Religious Education's Avenues for Shared Ministry

HOW WE RECRUIT

It is time to begin volunteer recruitment again!

This year, we are bound and determined to make volunteering easy and flexible for you!  In the next couple weeks, you may be approached by the DRE or a member of the RE Committee and asked about volunteering.  That person will ask you two questions:

• How many Sundays can you commit to volunteering now through January?

• Out of the following volunteer positions what are your top four picks?

            1. Infant / Toddler Assistant @ 9am
          2. Infant / Toddler Assistant @ 11am
          3. Preschool Assistant @ 11am
          4. K-1st Assistant @ 11am
          5. 2nd – 5th grade Teacher @ 11am
          6. 2nd – 5th grade Assistant @ 11am
          7. Jr. High Assistant @ 11am

Then, all you will need to do is come to Volunteer Training on January 29 from 12:30pm - 1:30pm, receive your classroom assignments and sign up for your volunteer dates.  That's it!

If you are not approached by a member of the RE Committee but would like to volunteer, please contact the DRE or a member of the RE Committee, or check in at the volunteer table at Religious Education's Open House and Registration Event.  Chances are, if you want to volunteer, but haven't been asked, we probably don't know you want to volunteer!

WHY VOLUNTEER?

Dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our church. By directing volunteer efforts to teaching our children and youth, we send the message to our children that they are important, and that it is important to pass on the beliefs and traditions of our religion. Teaching children and youth about our religion can also be a deeply rewarding and spiritual experience for the volunteer. Lynne Ambrosini, a frequent volunteer in the junior high classroom marvels, “I feel elated after each teaching session from connecting with the kids. I am not a professional teacher, but these are such wonderful young people that I have grown into the role easily. And it’s true that teachers learn more than their students: I have gotten so much clearer on my own theology and on UU history and principles from my years of helping out in RE.” And Carly Wise, retired DRE and frequent volunteer states, “I have to be honest, coming to church is as much about social connections as it is my spiritual development. By volunteering in Religious Education, I get to nurture both. Not only do I get to know our youth better, but I also get to know their families, my fellow volunteers, and our wonderful teachers. I am also more actively engaged in the learning taking place than if I sit and listen to a sermon. I have volunteered in every age group and I always leave with my brain sparked by ideas and my heart lifted by new relationships.”

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Infant through Three years old Assistant @ 9am and 11am

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 through three year old room you’ll get to experience these precious moments and many more. Just show up and help the caregiver feed, diaper, hold and sooth our youngest as they learn to crawl, walk and talk.

Four years old through Kindergarten Assistant @ 11am

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. Become an assistant in this classroom and help the teacher as she leads the class in weekly rituals, story time, activities and snack.  If you wish, ask the teacher if you could lead a portion of the class, then watch the children's eyes spark as you instill upon them our UU values!

First through Second Grade Assistant @ 11am

Our UU principles and sources are present all around us.  Explore them with our first and second graders in Picture Book UU.  At this stage in development, our children are just beginning to ask questions and make comparisons, help them reach beyond their small worlds with leading questions that assist them in making connections from week to week, and from Sunday School to real life.  If you wish, ask the teacher if you could lead a portion of the class. 

Third through Fifth Grade Teacher and Assistant @ 11am

When was the last time you played kick-ball?  How about doctor?  Eaten anything unusual lately?  And, what do our seven principles and six sources have to do with sports, medicine, and exploration?  Why don't you ask the famous UU's which our third through fifth graders will be learning about this year.  At this stage of development, our children are just beginning to see things from other people's point of view.  Assist them as they put themselves in the shoes of famous UU's for the very first time.  Teachers and Assistants in this classroom can decide between themselves which portion of the lessons they would like to lead.  All materials for the day's lesson will be waiting for you each Sunday.

Jr. High Assistants @ 11am

What makes you, you?  How do you express your individuality?  How do our Jr. High youth define themselves?  How might they express their individuality?  The question of "Who am I?" is the main question youth must answer as they enter the Fidelity stage of social, emotional development.  Help them on their quest to discover who they are with Chad Vahue and You the Creator.