 Resources and Activities for Parents and Children
Two Children’s Choirs - Children currently in Kindergarten through 3rd grade meet from 10:30 - 10:55, and 4th through 6th graders meet from 10:55 - 11:25, on Sunday mornings. Performances are incorporated into worship services, special events, and/or children’s chapel services. We are all richer for the gifts of music that our children bring. For further information, contact Music Director,
Don Krehbiel.
Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Classes for First, Fifth, and Sixth Graders - Classes for First Graders and Fifth & Sixth Graders are offered between worship services. Class sizes are limited. Eight-week sessions are offered for fifth and sixth graders in autumn and for first graders beginning in January. Parents are required to attend special orientation sessions and must sign a letter of agreement in order for children to participate. Details will be provided in the Dallas Unitarian newsletter and through mailings to eligible families whose children are registered in the
Religious Education Program.
Free Childcare? You Bet!! Childcare for all ages is available during all Adult Religious Education Classes and church-wide events provided that care is requested for at least three children. So that we may hire a sufficient number of caregivers, reservations must be made 5 days in advance with Brenda Johnson, Childcare Coordinator, at 972.890.4161. Please leave your name, phone number, date and name of event, and names and ages of children. Caregivers are staffed according to reservations made - sorry, no walk-ins.
Libraries - Two libraries house hundreds of resources to help parents, teachers, children and others explore family/life issues, spirituality, Unitarian Universalism, education, world religions, and more. Most materials may be checked out for up to two weeks. You are welcome to check with the Religious Education staff to learn more about our collection of audio, video, and print resources.
The Book Nook - Open in Channing Hall after each service the bookstore stocks literature covering a wide range of topics including spiritual growth, parenting, and books for children.
Dedication of Infants and Children - Ceremonies of Dedication of Infants and Children take place twice a year — on the Sunday preceding Christmas and on Mother’s Day. This ritual welcomes infants and children of all ages to our church community, and affirms the commitment of families and the congregation to the spiritual development of each child. Please contact the Director of Religious Education for more information.
Family Movie Night - Family Movie Night is an opportunity for families with children of all ages to come together to enjoy an informal night of fun. Titles, ratings (mostly “G”) and dates of movies are announced in The Dallas Unitarian newsletter. Enjoy tea, lemonade and popcorn provided free of charge as you relax and watch the movie on a bigscreen TV in Channing Hall. Interested families may also pool their money to buy pizza if they choose. Movie nights are offered every six to eight weeks, taking a long break around the winter holidays. Children enjoy seeing their church friends in a relaxed atmosphere and adults enjoy getting to know one another better. If you have questions, or a favorite movie to suggest, please call Joel and Suzanne Winkelmann at 972.690.9223.
Parents of Infants and Toddlers — PINTS - PINTS, a parents’-night-out program for parents of children between the ages of three months and four years takes place on the third Saturday of the month, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the church Nursery. This time together provides fun and fellowship for the children and to those children’s older siblings up to age eight. Plain cheese pizza is offered for dinner and is included in the price. The cost is $20 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in the same family if reservations are made at least a week before the event — reservations made less than a week in advance may be subject to a nominal late-fee. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Seana Saxon at 972.238.9368 or email seanasaxon@sbcglobal.net
Unitarian Universalist (UU) Dallas Playgroup - Parents of children from birth to school age invite fellow parents to the UU Dallas Playgroup. The group is geared primarily to at-home parents, but those with out-of-home careers are always welcome. The playgroup meets weekly (on a flexible schedule during the summer) at various locations. The benefits of playgroup for young children include the development and enhancement of social and motor skills through interaction with others. UU children who will grow up together in our church can form friendships at an early age as they play and explore the world around them. The UU Dallas Playgroup is also great for adults, providing an opportunity to share the ins and outs of parenting in a mutually supportive network. To join, please log
on to the UU Dallas Playgroup website at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uudallasplaygroup/, where you can find out about upcoming gatherings and chat between meetings. For assistance with e-group subscriptions, please contact uudallasplaygroup-owner@yahoogroups.com or phone Seana Saxon at 972.238.9368 or email seanasaxon@sbcglobal.net
Love and Help Program -
This program of independent study, for children seven through eleven years of age, utilizes the Love and Help Workbook designed by the Unitarian Universalist Association. The workbook, which may be obtained from the Director of Religious Education, includes a review of Unitarian Universalist (UU) history, introduction to UU principles and purposes, and exercises in clarification of personal values. There is no fee for this program. Parental support and involvement may be necessary. Upon completion of the workbook, a beautiful medal will be presented to each child during services in Children’s Chapel. Families whose children are engaged in a scouting program are asked to contact Jeffrey or Dolores English at
972.840.0090 for additional information.
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