Our Ministry:
Religious Growth and Learning for Children & Youth

Parent & Guardian Information and Expections

Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. The church school program works collaboratively with parents and guardians to support them in their role. Parents have the responsibility to:

  • Bring children and youth regularly to church.
    Developing relationships, experiencing reverence and participating in rituals establishes religious identity. Come Sunday mornings, attend special events and participate in social action activities. Regular participation will develop the religious, spiritual and moral foundation for your child’s lifetime.
  • Talk to your child about his or her experience in class.
    Visit the classroom, talk to the teachers to hear and see what the group has done. Read the topic sign on the classroom door for a general idea. Ask your child what he or she thinks. Share your opinions and values even when struggling with uncertainty yourself, you may learn and grow together. Often children are given the assignment to ask their parents about something.
  • Volunteer to be involved!
    As a cooperative, volunteer program, participation from all families is needed. Families with children in the program, who have attended more than a year, are expected to participate. Each family is expected to contribute about six hours of time to cover their share. Thank you! Whatever your preferences or talents are, there is a matching need. A list of volunteer opportunities is available in the resource center. If you did not indicate how you would like to help this year, please expect to be contacted to ask for your help. Most people have full, busy lives, and we know there are times when circumstances are such that you can not support the program. Your church will support you during those times and look forward to when you can return the kindness.
  • Register your children.
    Forms are available in the resource center by the lower level entrance and on the church web site. Completed forms should be placed in the form return envelope in the resource center or sent to the DRE. Registration helps in planning for classes and ensures families receive information about activities and special events related to their child’s class.

    Class size is regulated in order to provide quality programming within limited space. Registration occurs in the spring and is on a first-come, first-serve basis for classes. Families with teens attending the 11:00 class and teachers have priority for the 11:00 classes. Children wishing to attend a class they are not registered for may be asked to attend the service so that the room is not overcrowded. When we have a larger building with more space we hope to be able to accommodate everyone!
  • Contribute financially.
    There is no fee for the Sunday morning children and youth program. The expenses of the program are paid for through the generous pledges and donations of members and friends.
  • Bring Unitarian Universalism into your home.
    Many resources are available to help parents, check out recommended resources on the church web site, the resource center at church or talk to the staff and other parents. Intentionally establish rituals at home, read books that implicitly promote UU values, read age appropriate books about Unitarian Universalism, and religious topics such as god and death. Your child is learning about values, sexuality and religion every day. What is he or she learning from you?