All Souls Community Church of West Michigan
2727 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506

All Souls Community Church is seeking a part-time Coordinator of Religious Education, CRE, for the coming 2022-2023 academic year. The RE Coordinator will be managing the Religious Education program, for pre-K (nursery), elementary school children, and youth(see youth below). The ideal candidate would have excellent organization and communication skills and availability on Sunday mornings and other times during the week to work with volunteer RE teachers.

Hours: The position is for up to 10 hours a week, which would include 2 1/2 hours on Sunday.

On Sunday mornings, the CRE will supervise nursery staff and volunteer RE teachers (Religious Education), ensure all supplies and curriculum are available, and monitor the RE experience as the morning unfolds. There may be may be meetings with new families, talking to potential volunteers, or leading a group of students in an activity or worship experience.

During the rest of the week, the CRE will focus on the creation and execution of the RE program. This will be done in collaboration and partnership with the RE Committee and under the supervision of the Minister.

Program Leadership :

Arrange and coordinate the Sunday morning programming for Pre-K through 6th grade using established Unitarian Universalist Association curriculum, “Tapestry of Faith”- (uua.org)

• Recruit and train volunteers for nursery and K-6. Support existing RE programs for middle school and high school lead by minister and parents.
• Promote and publicize RE program and its special events.
• Collaborate with the minister on rites of passage, such as Child Dedications, Coming of Age, and Bridging.
• Participate in worship services (e.g., leading or organizing “Time for All Ages” which consists of a short story or presentation for children during the service).

Supervision and Administration:

• Support a staff of RE volunteers meeting as necessary to discuss curriculum, events, problem solving, etc.
• Monitor for safety issues and enforce safety protocols, training volunteers using ASSC Safe Congregation Policy.
• Be responsible for running background checks on all volunteers and others working with the RE program.
• Substitute as teacher for RE occasionally.
• Ensure Sunday volunteers have necessary teaching supplies.
• Register students and track attendance for planning purposes.
• Maintain up to date parent contact information.
• Communicate with prospective ASCC members providing information about the RE program.
• Co-Supervise nursery staff person (with Minister) and recruit volunteers for childcare during worship and other church events where childcare is needed.
• Manage and provide input for the annual RE budget.
• Meet monthly with Minister and RE committee. Work with RE committee chair to provide a written report for the monthly Board of Trustees meeting. Provide a report for the annual spring congregational meeting.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates respect and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles, values and ethics.
• Competency in online and in person communication.
• Effective public speaking and written communication skills.
• Ability to recruit, supervise, schedule, and support staff and volunteers for the RE program.
• Strong teamwork skills for being part of the larger ministry team of the congregation. Able to collaborate and build partnerships.
• Ability to understand the needs of all age groups – from toddlers to teenagers and their parents
• Warm, empathetic and welcoming presence.
• Able to pass Michigan background check.

Hours and Compensation:

Salary is $20/ hour.

Expectations for work schedule are an average of 8-10 hours per week which includes 10 AM to 12:30 PM on Sundays. RE classes are held mid September through May, except for the Sunday following Thanksgiving, or Christmas and New Years Days if these holidays fall on a Sunday.

RE classes for K-6 will be held the first, second and third Sunday of each month. On the fourth Sunday there will be no formal RE classes but activities may be arranged (crafts) for children who show up, who deem themselves too old for nursery. The CRE is still responsible for recruiting a volunteer for nursery even when there is no RE class on the 4th Sunday.

Duties will commence September 6, 2022 with the 1st RE class September 18th, giving time for CRE to organize, familiarize themselves with curriculum, meet and talk with parents, DRE committee and recruit volunteers.

Substituting as a nursery volunteer and hosting a Sunday “Open House” for RE parents and children before first RE class would give CRE opportunity to get to know parents and children.

After the RE program becomes well established, there is the possibility of working with Adult RE leaders for Adult RE Programs for additional hours.

There will be no RE classes June through August.

To Apply:

Please submit inquiries (a resume and cover letter) to Elizabeth Boessenkool, re_ministry@allsoulscommunity.org.

The position will remain open until filled, with interview appointments ongoing. For more information about All Souls Community Church please see allsoulscommunity.org.