Frequently Asked Questions About RE

Are children and families welcome at most activities?
UCE is committed to creating a welcoming space for families to worship, learn, and play together, and for people of differing generations to get to know one another. Many of our all-church programs are designed to include children and families. Children with their families are always welcome at Sunday service, church lunches and dinners, and social action activities.

How do I know which class my child will be in?
Classes are organized by age and grade level. The groups are: Nursery and Two year-olds, Preschool (3 & 4 year-olds), Kindergarten and 1st grade, Grade 2, Grades 3 & 4, Grades 5 & 6, Junior High, and Senior High.  Your child should attend the same grade level at church as he or she attends at school.  For example, a child should be 5 by September 1 in order to attend the Kindergarten and 1st Grade class.

What will my child be taught?
The programs for each class are selected from progressive curricula that teach Unitarian Universalist (UU) Principles and Purposes. Selections are based on their appropriateness to children’s developmental levels. Programs cover what it means to belong to a religious community, our Judeo-Christian heritage, the world’s religions, ethics, decision-making, and relationship building.

Will my child be taught about Jesus and the Bible?
The curriculum for Grades 3 and 4 addresses how the Judeo-Christian message has meaning for us today as Unitarian Universalists. The stories from Christian and Jewish scriptures are presented through drama, puppets, and storytelling.

Who teaches the classes?
Classes are taught by trained volunteers. Many volunteers are parents of children enrolled in Religious Education (RE) classes. The church sometimes hires professionals from the community to teach specific programs, such as art and music.

Can I volunteer to help?
Volunteer help is almost always needed and very much appreciated. Parents may volunteer occasionally or as part of a regular commitment. Each class has a coordinator who organizes volunteers. The name and contact information for the coordinator for your child’s class should be posted on the class bulletin board.

When do the classes take place?
Follow this link for a detailed schedule of classes.

What is the cost of RE classes?
There is no cost for participating in RE programs. Families who are committed to the RE program usually give their time and resources to the church as church members and active volunteers.  We hope that you will find a way to donate your time and energy in some way to the RE program.

Do I have to stay in the room with my child during RE classes?
Parents are welcome to stay in the classroom but are not required to do so. Occasionally, a young child will have difficulty separating from his or her parent. In that case, the parent(s) and the teachers can decide together whether it’s best for the parent to stay. Your child’s comfort is paramount, and if your child develops a need for your help, someone will come to get you whether you are in parents’ café or service.  Also, the program for Grades 3 & 4 is organized around family participation and parents are strongly encouraged to attend class with their children.

What if my child doesn’t want to go to the service with me?
Encouraging children to participate in the service, such as singing along with the songs, often helps children feel more interested in worship. Sitting with another family can also help. Children in kindergarten through grade 6 usually attend the first part of the service, then go to music and art classes after the Family Focus part of the service. A child who is reluctant to sit in the service can be reminded that they will only be in the sanctuary for about fifteen minutes. Occasionally there is an “inter-generational service” and children are encouraged to attend the entire service with their families. These services are more participatory in nature and include activities that children usually enjoy.
 
How can I find out more about what’s going on in my child’s class?
Parents are encouraged to talk with the teachers before and after class. Sometimes teachers will send home flyers or e-mail notices about classroom happenings. Classroom bulletin boards inside the classrooms and in the hallway often display photos, news, and class artwork.

Where can parents go at 10AM when kids are in classes?
Parents are welcome to attend the Parent’s Café which is an open discussion of various topics related to parenting.  There are also several New Member Orientations offered throughout the year at 10 a.m.  “RE User’s Guide” is offered at Parent’s Café the first Sunday of the month with Rev. Nancy Shaffer.

How can we meet other families?
There are a variety of opportunities for UCE families to socialize together. These include Sunday lunches, the UCE Winter Family Retreat, Family Friendship Dinners, and special events like the Night of the Arts. Families are also encouraged to participate in UCE Social Action initiatives like the Harms Woods restoration. Check the UCE newsletter for the schedule of upcoming events and refer to the Program Guide (available in the church office) for a full list of events.

Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Avenue — Evanston, IL   60201
847 864-1330 — info@ucevanston.org