For many people there is no more exciting and renewing way of serving the congregation and the future than ministry with our infants, toddlers, children and teens. Relationship with other Unitarian Universalist is a main means through which we all develop spiritually. Adults in relationship with children and teens are the core of our programming and faith development. You may be amazed at how much it contributes to your own spiritual growth. Below are some ways for you to be a part of our ministry with children and teens. There are many others, if you don't see what you want, describe it in the Volunteer Form and we will find the ministry that is right for you.
WORKSHOP LEADERS: Both Regular Workshop Leaders and Limited Workshop Leaders do essentially the same ministry described below. The difference is that the Regular Workshop Leaders volunteer four or five month during the year. Limited volunteers are Workshop Leaders for a month or two. Workshop Leaders are needed for both 9:15 and 11 am session. Expect to spend about 4 to 6 hours per month.
Workshop Leader - Create workshops using your interests and talents for two or three class in a month you choose.
Attend preparation meeting at 6 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month prior to your workshop month.
At the meeting hear the story told by a storyteller and listen as Mark explores the story and the theme, reflecting on the meaning of the story for you, how it touches your life, and the meaning that the story might have for children.
With the assistance of a Curriculum Developer and using your skills, interests and talents, work out a basic workshop to be offered once each in the elementary classes at either 11 or 9:15. Some workshop leaders like to offer the same class to both sessions on the same Sunday. We are flexible with your schedule.
Consider the UU Principle or Source,and the Big Question for the month, as well as the theme when working out your workshop.
Develop adaptation for various ages - 1st grade group, 2nd and 3rd grade group, 4th grade and 5th grade group. (or at 1st service 1st and 2nd grade group and 3rd, through 5th grade group
Complete a form with the Curriculum Developer that includes information about supplies that you will need.
You will not need to take roll, do classroom control, or lead any other event in the classroom. The Guide, who knows the children well, will be responsible for those activities.
Present the workshop several times in the month.
Guides (every week, no prep): Develop and support relationships in an elementary workshop group. Be present each week to introduce the workshop, build community and help children connect the workshop with the central theme for the month. Develop ties with both children and their parents. Communicate with family when children are absent.
Social Justice Sunday Leaders(Either session, 5 times per year) - Work with Justice Sunday Coordinator to provide interesting and challenging opportunities forPreK/K elementary or youth to actively engage in social justice work and learning on Sunday mornings.
Snack Provider
Once per year, bring enough healthy snacks for 100 children; set up by 10:15 for first service and clean up at about 12:30.
Some Current Leadership/Coordinating Opportunities (most don't require Sunday activity)...
Holi Leader (one Sunday per year plus prep) - Coordinateall-ages (except for high school) observance o Holi on May 1. With support of DRE design the programming and recruit the volunteers. Repitition is important to religious education. Repeating the basic plan from previous years builds in the repetition that makes ritual so powerful. Coordination and organizational experience needed. Experience working with large groups of children is optional. You may recruit a school teacher, for instance, to lead the groups.
