Dear Congregation,
Thank you to everyone who bid on and donated to the Youth Tip at this year’s auction! Your Youth Tip Donations are at Work sending scholarships to youth to support the Cascadia SUUmer Con. East Shore Unitarian is sending six teens to the event and there are over forty youth from the region going. Taking place at the United Church of Christ Retreat and Conference Center, N-Sid-Sen, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, SUUmer Con is an immersive, transformative experience for our young people — the only summer CON in the Pacific Northwest. Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, it grounds youth in our UU faith, in community and love, in diversity and acceptance, and invites them into deeper connection with themselves, each other, and the wider UU community. It’s open to rising middle schoolers through graduating seniors, and a bus is available to bring folks from the west side out to camp, so distance doesn’t have to be a barrier. We’re thrilled to be able to use the Youth Tip contributions are helping make sure cost isn’t what stands in the way. Thank you again for your generosity — it’s already changing the shape of this summer for our kids.
On another note, it’s that time of year again! Each summer I ask parents to register their kids for the upcoming programming year. This information is very important as it is used to plan events, purchase supplies, and focus our ministry on the specific children and youth involved. Find our annual registration form online.
We Need R.E. Volunteers! This fall we are looking to provide a fun opportunities for children and teens to connect in community and faith each week. We need YOUR help to make it happen! Check out the details and Fill out our form online to get involved
— Amanda, Director of Religious Education
September and October RE Programs
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 26-27 CHURCH YEAR!
For children and youth
Please take the time to register your child(ren) for Nursery care, Kids Religious Education groups at 10:30am, and Youth Group. You must do this yearly. As contact information, allergies, the kinds of supports kids need in order to fully participate all change over time, we need these updated each year. Thank you for taking the time to do this!
Fill out your registration forms online.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER IN THE 26-27 CHURCH YEAR!
Religious Education classes for children and youth would not be possible without the amazing volunteer teachers. The more teachers we can get, the more kids we can teach! Multiple volunteers are needed for each age group. Teachers receive a volunteer shirt and a teachers packet with lesson plans. Fill out our form online or email [email protected] if you have any questions!
OPTIONS:
- Be part of a team of lead teachers, assistants, and substitutes for the nursery, grades K-2, or 3-5, class that meets during the worship service;
- Be part of a team of youth advisors to mentor middle and high school age activities, discussions, and service learning projects that meet after the worship service;
- Be a parent volunteer be a safe second adult in the classroom to help as needed;
- Be a Class Parent to welcome new families and help them connect with other parents and the congregation;
- Be an RE greeter and staff the check in table at the start of each RE Sunday;
- Be a liaison with a participating ministry team, (e.g. Grounds, Porchlight, Auction, Indigenous Connections, Welcoming Congregations, Giving Tree, etc.);
- Be a Sex Ed Teacher with the Our Whole Lives program;
- Help plan and implement seasonal events for families;
- Care for young children in the nursery during congregational events;
- Admin and Library weekday help;
- And/Or, contact me for short, 1-3 hour opportunities!
SUPPORT for TEACHERS and FACILITATORS:
- Amanda will provide an RE volunteer orientation September 6 from 12:30-2:30 PM and ongoing coaching for those working with our children.
- A separate team of other volunteers will assist Amanda to provide the needed lesson plans, activity guides, resources, and supplies.
- Volunteer teams will set up their rotation and communication systems to ensure coverage and allow members to attend worship on a regular schedule.
- The Children and Youth RE Ministry Team will encourage related ministry teams and other interested adults to participate in RE in their areas of expertise.
Stay connected—Reach out to our staff to ensure you are on our email lists for enrolled youth.