Volunteering In Religious Education

We have grade-specific programs for grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7. Teaching teams (of at least two people) lead each program during worship services. We pair new teachers with experienced teachers in most cases. Usually, our grade-specific programs are divided in to 6-8 week teaching terms. Typically, this volunteer role requires some outside of class time to coordinate with your co-teacher, and familiarize yourself with that week’s program.

We often need volunteers to be an extra support adult in classrooms, or to substitute as a teacher in a classroom when another leader is absent. Subs can pick which Sundays they are available throughout the year.

Weekly – Help take care of the youngest among us during the service, alongside our regular Nursery Coordinator. This can adapt to volunteer availability.

Each Sunday, children (excepting the nursery) begin their morning in the Sanctuary for the service, and for the first twenty minutes, join everyone in worship. We regularly have a “time for all ages”—some story, song, or demonstration—that engages the children and the wider community. You may want to contribute by co-planning and leading a Time for All Ages. The minister of religious education will work with you to arrange the schedule and content.

Between regular teaching terms and on some holiday weekends, our religious education is “All-Together”, meaning we have a unified program for grades K through 7. Usually we’re engaged in a big collaborative project, service activity, or creative endeavor. You can help plan these “All-Together” Sunday programs, or show up on Sunday to be another support adult for the program.

Weekly – In the twenty minutes before worship service (9:40-10am), we need folks to greet new families and tell visitors about our religious education program. If you have an outgoing and friendly disposition, your help would be welcome! You can fulfill this role on Sundays you are available.

Occasional – Our children—especially the older kids—appreciate a good snack as they settle in to the religious education program for the day. While the usual fare is Goldfish crackers and juice, consider signing up to bring a baked good in for the classes one Sunday. Otherwise, you can support the program by helping buy the regular snacks (reimbursed by the church) on a semi-regular basis.

Weekly – Especially during the regular teaching term, we need support in setting up classrooms for teachers (9:15-10am) and breaking down classrooms after the programs are done (11:30-noon).  Some physical strength may be required to move furniture.

Occasional – After service during coffee hour, talk to people about the religious education program, help families with the registration process, and recruit potential teacher volunteers during our volunteer drives.

Weekly – Join a team of adults who support the youth leadership and empowerment for our Youth Group. Look out for safety and lend a helping hand. Good for folks who like spending time with teens and bring a supportive presence to that work.

Weekly (Feb.-June) – Join a facilitator group who helps the Coming of Age class explore their connection to Unitarian Universalism, their spiritual practices, and how they want to make a difference in the world.

Occassional (April-June) – Help mentor a smaller group of the Coming of Age class as they prepare their cumulative project (an “I believe” reflection, or another creative expression) for Coming of Age Sunday (June 2nd, 2024). Good for folks with a knack for writing/editing and engaging with middle schoolers.

Weekly (February – December) – Join a team of facilitators to run the Our Whole Lives program, a comprehensive sexuality education program that we offer to seventh and eighth graders. This role requires a weekend training prior to beginning facilitation.

Monthly – Attend religious education meetings, and undertake the projects of the Religious Education committee.

Asynchronous – Review and track the expenditures and income within the Religious education program. Some bookkeeping skill is needed for this role. Meet monthly with the minister of religious education.

Asynchronous – Review the curriculum offered at our Sunday programs, making modifications for relevance, accessibility, and engagement.

Occassional – Help drive young people for field trips.

One-off – Offer an adult education workshop. Contact theministers@firstparish.info if you have an offering you are considering.

One-off – Work with the ministers to coordinate, plan, and publicize an adult education program. Contact theministers@firstparish.info if you are interested.