Our church has started, and we could not be more thrilled to kick off the school year. Throughout year, there are a couple of steps to take to help with participation, so please be sure to read this article for important information.
First and foremost, we would like to welcome any new children. We are also super excited to see all our returning members. Thank you all for being a part of our East Shore family.
Registration
Fill out our general registration form and, for specialized events and programs, click on an event and fill out the associated form. esuc.org/kids
Arriving at church
You can park in the upper or lower parking lot or on the street. Please drive slowly as there are many pedestrians around.
Regular Programs
Sunday School: PreK–8th Grade, Sundays during worship
Youth Group (YRUU): Grades 9–12, Sunday evenings
Family Sundays: On Family Sundays, children join their families for the full worship service in the Sanctuary. Regular Religious Education programming will not take place on Family Sundays.
OWL and Coming of Age
We have a number of extra curricular opportunities this year that we encourage you to sign up for. These include Our Whole Lives, Sexuality Education, for kids in grades K-1, 4-5, 7-8, and 10-12. We are also offering a monthly Coming of Age program for teens in grades 7 and older on Thursday evenings. These both require additional registration which you can find online at esuc.org/kids
Classes
The teachers and I formed the classes based on their age groups, please make a note of that. Classes are below from youngest to oldest. Please support and thank the class volunteers. Their involvement makes all the difference.
Daily Schedule
This is just to give you an idea — our schedule might change depending on the lessons, worship, weather etc. We don’t strictly time our activities. Our teachers are creating a nice balance between learning, playing and socializing.
10:15 am – Preschool drop-off begins (no earlier than 10:15)
10:30 am – Worship begins
10:45 am – Recessional to Religious Education
11:00 am – Main activity, circle time, songs, and book reading
11:30 am – Snack or recess time and game/activity
11:45 am – Dismissal
Nursery (6 months–5 years): Infants and toddlers ages 6 months (sitting up) through 5 years may be signed in at the nursery starting 15 minutes before each service. Visiting families fill out a temporary registration form, leave a cell phone number, and keep phones on vibrate. Please take care of diaper changes and bathroom needs before drop-off. Children should be picked up promptly after worship, by 11:45 am.
Discovery Year (Kindergarten–2nd Grade): Nametags are available in the Sanctuary building with the adult tags; please return them before leaving. Visiting families complete a temporary registration form and leave a cell phone number on vibrate. Children attend the beginning of worship and leave after the Time for All Ages. Please pick up your child from class following worship by 11:45 am.
Stepping Stones (3rd–5th Grade): Nametags are with the adult tags in the Sanctuary building and should be returned before leaving. Visiting families fill out a temporary registration form and leave a cell number on vibrate. Children attend the start of worship and leave after the Time for All Ages. Pick up your child from class following worship by 11:45 am.
YES-U Junior High (6th–8th Grade): Youth may escort themselves to and from class. Nametags should be worn while in the building for safety and community. Parents are encouraged to set a meeting location with their youth after class.
YRUU High School (9th–12th Grade): High school youth group meets Sunday evenings from 6–8 pm. Youth wear nametags while in the building for safety and community. Parents may set a meeting spot with their teen after class; those with a driver’s license may drive themselves.
What to bring
Please send your children with weather appropriate jackets. We try to go outside rain or shine unless there is heavy rain.
We require at least one parent to be on site during programming.
Volunteers
Each class has volunteers from our community. Our students love our volunteers and getting involved is a great way to help grow out community of families.
Handbook
Please review the attached parent handbook which includes important church policies and procedures. I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the materials and program.
You can always reach out to our staff if you have any questions or concerns.
East Shore is a 501c3 non profit organization and there is an all volunteer board of trustees to govern the congregation. We are very grateful for them being the invisible force behind our congregation.