Religious Education 101

Welcome Back!  Yes, school and a new session of children’s religious education started in August, but for many of us it takes until September to admit that summer has ended.  If you are also “getting back in the grove”, here is what to expect:

• The Nursery opens at 10:20AM for infants and toddlers.  It is located down the Administration Hallway in the sanctuary building, and is staffed by our professional childcare provider Nancy Johnson.  Parents and caregivers are always welcome to stay with their children, and children are welcome in the sanctuary.  Please introduce yourself and your child to Nancy and the volunteer Nursery Assistant.
•  Worship begins at 10:30, with Preschool children and older attending the first 15 minutes or so with their families.  Children are then “sung out” of the sanctuary and walk together to the adjacent Chalice House for Religious Education programs.  Children are always welcome to stay in the service with their families.
• If your child is staying in the Nursery or attending Religious Education classes semi-regularly, we ask you complete a green registration form.  These can be obtained from the RE teachers, the Nursery caregiver, as well as the Learning Ministry bulletin board in the lobby.  If your child is not registered, please walk with them to the Chalice House and introduce yourself and your child to the religious education volunteers.  Parents are always welcome to stay!
• A snack is usually served in the Nursery and religious education classes.  Be sure to note any allergies on the registration form and tell the volunteer when you drop off your child.
• Religious Education programs end at 11:45AM.  If your child is in the Preschool or Lower Elementary group, please personally pick them up in the Lower Level of the Chalice House.
• The Religious Education Program at Northwest is a cooperative venture.  The RE Committee (Barbara Kilbourne, chair; Jaehn Clare and Mark Peabody) and Director of Religious Education Karen LoBracco invite your participation and input.
  

DRE Office Hours, and How to Reach Her

The informal days of summer are behind us, and once again you will be seeing more of me on Sunday mornings.  I must confess that it feels good to see you all again!

 

As a half time Director of Religious Education, I agree to work six units of time a week for Northwest.  A unit is defined as a morning, and afternoon or an evening, generally 3-4 hours in length.  Obviously some weeks it will be more, others less, based on the needs of the congregation.  Unless I am attending a conference, I expect to be present three Sundays a month.  With that as a guideline, my usual time at Northwest is now:

 

• Mondays: 11AM-3PM
• Wednesdays: 2PM-9PM
• Thursdays: 11AM-3PM
• Sundays: 10AM-1PM

 

Of course I will continue to do some work at home, and there are off-site meetings, but this year I will be more careful not to “pretend” that I can do the work of a ¾ time DRE.  My days off are Tuesday and Friday, and emails and calls received on those days will generally not be responded to until the next day.  Please call me anytime at Northwest (770-955-1408), and when needed at home (770-642-7252).  For email please use redeptnwuuc.org, which I can read both at church and at home.