I got an update the other day about what our Sunday school kids will be learning during the rest of January and into February. In January the series will be the stories of Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem. They will begin with his dedication in infancy, his visit as a precocious youth, then incidents from his adult life. These are all great stories and the temple itself was a fascinating edifice. It was one of the wonders of the ancient world, built by Herod the Great, and replacing the far smaller first temple built by King Solomon. Part of this series of lessons will include the building of a balsawood temple, to engage them in the story.
It isn't easy keeping Sunday schools going these days. Many congregations have given up, and others aren't sure what to do. The key is to invite children into the Christian narrative found in the bible, and to encourage them to become mature Christians.
I am always impressed by the people who give their time in this important and rather thankless role of teaching Sunday school.
What do you remember about the Sunday school of your youth? Do you think there is still a place for Sunday School in this day and age? Have you taught recently?
I grew up with the 'new' United Church curriculum - hardbound books and David C Cook take home papers - called Pix. The books had colored pages but used only 3 colors - avacado green, harvest gold and taupe brown and told the history of the church. To go along with our storybooks we were given David Cook Pix take home papers which gave us the bible story in cartoon form in weekly installments. Sunday School class memories from my childhood were children quietly sitting around a table and listening to the teacher talking. VBS was much more fun - we could create, play and sing fun bubbly songs. But the care and commitment of teachers for and to us, the children, shone through.
ReplyDeleteYES! We still need church school because our worship services are not child user or child friendly - especially for many children under 12.
I am so impressed with the creativity and breadth of the Sunday school lesson plans of today. I can't wait to hear about your temple building from 'the girls'. I have also heard about temples being built out of lego blocks too.
There are times when I would love to have an adult worship service turned into a child's SS lesson - because I think we, as adults, have forgotten how to play, learn, and have fun all at the same time.
Susan must be a lot younger than me or has a much better memory! I haven't thought about my Sunday School for a long time. I do remember many classes of kids and much structure. I don't remember putting up a fuss about going to Sunday School. It was something I looked forward to.
ReplyDeleteMy hat certainly goes off to our (and any and all) Sunday School teachers. They are helping to mould these young people and judging from our "young people" they are doing a great job.
I think it becomes increasingly difficult to engage children without the flash and dash of technology. Our teachers seem to be doing this....kudos!
This temple idea sounds great! I may pass it on to our Sunday School.
ReplyDeleteI grew up without Sunday School. We sat in worship every weekend. Around the age of twelve, I was recruited to be a cantor and part of the choir. I think being in worship every weekend is one of the reasons I continue going to worship as an adult. I think Sunday School is a wonderful thing, but I also think children need to experience worship and learn to value sitting in worship with the rest of the congregation.
Yes, unfortunately, worship is all that kid-friendly. I sat through the Roman Catholic mass and sometimes felt bored to tears. But there are many ways in which we can reach all ages during worship.
I believe in a combination of both. Have a Sunday School but also have times when everyone joins in worship together. (I will get off my soapbox now.)
I'm with Deb. A combination of sunday school and participation in worship is a good idea. We have done this for a while now.
ReplyDeleteThe kids need to learn the story in a form that they can understand i.e. sunday school.
They also need to feel they are a part of the congretation i.e. participate in worship with the adults.
I have taught sunday school, but I'm not a teacher. It does take a certain type of person to teach effectivly. We are luck to have some professional educators that do a great job in the sunday school.
I am more effective helping in other areas of the church, so I leave teaching to those better suited.
Thanks for all of these. I remember the controversy over that new curriculum Susan. As a young person I thought it was quite good.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you say about the challenge of engaging kids in a much more technological age Lynn.
And we will continue the endeavour of including children and youth in our worship life.