The church profile is part of our church’s preparation for our next pastor. As part of this several of us were asked to consider Christian Education at FCC. Doing so has been interesting and creative. Some new approaches and ideas are in development.
StoryCorps invites people to tell their stories; these are archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. You’ve probably heard some these on NPR or possibly even participated by telling your story when StoryCorps has visited our area. One of their stories is “Remembering Sunday School with Ms. Devine”. It is a delightful story and video. Here’s a link:
https://www.npr.org/2006/03/24/5298458/remembering-sunday-school-with-ms-divine
Most of us have stories to tell about our experiences with Sunday School, I do. There was Mrs. Milstead who had the patience to teach impatient teenagers. Also what first attracted me to FCC were the discussions led by Frank Hartman and the many studies we did together from the “Living the Questions” series.
Unfortunately Sunday School has a diminished role in many congregations even to the point of declaring “The Death of Sunday School” as one website has done.
Thankfully many denominations are seeking new ways to develop faith and to nurture spiritual development within congregations. Here at FCC we have chosen to expand this congregation’s vision of what is customarily called Christian Education. We will be focusing on Faith and Spiritual Formation which will encompass many aspects of our congregational life. So be watching to see where we might go together on this life long journey. Til Zimmerman
