Channing Memorial Church Year of Decision 2006-2007 Committee Information & Resources Religious Education

3 Scenarios For Channing RE 10 Years From Now

I) If there were A Reduction in attendance/membership at Channing Church to what it was about 10 years ago: (50 active families; +/- $50,000.00 in fund raised income).

1. RE classes: 2-3 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 would still be sharing all of our teaching/office space.
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: "creating a foundation for our children which fosters their spiritual growth, guides their search for truth and empowers them to work for justice". 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.

II) If there were No Change in attendance/membership at Channing Church (150 active families with varying attendance; +/- $140,000.00 in fund raised income):

1. RE classes: 2-4 grades per class plus babysitting.
2. Still difficult to draw teachers for RE classes.
3. All staff and committee members stretched and on more than one committee.
4. All office/teaching space shared.

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. This situation hinders growth within the program. Although there are limitations under the current scenario, the RE program remains a vibrant one.

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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.
• Creation and sustainment of a vibrant youth group.

III) If attendance/ participation were to Double at Channing Church (+/- 300 active families; $300,00.00 + in fundraising income):

1. 1 RE class for each grade: Satisfaction for teachers as well as students with full classrooms offering diversity in an age appropriate manner. 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, and the Youth Group. Also, there would me more opportunity for continued DRE training.
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. With a larger congregation, assistant teachers would be viable. Also, more comprehensive training for teachers could be offered including, for example, Spirit Play, OWL( 4 age levels) and COA trainings.
4. More service oriented outreach projects for RE students: with more children, a dedicated program could have strong impact on the community.
5. ALL RE space would belong to RE and the Church. RE could claim the entire current daycare space as our own: RE classes would be better organized (space/materials) and less crowded; classes could be better observed by DRE and congregation (all in one building); no competition for wall space, cleanliness, use of furniture/shelving; unfinished and ongoing projects could remain in classrooms; individual class presentations / service projects could be made in classrooms rather than in fellowship space. 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.
6. Expansion of RE and Adult RE programming and summer programming: with more funding and higher membership, these areas could experience significant growth. An example of expansion might include Our Whole Lives for younger grades -a curriculum does exist and is offered at other UU churches. We have helped to fund youth retreats and we've just started a youth choir. We see these programs as just the beginning of what is possible. Adult programming could include Spiritual Parenting, Film series, Building your Own Theology (more often), Knitting as a Spiritual Practice, Multicultural and Diversity focus groups, UU identity and History, Grief Support.
7. 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.
8. A Junior Youth Group.
9. Family worship services could be held so that families could be together before the main service/classes.
10. With more resources, the DRE could make more connections with other churches in the area (UU and other denominations) and serve on BCD committees to advance UUism in the larger world.