Frequently Asked Questions

What do you offer for children?

TUUC provides a comprehensive youth religious education (YRE) program for ages four through senior high. Children from four years of age through high school begin by sitting with their family members and/or friends for the start of the main worship service. After a story, song, or presentation specifically geared toward them, they leave to go downstairs for their age/grade-appropriate classes. 

Please feel free to talk with or email Kara Tyler (tuucdre@towsonuuc.org), the Director of Religious Education (DRE), if you have any questions. Please make sure to register your child to attend Sunday RE Classes!

TUUC also provides nursery care with both paid and volunteer providers for children under four years of age. If you prefer for your young child/toddler/infant to stay with you during the service, please know that they are welcome. Children have needs and make noises that add to the beautiful chorus of our community. For your convenience, the service is also broadcast over a speaker system in the lobby.

When are classes held?

During the church year (roughly mid-September through mid-June), classes are offered from 10:45–11:45. On almost all Sundays, we gather in community upstairs for the first 15 minutes of service. Children and teachers are sung out to join their classes after this time. The worship service begins at 10:30 am.

When do I pick up my child? 

Middle and High School students will be released and sent upstairs to join their families for hospitality after class has ended. Younger children (nursery through 5th grade) need an adult to pick them up in the downstairs community space at the appropriate time, even if the service goes late. Please wait in the community space and do not attempt to check on the classroom as there may be a lesson in progress. If you wish to have your child leave class early, please inform one of the teachers or that Sunday’s RE Supervisor.

What should kids wear?

Children should dress for comfort and for the weather, as classes may go outside to use the playground or the nature trail. We will attempt to inform you if particularly messy activities are likely to happen.

How will I know what is going on?

Please keep up to date by reading the church’s weekly newsletter, the Threshold, sent via  email, and joining the church's Facebook group.  Additionally, there is a periodic newsletter just for parents and the occasional text notification.  Make sure your information is up to date on your registration form and in Breeze.

Are there snacks?

Snacks are not routinely offered as part of the YRE curriculum. However, please note any allergies on the registration form as there may occasionally be snacks or activities involving food. Beverages are not typically provided, but water and cups are available in the YRE kitchenette. Please communicate with the teaching team and the DRE regarding any concerns you may have regarding snack offerings.  

How can I help out?

Parents and others can help out by volunteering to share their time and talents in many ways.  Classroom leaders are a fundamental part of the Religious Education program, so if you are able to take on that role it is highly appreciated. However, there are many other ways to become involved to whatever degree your time and interest allow. Please contact Kara Tyler, DRE, at tuucdre@towsonuuc.org or (410) 825-6045 ext 4.

Explore the Eighth Principle!

To introduce your child to our newest principle, here is an activity sheet you can do with them as you discuss the importance of our commitment to being an anti-racist community.