Church School: The Way of the Child
A Message from the FAITH DEVELOPMENT LEADER
We prepare for worship on Sunday mornings with our community of faith by desiring a connection
with God. Still more of us want a closer, deeper conversation with God. This is the most succinct form of
prayer. The potential powers of prayer, such as strength, forgiveness and gratitude, are inarguably rewarding
in their hard work.
Each prayer is a spiritual moment to move what is in your inner soul to an outer expression, most often in words. However, as inconsistent as it may seem, prayer is not comfortable for many people, young or old. But how can someone of any age further develop his or her God-given talent for confident prayer? If you could follow a method that enabled a routine of spiritual and fulfilling prayer, would you? Author Wynn MacGregor has written that her “regular practice of spiritual discipline helped me to slow down, listen to the yearnings in my heart and become more open with God.”
As interim director of the Christian Education Ministry Team, I am pleased to announce that MacGregor has designed the curriculum that will be used by the young members in PPC Sunday School this year. The Way of the Child, Helping Children Experience God is both contemplative and experiential as it leads children into a deeper relationship with God, instills in children spiritual practices to form lifelong habits, and encourages children to respond to God.
Why change Church School at this point? I see a great need for our children and our congregation collectively. This curriculum will help nurture spiritual gifts that will last a lifetime. And everyone who reads this still has a lifetime. This program is in need of leaders as the October start is nearing. These leaders can be those familiar in working with children, or people interested in improving their own gift of prayer and passionate spirituality.
Come visit the location of the new worshiping environment in Room 6 to see a commitment to our children that we still wholly value their presence at PPC. The room has been transformed into a fully functional setup of reflection stations including reading, journaling, art, world, gazing, and sand.
It is the intention of The Way of the Child
- to help children learn and practice spiritual disciplines.
- to lead children to talk regularly about their relationship with God and about God’s presence in their daily lives.
- to offer children the opportunity to be heard by adults and peers who listen with heart, mind, and soul.
Clearly, this program creates a weekly intergenerational small-group faith journey. In today’s world, it is
difficult to find the time to engage in such a vital activity. Having a schedule filled with paired leader teams
will enable these adults and children to benefit magnificent spirituality together. Note in the tenth chapter
of Mark: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will never get in.”
Participation can be as little as three weeks or as long as you wish. All resources, materials and planning
sheets will be provided far in advance to make the most of your preparation, which includes short daily devotions
the week prior to Sunday School.
Affirmations, responses, or other inquiries can be directed to JAN KENNEDY.