Channing Memorial Church Year of Decision 2006-2007 Committee Information & Resources Religious Education (Last updated: 04-24-10)

The mission of the Religious Education program at Channing Memorial Church is to create a Unitarian Universalist identity for our children and youth that nurtures their spiritual growth, guides their search for truth and empowers them to work for justice.

People in our Religious Education program:

• Speak their truth and listen with open hearts and minds,
• Serve our church, community and world and
• Foster connections across generations.

3 Scenarios For Channing RE - 10 Years From Now

1. RE classes: 2-4 grades per class plus baby sitting.
2. DRE will be a volunteer position or a reduced pay position. The number of programs offered would be diminished with reduced manpower.
3. There would be the possibility of even more difficulty in securing RE teachers due to a reduced pool from which to draw teachers.
4. Teachers, committee members, DRE and most people involved in RE would be the same people all the time.
5. We may be sharing all of our teaching/office space with renters.
6. May need to start charging families for RE enrollment.

With reduced funds, space and (possibly)teachers, this scenario would make the fulfillment of our current RE mission difficult. While the program could be strong with a small congregation, the kids would not have the opportunity to do programs like OWL and COA. Also, their reach into the community would be limited. I see other churches in our district with small RE programs and they are a close knit group...more of a family, but they don't have much reach out to the community and can't do projects that involve many people or funds.

1. RE classes: 2 grades per class plus babysitting.  We now offer Our Whole Lives for Elementary and Junior High levels.  We have a very new 2 member Senior High Youth group.  We offer Coming of Age biannually to eighth and ninth graders.
2. Still difficult to draw teachers for RE classes.
3. All staff and committee members stretched and on more than one committee.

We have recently experienced significant growth in attendance the RE Program and general membership, but the congregation has not realized much financial growth. Under this scenario, teacher and DRE burn-out become a very real danger. You also run the risk of sliding into scenario #1. Currently, the DRE position is understaffed for the number of children registered in our program under the recommendations of the UUA. Although there are limitations under the current scenario, the RE program remains a vibrant.

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The following scenario is the one that most appeals to the RE Committee. Growth of the congregation and the concurrent increase in fundraising income could allow for the following:

• Full-time DRE.
• Expansion of RE space and number of children enrolled.
• Larger pool of teachers from which to draw.
• Expansion of RE and Adult RE programming and summer programming.
• Expansion and sustainment of a vibrant youth group.

1. 1 RE class for each grade. Lifespan Religious Education Programming would be offered.
2. DRE would be a full-time position with a paid part time assistant.
   • Full-time DRE would allow more time and training for coordination between children's RE, Coming of Age, Our Whole Lives, Adult Programming and the Youth Group.
   • A paid Youth Adviser would give consistent attention to youth programming.
3. There would be a larger pool of people from which to draw for teaching classes: lower burnout factor from dedicated volunteer teachers; possibility of requesting/requiring volunteer time from all parents of students. Also, more comprehensive training for teachers could be offered including, for example, Spirit Play, OWL( 4 age levels) and COA trainings.
4. All classroom areas could be made accessible.
5. More service oriented outreach projects for RE students: with more children, a dedicated program could have strong impact on the community.
6. RE space would be expanded with larger classrooms. The expanded space could include: a clean, comfortable and welcoming nursery; a separate toddler room with age appropriate lessons and toys; audio and/or visual transmission of service to family room, so parents wouldn't miss the service if they need to leave.
7. Expansion of RE and Adult RE programming and summer programming: with more funding and higher membership, these areas could experience significant growth.
8. Adult programming could include Film series, Building your Own Theology, New Curricula from Tapestry of Faith, Knitting as a Spiritual Practice, Multicultural and Diversity focus groups, UU identity and History, Grief Support.
9. Creation and sustainment of a vibrant youth group - this is a critical element in keeping our youth involved into their adulthood at Channing. The group would make a positive impact on the community as well as provide a good resource for the community as a growing number of children bring Channing's mission into the community. The Youth Group could become involved n a District and/or National level.
10. A Junior Youth Group.
11. Family worship services could be held so that families could be together before the main service/classes.