Rally Day
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle A
Plans for Rally Day were discussed at the Sunday School teachers meeting. At the meeting Jay mentioned that many in the congregation had never toured the Sunday School department. Someone else said she felt there was very little interest in the teaching ministry of the church from the congregation at large. Others nodded their heads in agreement. After much idea sharing it was decided to hold an open house on Rally Day. They would invite the entire congregation, not just those with children, to visit the Sunday School classrooms. The children would make invitations and then personally hand them to adults. They would also make posters and hang them in the halls. Someone suggested that maybe the children should lead the adults by the hand to their classrooms. There were some chuckles but also an element of truth in the statement. It was hard to get the congregation excited about Sunday School.
It was a great meeting with everyone's enthusiasm running high. This would be a great Rally Day.
Just before the meeting ended, Bob, one of the more seasoned Sunday School teachers, voiced his opinion. He explained that he did not want to put a damper on everyone's obvious enthusiasm, "but I've been around long enough to know," he said. "People just are not interested enough to come to see the Sunday School classes. Frankly," he stated in a matter of fact tone, "I do not see any more adults coming than in previous years."
There was silence as a cloud of gloom seemed to descend on everyone. The enthusiasm the group had experienced a few minutes earlier was suddenly drained. After what seemed like an eternity the Sunday School superintendent, Twila, who was both new to the church and position, said she was willing to try the new idea. She explained that she felt it would work and it was worth trying. Several other Sunday School teachers agreed with her, even though they realized that Bob's words contained an element of truth.
Several weeks later on Rally Day the children went to the worship center and invited adults to their classrooms, leading them in some cases by the hand. All along the hall were colorful posters and helium-filled balloons. The children were proud of their projects.
Rally Day was a great success. Adults in the congregation who did not participate in the Sunday School realized how important the Sunday School was to their church. They experienced firsthand the children's excitement. Rally Day touched some in unexpected ways. One person offered to buy tape recorders for each classroom; others volunteered to help out with teaching or other special events. It was truly a great day to kick off another year of Sunday School.
It was a great meeting with everyone's enthusiasm running high. This would be a great Rally Day.
Just before the meeting ended, Bob, one of the more seasoned Sunday School teachers, voiced his opinion. He explained that he did not want to put a damper on everyone's obvious enthusiasm, "but I've been around long enough to know," he said. "People just are not interested enough to come to see the Sunday School classes. Frankly," he stated in a matter of fact tone, "I do not see any more adults coming than in previous years."
There was silence as a cloud of gloom seemed to descend on everyone. The enthusiasm the group had experienced a few minutes earlier was suddenly drained. After what seemed like an eternity the Sunday School superintendent, Twila, who was both new to the church and position, said she was willing to try the new idea. She explained that she felt it would work and it was worth trying. Several other Sunday School teachers agreed with her, even though they realized that Bob's words contained an element of truth.
Several weeks later on Rally Day the children went to the worship center and invited adults to their classrooms, leading them in some cases by the hand. All along the hall were colorful posters and helium-filled balloons. The children were proud of their projects.
Rally Day was a great success. Adults in the congregation who did not participate in the Sunday School realized how important the Sunday School was to their church. They experienced firsthand the children's excitement. Rally Day touched some in unexpected ways. One person offered to buy tape recorders for each classroom; others volunteered to help out with teaching or other special events. It was truly a great day to kick off another year of Sunday School.
