Frequent Questions about Emerson's Religious Education

When do the formal RE classes start and end?

The Religious Education program year for Children and Youth runs from the last week of August to the end of May/ first of June. Classes start at 11:30AM on Sundays and end at 12:30PM.

What do children do in the summer and on school Holiday Sundays?

Supervised “All-Together” game days and holiday activities are provided on School Holiday Sundays and during the summer months for students 4-11 years old. Our summer program features Emerson members sharing their passions with the kids… African drumming, photography, drama, story telling, civil war reinacting, art studio, clay play AND MORE. Children & youth are always welcome to join the sanctuary worship services on Sundays. Sermon themes, music and ritual provide spiritual enrichment year round!

Why is it important that children attend Sunday School?

In the big picture, we feel Sunday School attendance is very important, especially in our geographic area where a large majority of children participate in church, temple programs & mosque youth programs. School bus conversations among elementary school students about their religious activities start at a very early age. Attending religious programming on Sundays introduces students to a special kind of community that asks age-old questions and explores ideas in a loving, friendly enviroment. Finding a religious education program that suits your familiy’s spiritual direction and attending regularly gives children a sense of grounding belonging.The discussions and activities structured into UU Religious Education rarely are duplicated in other settings. Communities of faith help families celebrate and mark rites of passage and life' landmarks in a intergenerational support group. Regular attendance encourages class bonding and strong Unitarian Universalist identity. Please help your child attend RE regularly.

What should my family wear on Sunday mornings?

Adults at UU worship services will have on anything from a suit jacket to a tie-dye t-shirt! Dressy casual is the best way to describe the usual adult attire. Children in our program often go outdoors to learn from nature; casual play clothes and seasonal outdoor gear are appropriate for Sunday School. Closed-toe shoes are best; flip-flops are difficult to play in and can be dangerous. Holiday religious services and special ceremonies may warrant more “dressed up” outfits for kids. Ask our DRE if you have questions.

How will my child be placed in a Sunday RE class?

Our classes are grouped by ages as of September 1 of the current school year. Infant children up to and including non-potty trained 4 yr. olds play in our Nursery- Toddler program; Potty trained 4’s, 5’s and 6’s meet in our Chalice Kids Classroom. 2-5th Graders join the Seekers Class, while 6-8th grade meets in our Jr. Youth Class with 9-12th graders gathering in our Sr. Youth CRUU Class.

How do I register my children in the Emerson RE Program?

At your first visit we will give you a temporary registration to fill out so we have emergency, allergy and other helpful info about your children. After serveral visits to Emerson UUC, you are encouraged to register your children in our RE program; we will add you to our mailing lists, notify you of program changes and sign parents and caregivers up to assist as volunteers in our RE program. Our registration process includes a simple info form, behavioral covenant that can be read to or read by the children and signed by them so everyone knows the behavior that is expected on Sundays at Emerson UUC, payment of the registration fee (max. $100 per family per school year) and scheduling your family volunteer commitment Sundays to assist our lead teachers in the classrooms.

Youth RE Registration Form (PDF File, 0kb)