This Sunday is Sunday School Rally Day and what a great day it is in the life of the Church! This is the day when we welcome returning children and youth, and also new children and youth, into that most amazing organization we call Sunday School. Sunday School is the place our children and youth grow from week to week in their understanding of the Bible, the Christian Faith and most of all have the opportunity to know Jesus better so that they might model their lives after him.
I have been very impressed with the Sunday School at St. Mark's, and though we are small, we are also growing! Be sure to thank Deanne Currigan for her service as past Sunday School Superintendent, and also Joan Williams for serving as Superintendent as we begin the new school year. Deanne has done some terrific work and continues to do so, and under Joan's leadership we are off to a positive start this year. Sandy Plutchak continues to do some great work as Christian Education Director keeping us all on schedule and working together.
What excellent Sunday School teachers are here at St. Mark's! At the organizing meeting the other evening I was completely impressed with the high quality of our teachers and their commitment to the lives of young people. I was once in a workshop where the leader asked for a show of hands from those whose lives were significantly influenced by a Sunday School teacher and the room was full of raised hands! Be sure to pray for, assist and support the teachers and the students in any way you can.
It is not well known that one of the earliest Sunday Schools, perhaps the very first one, was organized by Methodist people in the 1700's in London. In fact, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, loved Sunday Schools and called them "nurseries for Christians." It is also not well known that if young people are involved in Sunday School and Youth Group, parents can almost forget about the possibility of delinquency.
I know Spencer Topham, our Youth Director, has some special plans for Parents Night at Youth Group Sunday, September 19, so all parents and youth, let's be present!
See you in worship!
Much Love,
John
