Goals in Church School are not only to learn about the teachings of the Bible, but also their revelance in our lives and how we can use them in our relationships with others. We have tried to accomplish this, not only through our regular Church School lessons, but also through various projects which involve the children doing things for others in their church, home and community. One of the projects this year was having a "Special Person" recognition during the worship service to recognize church members who have given many years of unselfish service to the church and other projects, including making gift bags (which included a variety of fun craft and entertainment items) for children in the Pediatric ward at E.M.M.C.; decorating and passing out hearts to all congregation members on "Heart Attack" Sunday (the Sunday before Valentine's Day); giving flowers to the women of the church on Mother's Day; serving at church suppers when asked; crafting and selling items at the annual church fair; and making Thanksgiving decorations which were delivered this November along with the Thanksgiving baskets.
Other special events this year have included celebrating several Jewish holidays and having a shepards' meal where we all dressed up in costumes, made our own butter and ate foods from biblical lands. Food is a definate highlight in all our special activities.
Our church was actively involved in planning and participating in this summer's Vacation Bible School held in August at the Methodist Church. Robin Shaler led a committee made up of members of four community churches which presented a fun program on "Important People of the Bible" to 37 area children. Both children and adults involved learned a lot and had a great time.
As always, attendance is our major concern. Although our enrollment is doing well, attendance is still inconsistent. We began sending out a newsletter last year to the Sunday School Children four times a year and have continued it this year, hoping that with notice of coming special events and knowledge of regular programs, children and parents might make more of an effort to attend church regularly. We also have a need for another Junior Sunday School teacher, as Judy is usually out of town in spring and early fall.
Judith Whitney and Mary Anne Eason