I went to Sunday School today - another Sunday School - one where the Promiseland programme that we started at our church this year has been running for a while. We went to learn from them. For me, it was an uplifting experience. The teachers meet an hour before the session is due to start, begin with a time of devotion together, followed by what will be happening and who will be doing what for that day, and then the games are set up at various points. As children arrive they are encouraged to get involved with one or more of the games. It is a fun and occupied time as children are brought, met by one of their grade leaders, and immediately get involved and active with each other. The large group session began, included an ice-breaker activity, a teaching, and then broke up into grade groups and moved to various areas for the small group activities and establishment of the lesson for the day.
What did I notice and what can we absorb into our programme?
Enthusiasm on the part of all the teachers and helpers - an obvious desire to involved in the lives of the children.
Involvement seen in the teachers sitting on the floor with the kids - some in their laps - being like kids in the singing of the songs and the doing of the actions of the songs; encouraging the kids all the time to take part and enjoy.
Joy and excitement about what was being learned - evidenced by the freedom with which the kids answered questions, made comments and observations, and added their bit to what the teacher had been saying or talking about.
Welcome and acceptance of each kid and what he/she had to offer. I was reminded of what I heard recently: "I do not always understand you, but I welcome you and value what you bring to the table"
What did I notice and what can we absorb into our programme?
Enthusiasm on the part of all the teachers and helpers - an obvious desire to involved in the lives of the children.
Involvement seen in the teachers sitting on the floor with the kids - some in their laps - being like kids in the singing of the songs and the doing of the actions of the songs; encouraging the kids all the time to take part and enjoy.
Joy and excitement about what was being learned - evidenced by the freedom with which the kids answered questions, made comments and observations, and added their bit to what the teacher had been saying or talking about.
Welcome and acceptance of each kid and what he/she had to offer. I was reminded of what I heard recently: "I do not always understand you, but I welcome you and value what you bring to the table"
I was truly blessed by the experience. I pray that our Sunday School department will learn from and live out these characteristics, and that our children, too, will know that there is a great welcome for them in God's Kingdom.
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