For several months now there have been complaints about the provisions for young people around the church. A number of families have hit a stage where there are other activities that are more exciting than coming to church. Of course I'm more than aware that sitting listening to an adult talking about God is not always very exciting.
Over the last year I've made various attempts to change the situation with requests made of the Sunday School Superintendent to try new things. There is a desire to hang on to the old ways of two teachers-one class for continuity. But I'm not so convinced of this if you don't get the same children each week anyway. Most of these requests for trying change have been ignored or fallen on deaf ears, and finally in June there was a mass voice of parents who made a clear statement that things were not good.
Trying not to hurt the Sunday School Superintendent I thought we would try a new tack. We are in the process of moving to a new committee structure that encourages more of the congregation to be part of the organisational life of the church. We have a fairly successful education team which includes the Sunday School Superintendent. The thought had been to invite some of these parents onto that group that they might have a voice and an opportunity to change things. To date all of those parents who have been asked to be involved have said no.
I find myself caught in the middle - a Sunday School Superintendent who thinks I'm making it up because nobody complains to her and yet less and less children come - and a set of parents who want a place for their children but don't want to say what they think to the people who could change things or be part of a potential solution.
Of course my frustration is heightened by the fact that it is Friday evening and I'm no closer to the sermon. I have an idea though but not sure how to start.
The whole notion of "Shekinah" seems a good place to start. The motion of the in-dwelling of God, and the temple in which he expands beyond to touch lives. I'm also feeling drawn to the inclusivity that is found in both the OT and the Gospel, as they suggest that God is for more than those who claim faith.
So I have thoughts, ribs upon which to build. I just need to find the doorway in.
Songs to welcome new church members
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At Brunswick Uniting we have a special service twice a year to welcome new
people to our community. Those who want to be part of the community (but
who ma...
1 week ago
It's a hard call, though I have more sympathy for the Sunday School Superintendent as no-one has approached them directly. The parents should put their money where their mouth is, but it looks life their taking the easy option and voting with their feet.
ReplyDelete2 teachers to a class seems a bit excessive. Maybe gently trying 1 leader to a group. Then the sessions can be more tailored to the different ages, knowledge and attendance levels.(Oh - that's not just a language thing, in my experience it's better once churches move away from Sunday "school". It should be more leading the children in their faith, not teaching them, if that makes sense!).
Good luck
2 teachers per group is standard practice and certainly recommended by C of S Safeguarding Unit. Where that is not possible groups are supposed to meet in sight of others so that the safety of the children and adults is seen as a priority.
ReplyDeleteMy reference to 2 teachers one class was from the point of view that it may be good for our young people to experience a rota of people leading sessions rather than the same faces each week, particularly when the same children do not appear each week.
I have no problem with the word "school" and that is not the parents issue. Which is instead about active learning rather than passive learning. That's not going to change with a change of name. The reality is all names for what we do with children sound patronising and old fashioned. "Club" sound exclusive. Things like "Lasers" or " Seekers" sound dated.
not in a good space this weekend and still failing to write a sermon.
Hope the sermon came together :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read your thoughts on this situation - sadly there will always be more interesting places than church on a Sunday morning especially for teenagers (mine find bed more appealing)!!
Change is always hard in children's work as we increasingly have to rely on a diminishing (and ageing) band of volunteers and the next generation of parents have such busy lives that they don't want to commitment themselves.
Liked your note about "Shekinah" ... am off to look this up and find out more.
Hope your sermon went well! Sunday School seems to be frustrating in many places. Other distractions and reluctance to commit to Church are big issues - as are leaders who find it difficult to adjust to changed circumstances.
ReplyDeleteIn one of my placements, my supervisor managed to persuade the Superintendent to take on another role - but it was a long and delicate process etc. However, the new people are not any more successful at keeping their charges' committment going.
My last supervisor was firmly of the opinion that Sunday School doesn't work and should be banished. He hasn't done that - too much opposition to such a radical idea - but he has started a conspicuously Christian group for Primary children on a Friday night which consistently gets 35-40 youngsters. He was even saying recently that he's been stopped in the street by children desperate for it to start again. Perhaps we should begin to think out the box on Christian education for our children - and ensure we get the right people involved. A huge and daunting task- but perhaps its what the Church should think about.