ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Joint Church School Program is a collaborative religious formation initiative serving children in grades Kindergarten through 7th grade. This program emphasizes faith exploration through age-appropriate lessons, games, and activities rather than dogmatic teaching. Classes meet on Sunday mornings from approximately 9:30-11:30 AM (class time is ~ 10:05am – 10:40am), with two groups: Kindergarten-4th grade and 5th-7th grade.

This is an exciting opportunity to build consistency in the program and create meaningful, trusted relationships with young people in our faith communities. The pastoral team is deeply committed to regular check-ins and communication to ensure the coordinator feels empowered and supported.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sunday Morning Leadership (9:30-11:30 AM weekly)

• Lead the Kindergarten-4th grade class each Sunday, implementing curriculum developed in consultation with pastoral leadership
• Coordinate volunteers or pastoral staff to lead the 5th-7th grade class
• Manage and coordinate calendars of all volunteers, pastors, and high school helpers to ensure coverage for each Sunday
• Adapt flexibly when attendance is low by combining groups and leading whole-group activities
• Serve as a positive, engaging presence for children, sharing Bible stories and managing classroom dynamics appropriately

Program Administration and Coordination

• Manage the SignUpGenius system for high school helpers (ideally two per Sunday, one for each class)
• Procure appropriate nut-free snacks and water for the K-4 class
• Arrange for Dunkin’ munchkins for the 5th-7th grade class
• Maintain communication with volunteers, families, and pastoral leadership via email, text, and phone
• Track working hours using a time-tracking app (to be determined with church leadership)
• Note: There are typically no classes on the first Sunday of each month (children stay in worship), Youth Sundays, or special services (Christmas Eve, Easter, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc.)

Planning and Development

• Collaborate with pastoral leadership on curriculum implementation
• Prepare backup and whole-group activities for Sundays with lower attendance
• Contribute ideas and insights to enhance the program
• Complete planning work at WEPCO Complex or remotely, as appropriate
• Potential future opportunity to plan and support activities for families of program participants

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Comfort and experience leading younger children in educational or recreational settings
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple schedules
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing attendance and needs
• Comfort sharing Bible stories and discussing faith topics with children in age-appropriate ways
• Ability to serve as a positive presence and engage children appropriately when they become distracted
• Proficiency with email, texting, Google Docs, and online platforms like SignUpGenius
• Availability Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:30 AM
• Willingness to undergo a standard background check
• Willingness to complete basic first-aid training (paid for by the churches)
• Accessibility via cell phone for program coordination (virtual number or business phone can be provided if needed)

Preferred:

• Experience with religious education or youth programs
• Familiarity with Episcopal and/or Presbyterian traditions

Not Required:

• Formal religious or theological training

WHAT WE OFFER

• Supportive pastoral team committed to mentoring and guidance
• Primary responsibility for implementation and relationship-building rather than curriculum development
• Flexibility in planning time and location
• Opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and families
• Collaborative, interfaith working environment
• First-aid training provided and paid for by the churches
• Time spent traveling for supplies counts as working hours

WORK SCHEDULE

• Sunday mornings: 9:30-11:30 AM (required weekly attendance)
• Additional hours (planning, administration, communication, shopping): flexible timing, completed at WEPCO Complex or remotely
• Total hours: up to 20 hours per week