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Written by Sue Bonspille
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Sunday, 29 October 2006 |
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Answers To Your Questions About Sunday School.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding any aspect of our program!
- Sue Bonspille - 699-8485
- Church Office - 699-2731
Do you use a formal curriculum?
We have chosen to use the United Methodist curriculum for Pre-K thru grade 12. It's a well-designed program intended to provide long-range development of Christian faith following the beliefs of the United Methodist Church.
Each year we follow the same basic cycle:
Pre-K through 5th grade
Fall - Old Testament Study
Winter - Advent, Christmas & Jesus' Life
Spring - Lent, Easter & the Early Church
The 6th grade curriculum is based on their confirmation studies to help them get ready for this big step in their Christian life.
Jr. & Sr. High are using a curriculum which is grounded in scripture, is Christ-centered and was chosen by their teachers to be of interest to young Christians in today's world.
What about adult classes?
Each year there are a variety of adult study groups available. Some meet at the traditional Sunday School hour, others are scheduled at different times. Check the current list and see if one of them sounds right for you. All are welcomed! Do you have an interest in an area or direction that isn't covered? Let us know!
Make a Joyful Noise
Kids and Music - a joyful combination! Cicero UMC offers Music Ministry for the children - the Cherub Choir for ages 3 and 4 and the Children's Choir for Kindergarten through Grade 2, are directed by Phyllis Chapman. Jr. Choir is for grades 3 through 6. Our children’s angelic voices can be enjoyed during various church services during the year
Why do you include memory work in Sunday School?
We feel that even our smallest children should have some connection to the Scripture. We have chosen verses that increase in complexity as children grow through the grades. By the end of eight grade those who have made it all the way have learned many of the scripture "chestnuts" of our Christian faith. We hope that, even years later, this knowledge will be something all can count on and find comfort in.
Is every child required to learn the Memory verses?
Children are encouraged to participate, but no one is ever put on the spot. We realize that memory work is not appropriate for everyone. Parents are encouraged to work with their children at home. Sometimes there is not enough time in an hour for teachers to do lessons and memory work.
Do the children who complete their memory work get an award?
Certificates are given to those who have completed the work for their grade during the Children's Day celebration in June.
Are Bibles given out in Sunday School?
We are committed to providing each child with their own Bible. At the beginning of the year - usually on Education Sunday - third graders are presented their own Bible during the main worship service. They are then encouraged to bring their Bibles to Sunday School each Sunday for study.
If children who join our Sunday School after the third grade would like to have their own Bible, we ask parents to talk to the Sunday School teacher. We are delighted to provide Bibles for older children who do not have one yet.
Is it necessary to come to Sunday School every week?
Regular attendance is a wonderful ideal; however, we're pleased to see everyone as often as they are able to come. In our United Methodist curriculum, each session stands on its own - each is valuable; nonetheless, each week's lesson is part of a progressing curriculum. Since we now have two Sunday School programs - miss the first one at 9:00 and catch the intergenerational one at 10:30.
Do you take attendance?
Yes, its helps us to plan more effectively.
What about attendance awards?
Regular attendance is quite an accomplishment for children and their parents. We like to recognize our children with good attendance stickers given on their certificate on each Children's day. Good attendance means that no more than three Sundays were missed! JUST A NOTE - If you attended another church while away, please let your Sunday School Teacher know. We don't count that as an absence. You should also let us know about special family circumstances that affect regular attendance.
Why do you collect an offering each week?
We feel that it's a good idea to establish the idea of stewardship to God's work at an early age. The Sunday School offering is one way to do that. On a more practical level - curriculum and supplies are expensive and the offering helps us to contribute to their cost.
Is there a way to keep track of donations for my records?
In Sunday School we do not keep a record of contributions each week. If this is something you would like done, please let us know and we will pass along the totals at the end of the year.
Who teaches Sunday School?
Special people teach Sunday School!!! Some have teaching experience...some don't. The most important prerequisite is a willingness to work at making the Christian faith appealing and approachable for children and adults. Our teachers are Christians who are living their faith in a way that helps others to find theirs.
What can I do to support my child's Christian education?
As a parent, you are the most important person in your child's life. Taking an interest in the lessons they learn in Sunday School is very important. Take a few minutes when you get home and ask about what went on that day, look over the story papers together, admire the project they worked on. Children also learn by example. Staying in touch with your own Christian faith in ways that are visible to your child will be the most powerful reinforcement of the lessons taught in Sunday School.
What can I do to get more involved?
There are so many ways! Here are just a few ideas:
- Attend an adult class.
- Volunteer to help out in the nursery for the hours 9:00 - 10:00 or 10:30 - 11:30
- Stay around and give a teacher a hand (especially the younger grades).
- Volunteer to substitute for your child's teacher.
- Provide some of the craft materials needed for a lesson.
- Send along a box of crayons or markers.
- Donate a tape recorder to your child's class.
- Lend a helping hand during the Christmas program.
- Help with Children's Day preparations.
- Consider teaching or being a teacher assistant!
- Attend worship with your child(ren).
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