Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist Child/Youth Religious Education

Welcome to Channing Memorial Church's
Children and Youth Religious Education Program

It has been said that spirituality is the well, and religions are the buckets in which we draw up the water. In the Channing religious education program our bucket is Unitarian Universalism but added also are offerings from other buckets. The goal is for children eventually to make their own sweet mix of reviving, nurturing, sustaining, inspiring water of life.

The Religious Education Committee and Director of Religious Education

We, the members of Channing Memorial Church, have identified the following as our shared vision for our Lifespan Religious Education Program:

We strive to provide a well-organized, year-round RE program which supports the spiritual, religious, ethical and moral growth of the members, families, and friends of the congregation in a safe and nurturing environment.

We strive to:

• Cultivate an understanding of and identification with Unitarian Universalism and our religious heritage
• Expose our children, youth, and adults to the richness of world religions, with an emphasis on Judaism and Christianity
• Enable each person to develop his or her own sense of self
• Build healthy relationships and foster a nurturing church community
• Be aware of the needs of the larger community and respond through social action
• Care for the environment in which we live
• Support and nurture the mission and vision of Channing Memorial Church.

We covenant to support the Lifespan Religious Education Program of this congregation by:

• Providing volunteers necessary to develop and implement all aspects of the RE program including administration
• Seeking professional leadership for the program
• Providing generous financial support
• Providing adequate space
• Encouraging active participation by members, families and friends
• Providing clear expectations and definitions of all volunteer and professional duties.

Responsibilities and Objectives

• Cultivate an understanding of and identification with Unitarian Universalism and our religious heritage.
• Expose our children and youth to the richness of world religions, with an emphasis on Judaism and Christianity.
• Provide a safe and loving space, supporting each child on his or her own spiritual journey.
• Enable each child to develop his or her own sense of self.
• Build healthy relationships and foster a nurturing church community.
• Be aware of the needs of the larger community and respond through social action.
• Take steps to care for the environment in which we live.

Sunday Morning Worship Program

The Sunday worship service is from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Children are invited to join in the service for the first 15 or 20 minutes before proceeding to religious education classes.

Intergenerational Service
This is a time for all families and friends to gather together for the entire worship service, which will be appropriate for all ages. We will not have religious education classes on these Sundays. The nursery will be available for children up to two years old.

Nursery Care
During worship services, the nursery is open to children 6 weeks-2 years old, with no reservations needed. Please see our Nursery Policies (available from the DRE on Sundays at Northfield) for more information on general policies, food, health, safety, and behavior management.

Curriculum

Nursery (Infants to age 2) – Our youngest children are cared for in a warm and loving atmosphere by Channing volunteers.  Toys, picture books, some basic craft supplies, and music are part of the nursery environment.

Preschool Class (3 and 4 Year Olds) – We Are Many; We Are One
Stories, games and projects encourage children to honor themselves, their religious community, nature and cultures from around the world. This curriculum features a rich array of games, songs and family newsletters to build relationships between teachers and home.

The younger elementary age children will be using the curriculum from Tapestry of Faith, “Wonderful Welcome.” In this program, children identify intangible gifts central to Unitarian Universalism such as friendship, hospitality, and fairness, and share these gifts with others.

The older elementary age children will be using another curriculum from The Unitarian Universalist Tapestry of Faith curriculum, “Windows and Mirrors.” The metaphor of windows and mirrors represents the dynamic relationship among our awareness of self, our perceptions of others, and others’ perceptions of us.

The Middle School class will explore world religions using the Neighboring Faiths curriculum. In keeping with our Unitarian Universalist Principles, especially the free and responsible search for truth and meaning, this program actively engages youth in exploring the religious traditions in their community. This is the first year of a two-year program and will focus on Christianity and Judaism. The program may include activities, discussions, videos, guest speakers, games, field trips, and visits to other houses of worship. This curriculum also provides opportunities to reflect on Unitarian Universalism and its connection to other religious faiths.

Coming of Age (9th Grade) [Note: There is no Coming of Age class in 2010-11.]
The Coming of Age program is an important rite of passage that honors the transition young people make as they move from childhood through adolescence. The program provides a community of friends and structured experiences that will help the youth learn about themselves and what they believe in. This program requires a separate enrollment form, participation fee, and involves activities outside of Sunday morning worship time.

High School (9^th- 12^th Grades)
The Youth will meet early in the Fall with several advisors to plan a year of fellowship and service activities. In addition to participating in these activities and in the Sunday morning worship services, there are many ways for our youth to be involved in the church.  Some enjoy working as teachers and teacher assistants on selected Sunday mornings, providing music for services as members of the choir or as volunteer musicians, and two currently serve on the Social Responsibility committee.  Whatever your interest, we will help you find your special niche.

In addition to participating in these activities there are many ways for our youth to be involved in the church. Some enjoy working as teachers and teacher assistants on selected Sunday mornings; others provide music for services as members of the choir or as volunteer musicians, or serve on committees. Whatever your interest, we will help you find your special niche.

SERVICE PROJECTS

Social action is an important part of our program. The younger children participate and lead the Guest At Your Table service project. Service opportunities also come up periodically in their curriculum and in all-church social responsibility projects. The middle school and high school youth participate in selected service projects of their own and in church-wide projects.

How to Get Your Child or Youth Involved in Channing's Ministries

Providing a safe and loving space for your child or youth is an integral part of our program. Religious Education brochures and Registration forms are available at the RE table on Sundays. It is important to read the entire brochure and return the registration form so that we can adequately prepare for the year. When you fill out the registration form, consider the volunteer opportunities listed on the back. Please share in your child's experience and help us build our church community by being involved. Registration is processed when the entire form is completed.

Visitors are welcome and may obtain a nametag at the RE table in the front lobby before attending class.

The RE brochure and registration form for the current year are available on the RE table in the lobby. Please complete and return the registration form to the DRE as soon as possible. All children and youth participating in Channing’s religious education program must be registered.

Consider volunteering in the RE program. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the registration form, or talk with a member of the RE committee to see how you can help. Our RE program is a cooperative venture, requiring both the dedication of numerous volunteers and substantial church dollars. Roughly 20% of the church budget is devoted to religious education and related activities. The average cost of the RE program, including staff, facilities, and materials exceeds $350 per child per year. We expect that families will financially support this and other church programs in a responsible way. In cases of financial hardship, please contact the minister.

Bring Your Child Regularly
Regular attendance facilitates a sense of community and enables your child to receive the entire effect of our planned curriculum.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Child's Class
Visit. Acquaint yourself with your child's teachers so you can greet them, thank them for their time and effort, and converse with your child about class.

Share Your Beliefs and Church Activities with Your Child
It is important for your child to know some of your religious views and to be informed about your involvement with church.

Share with Us Your Child's Special Needs
Our goal is to meet the needs of all the children and youth in our RE program. Please let us know if your child has any special needs we should be made aware of.

1. We believe that each person is important. Speak and act with respect for classmates, teachers, and all members of the congregation, and for oneself.
2. We believe that all people should be treated fairly. Share or pass when it's your turn. Listen and wait during others' turns.
3. We believe our church is a place of acceptance and growth. Participate with enthusiasm (or give it a try). Include everyone in activities and planning. Make an effort to come - your teacher has. Friends are welcome. Let them know the rules. Our worship space is special. Treat it so.
4. We believe that each person must be free to search for understanding and for what is good and right. There are times to cooperate and times to work independently. Put-downs and name calling are not acceptable.
5. We believe that each person should have a vote for what concerns him or her. Share your ideas. Express criticism constructively and politely.
6. We believe it is our task to make the world a place that is peaceful, fair and free. Do your best to get along with others and to be helpful. Ask for help from an adult when you need it. Respond to adults or older kids who give reminders about behavior.
7. We believe in caring for our environment. Be careful with our space, furniture and materials. Use only what you need. Help clean up.

Safety Issues

Supervision for Children

Teachers are members of Channing Memorial Church. They are asked to teach by the Religious Education Committee. They are assigned to classes based on their preference and the number of children in the class. The DRE and a committee member circulate during classes to respond to any extraordinary needs of the teachers.

Code of Ethics Agreement and Clearance Check Forms

All Religious Education teachers and youth advisors are required to sign a Code of Ethics form and a Clearance Check form.

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked First Aid Kit is kept in the RE Cabinet.

Fire Evacuation

All teachers have a map in their teacher handbook as well as a map located in the classroom box. Additionally, an evacuation map is located on the main RE table in the lobby. The map points to all exits closest to the teacher's classroom. In case of a fire, all children and youth will meet in the front of the building. Please meet your children there. Do not go to the classrooms, as chaos would be likely.

Nursery Care

During worship services, the nursery is open to children 6 weeks-2 years old, with no reservations needed. Please see our nursery policies (available from the DRE on Sundays) for more information on general policies, food, health, safety and behavior management. Be Sure to Let Us Know of Any Allergies Your Child May Have.

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. 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 1:00 p.m.) with their families. Then, following a Story for All Ages, the congregation 'sings' the children to class. Classes end at 2:15. The worship service ends around 2:00, allowing time for the adults to visit with each other before meeting their children.

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?

Look for someone at the Religious Education table in the 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.

Can my child stay with me in the worship service?

Please feel free to contact Channing’s Director of Religious Education, . She can also be reached by phone at the church office, 410-203-0474.

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