Seeing Joy in Lent?

Lent is a penitential season of the Church year. As such, it is a time for sober reflection on the reality of our sins and the burdensome cost that Christ paid to set us free. So, it is appropriate for Christians to take on a somber mood. At the same time, we recognize that we … Continue Reading

Ideas for a Family Sunday School Event

Every once in a while you just need to shake things up a bit. At our church, “every once in a while” means about twice a year. So, twice a year (for us it’s typically at the end of the first quarter and the end of the second quarter), we have what we call “Family … Continue Reading

Teaching Epiphany in Sunday School

For some children, Epiphany may be a familiar time of the Church Year. Others may wonder what Epiphany means. Here’s a simple way to teach about Epiphany. On Epiphany, we give thanks to God for Jesus Christ, revealed in the Gospel as the Savior for all people. Epiphany means “to shine through.” This reminds us … Continue Reading

Ideas to Help Students Focus on Christ through the Year

During the Church seasons of Advent and Christmas there is a natural emphasis on God the Son. In Advent, we look forward to the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. Seven hundred years before His birth, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a … Continue Reading

Are There Any Sins That God Cannot Forgive?

Understanding God’s Forgiveness Christianity is unique among world religions in that it presents peace and reconciliation with the Creator of mankind through grace, mercy, and sacrifice at God’s expense. This is in opposition  to meriting goodness from the higher power based on our natural goodness or abilities, earning it through obedience and good works, or … Continue Reading

I Didn’t Know Our Sunday School Had . . . Opening Options

Here they come! McKenna just finished her breakfast, with a milk mustache to prove it. Jaxon is already sleepy after a full morning of getting ready and attending the early service. Dillon is wanting to show off his new hat to his buddies, but Ellowyn isn’t sure she wants to leave her mama’s side. Ah, … Continue Reading

How to Mix-and-Match Sunday School

Do you remember the popular clothing line, Garanimals®? This innovative children’s clothing company designed their clothes in a way that would help children learn to dress themselves with shirts and pants that match. With a variety of matching tops and bottoms in a set, children could pick from their wardrobe without parents worrying that they … Continue Reading

How to Use Cross Explorations in Sunday School (and Beyond)

Sunday morning will be here before you know it, and that means you’ve got to find a way to engage your students. Teaching your children the Word of God and sharing the Gospel with them is undoubtedly your goal. Yet, some sort of crafts, games, and activities need to be incorporated, lest your students decide … Continue Reading

Lessons Learned: Volunteer Recruitment and Training Tips

I don’t sing well enough to lead singing. I never could play guitar and sing with kids at the same time. My tortured instrumental teachers and generous musical friends identify my piano and guitar skills as “rudimentary.” This lack of musical skills might have killed my hope to serve as a Director of Christian Education. … Continue Reading

I Didn’t Know Our Sunday School Had . . . Rally Day

School-supply aisles are packed, heads are sporting new coifs, and pools are advertising their last few weeks of the swimming season. It’s that time of year! A new class in school often means a new class in Sunday School as well—or at least a time to regroup and get ready for a new season of … Continue Reading