Religious Education's Avenues for Shared Ministry

A NEW HOPE!

It is no secret that Religious Education has had some difficulty with volunteer recruiting this year.  We have been trying to fill our spots with different people each week.  However, that’s not practical.  Did you know there are 320 volunteer spots to fill each semester?  We don’t even have 320 members!  Therefore, we are suggesting an easier and new method to volunteering: volunteering teams.

Each semester we will recruit 20 volunteers; 4 volunteers for each of our 5 classes.  Those 4 volunteers will comprise the volunteering team for their particular class.  As a volunteer, you will coordinate with the 3 members of your volunteering team on scheduling, and work 2 services per month.  But, this doesn’t mean you have to miss 2 services each month.  Look below for example schedules.

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All in all, each volunteer will fill about 10 of our 320 volunteer spots each semester.  For those of you who wish to volunteer less, we’ll still maintain a sub list for those months with 5 Sundays, and for any absences we may encounter.

So, I still hear a number of you saying, “well, yes, this is all fine and good for your, but how does this help me?”  The pleasures extended to those who volunteer for a team - they will have more freedom and flexibility in their scheduling, and we promise not to contact them to volunteer for 2 years.  Unless, of course, that is, they want to volunteer again!

Look below for volunteer opportunities and expect a call from one of our volunteer recruiters this summer.

Thank you!

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Greeter @ 8:45-9:05 and/or 10:45-11:05

As a greeter, you will have the opportunity to meet many new people. You’ll greet visitors and old friends by the front door and inform those with children about when children leave for Sunday school, and which Sunday school classroom their child belongs in.

Infant / Toddler Room Assistants @ 8:45-10:15 and/or 10:45-12:15

Have you heard a baby giggle in a while, or seen the eyes of a toddler light up as they discover the natural world around them? As an assistant in the infant/toddler room you’ll get to experience these precious moments and many more. All you have to do is just show up and help the caregiver feed, diaper, hold and sooth our youngest as they learn to crawl, walk and talk.

Preschool Room Assistants @ 8:45-10:15 and/or 10:45-12:15

Experience the wonder of a child’s love; their enthusiasm to see you each Sunday, their inclination to hug, and their deep desire to learn. Simply show up and help the teacher as she leads the class in weekly rituals, story time, and snack.

K-1st Grade Assistants @ 8:45-10:15 and/or 10:45-12:15

Field trips to beautiful gardens, visits from fireman and service dogs, fundraisers for charitable organizations.  Our K-1st graders are on on the move.  These are just a few of the great activities they participated in this year, and you can too!  Learn how our UU values impact our everyday lives.  Assist in our K-1st grade class with the help and alongside one of our paid teachers.  You'll receive the lesson a week in advance, however, you won't be responsible for any teaching.  Just make sure you show up ready to join in the fun!

2nd-5th Grade Assistants @ 8:45-10:15 and/or 10:45-12:15

How do you use the seven UU principles as a credo through your actions? Not sure? Discover alongside our children by learning how other people have put our seven UU principles into action. Assist in our 2nd-5th grade class with the help and alongside one of our paid teachers. You’ll receive the lesson a week in advance, however, you won't be responsible for any teaching.  Just make sure you show up ready to participate!

Jr. High Teachers @ 10:45-12:15, plus 1 hour of planning each week

Think you have the answers to the big questions, such as “Where do we come from,” and “Is there a God?” Neither do we. But, I bet you our Jr. High students have some great thoughts on the subject. Join in conversation with them as they discover what they believe the answers are to the big questions. You’ll receive the lesson a week in advance and have plenty of time to mentally prepare. Supplies will be waiting in your room each Sunday, but as the teacher, you’ll be responsible for all other classroom preparations. In addition, after you teach, you’ll need to fill out a survey on the effectiveness of the lesson, as we are field testing the Jr. High curriculum for the UUA.

Jr. High Assistants @ 10:45-12:15

Help the Jr. High teacher and children answer the big questions in life. You’ll receive the lesson a week in advance, however, you won't be responsible for any teaching.  Just make sure you show up ready to participate!

Sr. High Assistants @ 10:45-12:15

As the Sr. High assistant you will be able to participate in the fun, engaging, and intellectually stimulating discussions and activities our new Youth Advisor will be providing our youth. Your presence will make our youth feel part of our church community, and your comments during discussions and activities will leave a lasting imprint on their minds as they venture into Coming of Age later in the year.