Welcome to Channing Memorial Church's
Children and Youth Religious Education Program The religious education program is an important part of Channing's ministry. Over 40 people - teachers, committee members, and other volunteers - strive to provide a high-quality program that fosters spiritual growth in a safe and loving space. In Anne Lamott's book, "Traveling Mercies, Some Thoughts on Faith," her pastor tells this story: When she was about seven, her best friend got lost one day. The little girl ran up and down the streets of the big town where they lived, but she couldn't find a single landmark. She was very frightened. Finally a policeman stopped to help her. He put her in the passenger seat of his car, and they drove around until she finally saw her church. She pointed it out to the policeman, and then she told him firmly, "You can let me out now. This is my church, and I can always find my way home from here." We look forward to guiding your child on his or her spiritual journey. Here's to a great year! Blessings, The Religious Education Committee
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Covenant for Excellence in 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.
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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.
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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.
Back To Top Behavior Guidelines for Our Unitarian Universalist Church - We believe that each person is important. Speak and act with respect for classmates, teachers, and all members of the congregation, and for oneself.
- We believe that all people should be treated fairly. Share or pass when it's your turn. Listen and wait during others' turns.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe that each person should have a vote for what concerns him or her. Share your ideas. Express criticism constructively and politely.
- 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.
- We believe in caring for our environment. Be careful with our space, furniture and materials. Use only what you need. Help clean up.
Back To Top Safety Issues Extra Supervision for the Younger Children
For the three youngest classes of children - Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary - we schedule one teacher and one assistant, allowing for an extra pair of hands and the ability to get help if necessary. In the older classes, each child is aware of the "Help Card" on the class box and will take it to get help in an emergency. 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. Channing is currently developing a Safe Congregation Policy. First Aid Kit
A well-stocked First Aid Kit is kept on the Religious Education Cart, which is located in the RE Cabinet at the back of the sanctuary. 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 on the grassy area by the stop sign at the corner of Northfield Road and the school parking lot. Please meet your children on the grassy area. 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
at Northfield) 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.
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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 Sunday mornings. 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 guest slip and 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. Take an Active Interest
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.
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Sunday Morning Worship Program
The Sunday worship service is from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. 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.
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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.
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Preschool Class (3 and 4 Year Olds) –
Chalice Children
Chalice Children is a wonderful curriculum
that focuses on fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth by exploring
the world through age-appropriate activities.
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Kindergarten through 5th Grades –
Old Testament Stories
The elementary-age children will explore six stories
found in the Hebrew Scriptures through Children’s Chapels and workshops.
The stories are: Creation, Joseph, Moses,
David, Esther and Ruth. Each story will be
introduced during a Children’s Chapel. Then it will be more fully
explored, using the Workshop Rotation Model (WoRM), during four
subsequent workshops on four Sundays following the Children’s Chapel.
The workshops in the WoRM model are based on the
theory of multiple intelligences and are designed to engage all children
more deeply in the exploration of each story. One
workshop called “Tell Me A Story” is geared to children who are strong
in verbal/linguistic intelligence. “Puzzle People” is based on
mathematical/logical intelligence. “Drama Games” is centered on both
bodily/kinesthetic and musical intelligences. “Picture This” is geared
to those with visual/spatial intelligence, and our Children’s Chapels
incorporate spiritual intelligence. Interpersonal and intrapersonal
intelligences are developed as we learn, reflect, and grow together.
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Middle School Youth (6th, 7th and 8th Grades) –
Neighboring Faiths
The Middle School class will explore world religions
using a modified version of the Neighboring Faiths
curriculum. This is the first year of a two-year program and will focus
on learning about Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Class sessions will
include discussions, videos, games, guest speakers and visits to other
houses of worship. This curriculum provides opportunities to reflect on
Unitarian Universalism and its connection to other religious faiths.
The Middle School youth will be invited to periodic
social events that will more deeply explore aspects of the curriculum
and will focus on building relationships among participants.
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Coming of Age (9th Grade)
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.
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High School
Youth (9th - 12th 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.
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SERVICE PROJECTS
Social action is an important part of our program. The younger
children participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and lead the Guest At Your
Table service project. The middle school and high school youth
participate in selected service projects. | 
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