Newcomer Frequently Asked Questions

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                Children's Religious Education (Sunday School) FAQs

                General FAQs about our church and Unitarian Universalism

Sunday School FAQs

Does Channing offer Sunday School for children?

Yes, Channing offers a Sunday morning religious education program for children from infant to 8th grade. We also offer a Coming of Age program for 9th grade youth on Saturdays. Our high school youth participate in social responsibility projects - approximately once per month - with the middle school youth.

When is Sunday school?

All children and youth attend the first part of the worship service (which begins at 10 a.m.) with their families. Then, following a Story for All Ages, the congregation 'sings' the children  to class.  Classes end at 11:15. The worship service ends around 11:00, allowing time for the adults to visit with each other before picking up their children from class.

Can I bring my child to Sunday School just to see if he/she likes it?

Yes. We encourage you to bring your child often. Depending on your child, it may take a few Sundays before they feel comfortable in the classroom.

Is there a fee for attending Sunday School?

The children’s religious education program is part of the entire ministry of Channing Memorial Church. The program is funded by contributions from members and friends. We do not charge a registration fee for attending Sunday School, but, for health and safety reasons, we do require that you register your child/children who will be in our care at Sunday School.

How can I find the Sunday School classrooms when I get to Northfield Elementary School?

Look for someone at the Religious Education table in the school foyer as you come in to help you find where your child's class will meet when the children leave the worship service for Sunday school classes.

What if my child doesn’t want to stay in Sunday School?

Children are apt to feel apprehensive in a new situation. It can be overwhelming to a child to be left alone in a room full of “strangers.” As the parent or guardian, you are welcome to stay in the classroom until your child adjusts to the new situation.

Can my child stay with me in the worship service?

Yes. Children are always welcome to stay with their families in the worship service.

What if I have more questions about Channing’s religious education program?

Please feel free to contact Channing’s Director of Religious Education, Christy Guenther. Her email address is DRE at channingmc.org. She can also be reached by phone at the church office, 410-203-0474.

General Channing Memorial Church and UU  FAQs

What are Sunday worship services like?

Most services last about an hour. They usually begin with a musical and spoken call to worship, followed by  the lighting of the chalice - the symbol of Unitarian Universalism - by a child from the congregation.  Brief words of reflection are usually read as it is lit, inaugurating the start of the service. We sing from our hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition, which contains a wide range of traditional hymns and contemporary songs. We often hear a Story for All Ages, setting a theme that can be understood at different levels by children and adults. Then our Sunday School children and teachers are 'sung' to their classes, and those remaining continue the worship service. We sometimes listen to, or share reading lines of, a poem or essay. A spoken prayer is followed by 5 minutes of silent meditation, during which the congregation is invited to come to the front of the sanctuary and light "Candles of Joy and Concern" to honor an event in their lives, or to reflect on or pray for something that is troubling. A sermon is delivered by the minister, Reverend Susan LaMar or, occasionally, a guest speaker. The sermons are usually thematic and often touch on universal themes of life, truth, and meaning in today's world. Stories, myths, and poems, as well as scripture from a variety of world religions are often intertwined in the sermon. We close our services with music, a closing blessing, and the extinguishing of the chalice flame.

Is there nearby parking at Northfield Elementary School if I come to worship on a Sunday?

Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces, including handicapped/disabled parking spaces, directly in front of the school. There is also parking available in the parking lot of the Dunloggin Middle School, right next to Northfield.

What should I wear to Sunday worship services?

Our dress ranges from 'play' clothes to business casual. Whether you feel more more comfortable wearing a shirt and tie, or prefer flip-flops and a sleeveless blouse, you won't feel out of place here. The sanctuary area is generally cool, so you might want a light sweater or jacket. If you're bringing a child to Sunday School, dress them for outdoor play and/or possible craft activities (painting, working with clay, etc).

Are there restrooms and drinking fountains available for worshipers at Northfield Elementary School?

Yes, both are located in the main hallway of the school, just beyond the entrance foyer, between the sanctuary entrance/exit doors.

How can I make an appointment with the minister?

Contact Rev. Susan LaMar directly at 410-203-0474 (church office), or .

How can I learn more about Channing Memorial Church?

If you come to a Channing Sunday worship service at Northfield Elementary School in Ellicott City, before or after the service stop by the Newcomers table, or any of the other display tables set up in the back of the sanctuary. Chat with a member. Read the Sunday Bulletin in the Order of Service for announcements about our activities and events. After the service, mingle with members, friends, and the minister at our coffee table outside the sanctuary. Anyone will be happy to answer your questions or, if they don't know the answer, they can direct you to someone who can. Read our newsletter or pick up a copy of the Adult Religious Education brochure (copies of both are on the Newcomers table). Explore our website, especially our history, worship, and congregational life pages.

Are there religious education programs for adults, in addition to Sunday services?

Yes, please see the adult religious education listings; or pick up an Adult Religious Education Brochure or the current Channing newsletter,  the Channing Connection, on the Newcomers table at the back of the sanctuary; or look at the Announcements Bulletin in the Sunday Order of Service for additional offerings.

How can I find out more about Unitarian Universalism?

A good place to start is the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) website (www.uua.org/visitors/). You can also read about an historic Unitarian figure, William Ellery Channing, our church's namesake. If you are interested in becoming a member of Channing Memorial Church, you will also learn more about UUism in our New to UU class held for all prospective new members (and other interested members) twice each year.

Can I get on an e-mail list to learn about upcoming Channing worship services, events, and activities?

Members and contributing friends, and visitors who have attended three or more Channing worship services and left contact information in the Guest Book, can request to be put on a group e-mail list by contacting .

This page was last updated on 05/05/2008