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Congregational Support & Development |
| Welcome to Children's Sunday School When did Spirit of Peace incorporate a Children's Sunday School class? About FIVE YEARS AGO. And, what a blast it has been! We've acted out stories, designed miniature prayer gardens, learned songs, made popcorn, studied social gospel issues in newspapers and on the Internet... So how does it all work? Each week one pair of adult congregants, using a lectionary-based curriculum for multi-age children obtained from SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT prepares the lesson and guides the Sunday School class. We begin the lesson at the same time as Sunday Worship, 5:00 PM, in the Library across the hall from the worship space. After a 40 to 45 minute class, the children join the regular worship by carrying in the elements and partaking in our weekly communion service. How have the kids responded to Sunday School? They have really taken to it. They seem to love acting out certain stories; they enjoy the painting and other crafts, and really get into some of the games in a big way. Their enthusiasm for carrying in the elements is especially fun for all of us adults to watch. At first, they almost ran to the communion table, but now they are forming a more dignified procession most of the time! What do the adults think of Sunday School? The parents are so glad to have their children wanting to come to church, and the teachers are excited about helping in the religious training of our youth. Also, having Sunday School at the same time as Sunday Worship allows the parents time to reflect quietly during the first part of service and the sermon without having to worry about what their children are up to! Kids
in Spirit of Peace Sunday School Class make & send postcards
to children hurt or displaced by Hurricane Katrina... On
Sunday, September 18th, the children in our Sunday School Class
discussed Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. They reported having
already worked on relief projects at their weekday schools. One
child even explained that his dad, a health professional, had to
work all night treating victims who were suffering mental anguish
in the wake of the terrific devastation wrought by the storm. After
comparing notes, the children decorated postcards to be sent to
children at UCC churches and missions along the Gulf Coast who have
been hurt or displaced by the storm. Listening
for Cheerios? Some kids can do more than just eat Cheerios; they can also "listen for them." When we read about "Mary and Martha," one of the focus scriptures by Luke from the Lectionary, we learned that Jesus always welcomes us, but we also need to listen for his words and welcome him. To test our ability to hear his words, we played a hunting game. Following very, very softly whispered instructions, we located a surprise bag full of Cheerios in a low down cupboard in the Library. Now that is called "LISTENING"! At the end of class, we enjoyed the best part --munching on the Apple Cinnamon Cheerios while drinking big glasses of cold milk.
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