-
What does a "cooperative program" mean?
All aspects of the Religious Education Program are implemented through the
contributions of time and energy of many, many interested adults from the
congregation. The quality of the program depends upon our generous
volunteers. Each family with a registered child is expected to contribute
some time to our program every year. There are many ways to help. Your
time and skills will enrich our program. Please let us know what you would
enjoy.
-
Who teaches the children and youth in the RE program?
The teachers for our classes are volunteers who generally sign up to teach one
or more of the sessions. These valued leaders are recruited from the
congregation by the Religious Education Committee and the Director of
Religious Education. Orientation and training and support sessions are
coordinated by the Director of Religious Education.
-
What is the role of parents in the RE Program?
Parents are the primary religious educators for their children. We are looking for
ways to support families in that venture. Parents are encouraged to visit
the Religious Education Office to introduce themselves to the teachers and
Director of Religious Education and to ask questions about the program. It
is important for parents to be prompt on Sunday mornings and to attend
regularly. It is assumed that parents can be located on church grounds
unless written notification is left in the Religious Education Office. The
cooperative Church School depends on all families to help in some way.
Please sign up at registration. There are diverse opportunities for
participation.
-
How is the minister involved in the RE Program?
Our Minister, Jeffrey Symynkywicz, provides spiritual leadership and is called
upon by the Religious Education Committee and the Director of Religious
Education for counsel and advice.
-
What does a Director of Religious Education (DRE) do?
Our half-time Director of Religious Education is Susan O'Connor. She works in
collaboration with the minister. The Director of Religious Education is
responsible for administering the Religious Education program as well as for
providing leadership and acting as a spiritual resource for the children and
those teaching in the Religious Education program.
-
When can I register my child?
The first Sunday in September is Registration Sunday. Registration is necessary
for participation in our church school program. Children can be registered
during the month of September at social hour after the Sunday morning worship
services. If you prefer, you can register your child using our on-line
registration form.
Children in families new to Stoughton or new to Unitarian
Universalism can start at any time during the year. New families interested in
having their children participate in the program can register them by contacting our
Director of Religious Education, Susan O'Connor, or by using our on-line
registration form.
-
When do children worship?
At First Parish Universalist Church, our children attend the first fifteen
minutes of the regular worship service every other week. On the other Sundays
the children attend their own 15-minute chapel service in Fellowship Hall led by the
Director of Religious Education. Both of these services begin at 10:30 AM.
-
When do classes take place?
Classes begin after the children have
participated in a worship service, usually at 10:45 AM. The classes run
approximately one hour until 11:45 AM. This gives parents approximately 15 minutes after the end of the adult worship
service to enjoy Coffee Hour before their children rejoin them.
-
Does my child have to attend ever week?
We strongly urge regular attendance in our program. This helps build our youth's
community, provides continuity within the group and within the child, and
fosters a true sense of belonging. We have some long term projects planned and
need week-to-week participation. Older children and youth are expected to
be in classes or with their parents in church.
-
What should my child wear for the RE Program?
Come as you like! Since we are busy and sometimes creatively messy, play clothes
are acceptable. If you enjoy wearing "dressy finery," we encourage you
to bring along a smock and play shoes for outdoor activities.
-
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
There is no fee for our Religious Education Program. However, parents
expected to make a financial pledge each year for the support of the church
and its programming.
-
Does this site contain the latest information?
As our program has grown, it is a challenge to maintain good communication. One
place where information about Religious Education can be found is in our
bi-monthly church newsletter, The Packet. A column entitled RE News appears in
each issue. At times, announcements will also be published in the weekly Sunday
morning bulletin. Teachers are encouraged to write to parents and young people.
Families are also urged to share feedback and ideas with the Religious Education
team. Religious Education bulletin boards will also contain additional
information about our program.
-
Does the church have any books on UU topics?
The Church has a library located in the RE Office. To sign out a book, please see the DRE, Susan O’Connor.
-
What do I do with my baby or toddler during the service?
Babies and toddlers are welcome in our Nursery Room during the Sunday morning
worship service. The Nursery is staffed by caring church members from
10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. If the Nursery is a new experience for your
children,
you may want to stay until your children feels comfortable staying by
themselves.
-
Who supervises my children after class time?
Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children whenever they are in
the building except for the time that they are in class or in the Nursery.
Classes meet from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. Nursery care is provided from
10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. Please be prompt in calling for your children at
11:45.
|