Children take part in activities in UU Estrie’s dedicated children’s room at its North Hatley church. The organization is seeking a part-time children’s program leader to help supervise and expand programming during Sunday services. Photo courtesy of UU Estrie.
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UU Estrie is looking for someone who enjoys working with children to help expand its children’s ministry through a new paid position, part of an effort to make the North Hatley congregation more welcoming to young families.
The organization is seeking a part-time children’s program leader to supervise children during worship services two Sundays each month while helping develop activities focused on ethics, kindness, environmental stewardship and social responsibility rather than traditional religious instruction. The new position is intended to provide more consistency for families while allowing parents to participate fully in Sunday services.
Janet Watson, who recently took on responsibility for community care after UU Estrie’s new board was elected, said the initiative is one of several priorities the board has budgeted for over the coming year.
“We’re starting a new system,” Watson said. “This is one of the things that they’re budgeting for for next year.”
Building on an existing children’s ministry
UU Estrie already offers children’s activities during Sunday services, with parents currently taking turns supervising the children. Watson said the new paid role is designed to provide greater continuity while helping attract more families to the congregation.
Initially, the successful applicant will supervise children and organize activities during the approximately hour-long service. Over time, Watson hopes the role will also include short lessons centred on ethics and community values using resources available through the Unitarian Universalist movement.
“We’re trying to develop some kind of a program,” Watson said. “It’s not really religious studies... maybe a little lesson in ethics or morals or social justice.”
She emphasized that the focus is not on doctrine but on helping children develop positive values.
“It’s more ethics, morals... how to be a good person, not be a bully, that sort of thing,” she said.
Small groups and hands-on learning
The position involves working with a small number of children, generally between the ages of seven and 10.
Watson said attendance typically ranges from two to four children.
“It’s not a whole class of 30 kids,” she said. “It might be three or four at the most.”
Activities could include crafts, games, reading, outdoor walks and environmental projects while parents attend the service.
UU Estrie has a dedicated children’s room equipped with books, colouring supplies, games and other materials.
“We do have a dedicated room downstairs that’s the kids’ room... there’s colouring books, crayons, books, hockey sticks... things for them to do,” Watson said.
Past activities have included neighbourhood litter cleanups, reflecting the congregation’s emphasis on community service and environmental stewardship.
“The Unitarian Universalist Church is all about social justice and the environment...” Watson said.
Flexible paid opportunity
The successful applicant would work two Sundays each month during UU Estrie’s 50-week service calendar.
Watson said the board has budgeted $30 per Sunday for someone whose role is to supervise the children. Someone who also develops and delivers a children’s ethics program would receive $90 per Sunday.
She believes the opportunity could appeal to a Bishop’s University education student or anyone who enjoys working with children.
“We thought maybe a Bishop’s education student, maybe somebody who likes kids,” Watson said.
Although services are conducted primarily in English, Watson said many of the children are bilingual, and applicants who speak English, French or both are welcome.
Applicants from the Lennoxville or Sherbrooke area who do not have access to a vehicle may still be able to participate, as congregation members can help arrange transportation.
Ultimately, Watson said the goal is to make UU Estrie a more welcoming place for families while giving children an engaging and meaningful experience of their own during Sunday services.
“We’d like to attract more young families to the community,” she said. “It’s attractive if your kids are sort of looked after while the parents are in the services.”
Those interested in the position can contact Janet Watson through UU Estrie for more information.
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