From School To Cool
May 15th, 2008, 5:33 pm Hobby Shops
Traditional Sunday School programs for children in the Barossa look to become a practice of the past.
Many church leaders have had to restructure their services to encourage children to stay and more families to join.
Andrew Morris, Barossa Uniting Minister, said social avenues such as sport events and shops open on Sundays have contributed to the change.
Andrew, who addresses five congregations, has eight children who attend Sunday School.
“Church used to be high on people’s list. Now it’s closer to the bottom,†he said.
“I also think people’s lives have become hectic so on Sunday they look to sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast. Some families are not interested in racing around to get to church,†Andrew added.
Some church organisers have overcome the dilemma by creating Friday evening outreach programs, changing the service names and creating attractions.
For two years Greenock Lutheran Church has offered its children JAM sessions (Jesus and Me).
“The name change and the comfortable environment available to children has led to an influx of more families,†Lyn Waldhuter, organiser, said.
“We have about 28 children involved and we still hold a morning service.â€
“Children are part of devotion, prayer, storytime and activities, and an address by Pastor Weier during church services,†she explained.
SALT at St Petri, Nuriootpa, offers its 70 students interactive and engaging services.
Jeannette Hanckel, co-ordinator for the past two years, said the congregation is fortunate to have wonderful parent support.
“If we didn’t have their encouragement then we wouldn’t have children attending.â€
Jeannette also believes the key to a successful program is variety.
“We have people with different talents so some use puppets to tell a story while others use role play. We also cater for events like Mother’s Day where children sing songs, read poetry or they perform in front of the congregation,†she explained.
And Holy Trinity, Nuriootpa, has also brought in fresh ideas to amuse and retain its eight children.
Last year the program launched its new name Kids On Sunday (KOS) and children and teachers were invited to either bring along a treasured item or highlight their hobbies as part of a care and share time.
Tags: andrew morris, co ordinator, friday evening, Hobbies, influx, lai, launch, leisurely breakfast, lutheran church, nfl, outreach programs, pets, puppets, sport events, storytime, undayRelated posts
