When are classes held?
Our Elementary classes are held on Sundays, September through June, concurrent with the Worship service. We begin in the sanctuary with the congregation where children engage in the service with our church community. Following a brief “Time for Wonder” story sharing, where the children are invited to gather around the chalice, the congregation sings everyone off to the classroom wing where fun, learning and spiritual exploration awaits! Parents and caregivers are welcome to sit in on the classes at any time with their children especially as they adjust to the new environment.
What does the curriculum include?
We believe that elementary children learn through stories and story-based conversation and play. We also turn to multiple sources to gather religious, ethical or spiritual wisdom. “Story Play” is the name for our gatherings for the youngest children. Each Sunday, children learn a wisdom story from Unitarian Universalism, one of the world’s religions, the Hebrew or Christian Bible or the earth’s seasons. They then engage in activities and conversations related to the story to see how it might connect to their lives. Story Play is fun, engaging and creative!
Additional Programs
How you can help
Volunteers are the cornerstone of our Religious Education programs here at North Parish and there are many ways you can share yourself with our children. One of the best ways to get involved is to help teach a class session. There are ongoing and limited ways to be involved.
Ways to volunteer might include:
- Assisting during a Children’s Chapel
- Sharing a specialty in a Backyard Nature program
- Leading a community service project
- Sharing your skill as a performer or storyteller in our Spirit Play program
- Becoming a facilitator in our Elementary Our Whole Lives (OWL) program
- Donating materials for our classrooms
- Serving on our Faith Formation Team
If you need more information, email our Director of Family Religious Education or phone the church office to leave a message.