Sunday School for the 23-24 School Year
We are happy to accept new Sunday School Participants at any time of year. Our excellent volunteers would love to meet your child(ren) and make them feel welcome. Below you will find all the information you need to start participating, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to growing in faith with your family!
How Do We Participate in Sunday School?
- Advance registration is required for all children even if they have been enrolled before, so please complete the enrollment form. Registration will open in July.
- Stay informed about all activities and changes by joining the Children & Family Ministries’ Email List. Click HERE to join.
Common Questions about Sunday School
Q. If I’m new or visiting, do I have to register our children to attend Sunday School?
A. Visitors and new participants are always welcome and your child can join a class any time during the school year. However, registration is required. You can fill out the form at the door if needed (there will be a QR code on the door sign), but we do recommend filling it out in advance to save time.
Q. What if my child has special needs?
A. Children with special needs are warmly welcomed in our Sunday School classes. Please speak to Deacon Mary about how we can create the best possible experience for your child. Also, check out our Rejoicing Spirits service – it’s a spirit-filled, special worship experience designed for special needs children and their families!
Q. What should I do while my child is in Sunday School?
A. Parents are welcome but not required to help in Sunday School classrooms (see more on volunteering below). You are welcome to attend an adult Sunday School class, Redeemer Choir practice, or chat with a friend over coffee in Sims Atrium.
Q. When is Sunday School?
A. Sunday School for children is 10-10:45 am. It begins the Sunday before Labor Day and continues, with some breaks, until the first weekend in May. A detailed calendar will be available upon registration.
Q. What is the weekly sign-in process for Sunday School?
A. Students 2nd grade and under are signed in and out by a parent at the door of their classroom. Students in 3rd – 5th grade are allowed to come and go on their own, unless other arrangements have been made to accommodate a student’s special needs.
Q. Who are the adults in my child’s classroom?
A. Good question! We’re glad you asked. All our teachers are established members of the congregation who have been background checked and have completed Safe Gatherings child protection training. They have also been trained on the curriculum, classroom management, health and safety, and emergency procedures. They are parents, grandparents, teachers, and people who simply take seriously the promises made by the faith community to every child at baptism to raise them in the faith. There are two adults scheduled for each classroom each week- a lead teacher and an assistant.
Q. I have more questions, who can help me?
A. Deacon Mary Houck, our Children and Family Ministries Director, is happy to answer more questions and get to know you and your family as you decide whether Redeemer is the right place for your family or as you start participating in Sunday School for the first time.
Helping out
Our Sunday School teachers and assistants are volunteers who give their time and energy because they love kids and are devoted to helping them grow in faith. While parents of participants are not required to help in our classrooms, you are welcome to do so! If the classroom is not your thing, we are happy to have volunteers who can help with administrative tasks, keeping supplies organized, etc. New classroom volunteers usually start as teacher assistants, meaning someone else plans and leads the class and you get to just show up, help as needed, and have fun with the kids!
Both teachers and assistants rotate in our classrooms, and our basic expectation is that they serve an average of one Sunday per month (many volunteer for more than one per month, but that is optional). We also have some that wish to serve occasionally and act as substitutes- also an essential role! Once you volunteer you will be supported by the Sunday School leadership staff and the teacher/assistant team for your grade level- we’ve got your back.
Our classroom volunteer training and approval process includes the following steps:
- Background check- Do online at your convenience
- Safe Gatherings Child Protection Training- Do online at your convenience
- Teacher/Assistant Training- offered both in person and on Zoom
- Discussion with our Sunday School leadership staff about what role, age group, and schedule work best for you- usually over the phone
For non-classroom roles, just contact Deacon Mary Houck to discuss how you’d like to contribute. If you or someone you know has a gift for teaching kids about God’s word and God’s love, please prayerfully consider sharing that gift with the Sunday School program.
