This has been an incredibly transitional year for our Sunday school program. Most notable was the close of Shannon and Deborah H-'s faithful children's ministry in early 2008. Sharon and Ralphie R- stepped into this difficult role, staying consistent with the methods and curriculum the H-s had incorporated. Emily G- and Jessica J- aided them and also continued to work with the Chinese Sunday school in the afternoons.
A Safari Party kicked off the summer, and attendance soared, particularly the week after the congregation-run VBS. This was also the season with the most change: in early August, Jessica returned to Minnesota after completing her Utopia year. Around the same time, Sharon announced her pregnancy and subsequent retirement from Sunday school. She and Ralphie finished out the summer, alternating with Emily every three weeks, until I began teaching in September. I'm eternally grateful to Sharon, Emily, and the entire L- family, all of whom were incredibly helpful, giving, and patient as I adjusted to so many new responsibilities!
In October, a new Sunday school model was proposed and eventually approved. Although the old system hadn't been unsuccessful, some noted a disheartening trend in our children once they surpassed Sunday school age: rather than make the natural progression to the adult service, many teens had stopped attending church altogether. In an effort to bring unity and make the transition more fluid, an earlier start time was proposed for Sunday school. This would allow not only the kids to attend our regular service, but the teachers as well. Suggestions for youth and adult classes were also accepted, and the idea of a Spanish class proposed. It was decided that the new schedule would start January 11th, 2009.
The kids decorated a "Blessing Box" the first week of November and filled it every week after that with praises written or drawn on strips of paper. Thanksgiving week, we passed the box around during prayer, letting each child read one paper at a time. In December, we focused on how God kept His ancient promise by sending His Son to save us. Janet W- volunteered to help us sign three of our favorite songs: One Way, Joy to the World, and Christmas in My Heart. It was great to see the kids from both services singing and signing together at the joint Christmas service! This was also a great introduction to the New Testament curriculum we started in January.
Currently, we're in the first month of our new Sunday school schedule. As of January 25th. 2009, we have four classes meeting at 9:30: my regular children's class, downstairs; a youth class taught by Chris W- in the pastor's study; a young adult class in the office, taught by Emily; and an adult class in the mother's room, taught by Kurt L-. At 10:30, everyone gathers in the sanctuary for our regular worship service. During this time, we hope to eventually disperse every child among the congregants in ongoing mentoring relationships. A few individuals and families have volunteered, but until then the front left rows are reserved for Sunday school. Emily creates a weekly children's bulletin and Pastor Tony leads a special kids message before each sermon. Although this system is far from perfected, I feel we've already been blessed by having every generation and age of our church represented and united in worship!
Every change that has been made this year, in staff and schedule, has been the result of prayerful searching and discernment. Our goal is to truly connect kids with Christ, and the best way to do that is to show them His love through our lives. Please keep the entire ministry in prayer as we continue to adapt our program to better serve this purpose.
Grace and peace,
Rachel O-
