Parents and friends are able to participate in the Children’s Religious Education Program in a variety of ways. Please check the boxes on the back of your child’s Registration Form or call Shannon Boston, 743-2805, ext. 321 to help our program with your time and talents in the following areas:

WORKSHOP LEADERS:
Workshop Leaders volunteer in their area of giftedness for one month at a time to facilitate an activity at 10:00 am that expands our elementary-age children’s understanding of a monthly, church-wide theme. They are then free to attend the 11:30 service. Workshop Leaders prepare a single workshop for each month that they choose to participate, then lead the workshop two to three times for different classes (grades 1-3 or 4-6), making adjustments as needed to achieve age-appropriateness.

For example, a workshop on the theme of “Faith” could consist of a brief discussion of the topic and the bodily/kinesthetic activity of being talked through an obstacle course by peers while blindfolded.

The All Souls Kids program needs workshop leaders in a variety of areas — cinema, drama, art, music, cooking, nature and anything else that is fun and engaging. Workshop leaders are encouraged to attend theme trainings led by the Rev. Marlin Lavanhar, and/or to contact Shannon Boston, CRE Administrator, to obtain information and develop workshops.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GUIDES (9:45–11:20 am Sunday mornings, September–May) work in teams of two or more providing religious instruction from a curriculum provided by the Religious Education Department. Guides have five scheduled days off during the church year, plus personal time as needed. Guides must have been members for at least six months.

Guides commit for a full church year. Their role is to get to know the children and to support and encourage positive interactions among them. On the first Sunday of each month, after the “Story for All Ages” in the Sanctuary, Guides lead their children back to their classrooms for a discussion of the theme, journaling and community building activities. Please check to make sure your child's class has three guides.

SUBSTITUTE GUIDES:
Cover a class in the absence of a regular teacher. Lesson plans and supplies are provided.

INCLUSION BUDDY - HELP WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN:
When we have a child enrolled whose differing abilities — physical, mental, or emotional — require that they have special assistance in the classroom; your participation could make it possible for them to be included with their own age group in a truly meaningful way, both for you and for the child.

FIELD TRIP DRIVERS:
Parents driving for field trips must have a seatbelt for each occupant of the car, current liability insurance, be at least 25 years of age and have a good driving record. Appropriate car seats must be used as required by law. A copy of the driver’s current license and insurance verification must be kept on file with the church. Experienced drivers may also drive the church van or bus; no special license is required.

HOSPITALITY AND FESTIVITIES:
Include helping with the Halloween Party: Monday, October 26, 5:30–8:00 pm and the Tree Trimming Party, Monday, Dec. 1, 5:30-8:00 pm.