Religious Education for Children & Youth

UUCK Children and Youth Making a Difference

On Saturday March 6th, we held a special Zoom gathering with Dr. Hayes-Nelson, Director of the Portage County NAACP. During our time together, Dr. Nelson shared with our kids the work the NAACP does in our community. The children shared why they chose the NAACP as the recipient of the January special collection and were excited to officially announce the amount they raised. In an exciting turn of events, the children were told just how their don…

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Children's Religious Education Ministry

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent has a vibrant Religious Education ministry.   We have a strong Children and Youth Religious Education Committee and teams of dedicated volunteer teachers.
Register your child for  2023-2024 RE Programming HERE
For more information, please contact leaders below:
Director of Religious Education: Colleen Thoele
Nursery Staff: Michelle Bores
RE Committee Chair: Amanda Rome

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How To Request Childcare

If you are Hosting an event and would like to provide childcare, please make arrangements three weeks in advance.

If you are Requesting childcare for an event, our deadline for is one week in advance.

Reservations are NOT needed for Nursery care during Sunday morning worship services.

Thanks for your help!

Colleen Thoele
Director of Religious Education
[email protected]

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All programming for children and youth requires an easy registration. This will give our staff and teachers the information we need to best serve your family! Please register your child(ren) by clicking HERE. 

WHAT IS RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION (RE)?

A place for families to grow together ◦ An accepting place for all children: from all kinds of families, from all cultures, genders, and backgrounds ◦ A place to learn about ourselves and our world ◦ A safe place for youth to explore their identities and share their lives ◦ A place full of music, stories, songs, and laughter ◦ A place to make friends ◦ A place to be introduced to new ideas and to share excitement! ◦ A place to make art ◦ A place where children of all abilities are welcome ◦ A place to practice reconciliation ◦ A place to play ◦A place to get involved. ◦

What happens on Sunday Mornings?

All children are invited to worship with their families in the sanctuary for the 9:15 all-ages service or the 11:00 AM traditional service (or both!). Between these services are religious exploration classes (known as “Sunday school” in other faiths) that are grouped by age – nursery/preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school and adult.

**See below for the schedule and locations of worship and religious exploration classes**

Our classes are staffed by volunteer teachers and leaders who receive training and support.   All are dedicated to the faith development of our children and youth. All of our volunteers working with children are background checked and trained in our safer congregation policy that can be found here. 

No other supervision or program is offered following RE classes during social hour, parents/caregivers are responsible for the care, safety and happiness of their children and youth at that time.

Please register your child(ren) by clicking HERE. 

Nursery Care (infants- pre-kindergarten)

Tender loving Nursery childcare is offered for our youngest ones by Michelle Bores, our nursery staff, and adult volunteers. Michelle is an experienced and educated childcare provider who holds certification in CPR and First Aid. Michelle is particularly skilled in working with young children who are neuro-diverse and creating an inclusive environment for all.

We recognize that separation between parent and child, even for a brief time, is a milestone in the lives of both parents and children. Every effort is made to make it a comfortable transition for everyone. 

Staffed nursery care is available twice on Sunday mornings.

During the all-ages 9:15 service caregivers are encouraged to bring babies and toddlers into the sanctuary for this service- wiggles and all. However, we know that sometimes we all need a break, the nursery is un-staffed but available to use for littles and caregivers should the need arise. Audio of the service is also available in the nursery during this time. 

During all-ages religious exploration (10:00 AM-10:45 AM), the Hobbs Hall nursery will be open.   Caregivers are asked to remain in Hobbs Hall while their children are in the nursery.

During second service (11:00 AM), the church building nursery (outside the sanctuary doors) will be open. There is reserved seating in the last row at the back of the sanctuary. Sitting there will assure that parents/guardians can be readily called if needed. 

                 Explore | Create | Discover | Celebrate | Play           

     

         Sunday Morning Worship and Classes Schedule  

9:15 AM – All Ages Worship – Sanctuary

  • Nursery is un-staffed but available to use – church nursery

10:00 AM – All Ages Religious Exploration

  • Nursery -Pre Kindergarten – Hobbs Hall Nursery
  •  Elementary School (K- grade 5)- Church Building Classrooms
  •  Middle School  (grades 6, 7 and 8)- Hobbs Hall Classroom 
  • High School  (grades 9-12) – Church Building Youth Room 
  •  Adult Small Group Discussions – Hobbs Hall

11:00 AM – Traditional Worship – Sanctuary

  • Nursery – Pre kindergarten – Church Nursery 

Additional information is available on:

Sexuality Education Programs

Parents of Young UUs Group

KentHogwarts

Religious Education Committee and Staff

Childcare – Arranging and Reserving

Safety Policies

Other Programs:

Our Whole Lives (OWL), is a sexuality education program that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice.  OWL is a holistic program that moves beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world. Unlike many other sexuality curricula currently available, this program is comprehensive and progressive. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it addresses sensitive topics that are typically excluded. This program is offered to particular age groups in alternating years. 

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