Recent Presentation from the Children and Youth Committee
Below is the text of a presentation from Children and Youth Committee member Russ Blaesing, on behalf of the Children and Youth Committee, at the Teacher Appreciation Brunch held at the church on March 15, 2009. The Committee is engaged with Rev. Nancy Shaffer in developing greater understanding of the spiritual growth & development program within the congregation and increased participation in leadership of the program by congregation members.

RE Culture Shift Powerpoint Presentation

The Children and Youth Committee asks you to consider teaching. Following are some of the most common questions we receive, as well as our answers. If you have others, just ask!

1. Do I have to have teaching experience?
2. I am still forming my own religious beliefs. How can I teach religion to children and youth?
3. I'm new to this congregation, can I help teach?
4. I don't want to miss the sermons.
5. I don’t have children (or my children are grown up). Can I be a teacher?
6. I have a really busy schedule so I can’t commit to teaching right now. What are some of the other ways I can be involved?

1. Do I have to have teaching experience?

We welcome those who have never taught before as well as experienced teachers. We provide comprehensive teacher training before classes begin. Our curricula are designed to be easy-to-follow. You will be part of a teaching team of four people who work together to complement one another’s strengths. Teachers get logistical support and assistance from Children and Youth Committee liaisons and SGD staff.

2. I am still forming my own religious beliefs. How can I teach religion to children and youth?

As Unitarian Universalists, most of us spend our whole lives exploring and formulating our religious beliefs. That’s part of what we’re all about! As members of this religious community, we can help others explore and develop their beliefs. We teach children and youth how to think about religious questions, not what to think.

3. I’m new to this congregation, can I help teach?

Teaching is a great way to meet and get to know children, youth, parents and other teachers. To become a teacher, you need to be affiliated with our congregation for at least six months (or demonstrate that you’ve been affiliated with another UU congregation prior to attending here).

4. I don’t want to miss the sermons.

We all enjoy hearing the sermons. Team teaching allows you to attend more than half of the adult services and hear the sermons. With two service times, you may also opt to attend the alternate service time. In addition, all the sermons are audio-taped so you can borrow audio-tapes for any sermons you have missed.

5. I don’t have children (or my children are grown up). Can I be a teacher?

Of course! Teaching provides opportunities to build relationships with people of different ages. Children and youth would benefit greatly from your insight and experience.

6. I have a really busy schedule so I can’t commit to teaching right now. What are some of the other ways I can be involved?

The SGD program has numerous volunteer opportunities:

• substitute teachers
• teacher aides who help in larger classes
• classroom helpers (once a month)
• guest speakers or individuals who would like to share a skill
• Child Care volunteers for Sundays when there are no SGD classes
• volunteers to prepare food for Teacher Brunch
• straightening and organizing supply room
• Summer Program volunteers
• Gardeners and others who have outdoor experience
• members to serve on the Children and Youth Committee