Seventh Grade Sunday School Class
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle A
Hank and Charlene were gifted Sunday School teachers. They were the teachers for the seventh grade class. Most weeks they would have close to twenty students. It was not easy to think of lessons and activities that would hold the interest of seventh graders. But they were dedicated. As Charlene explained, "Seventh grade is such an important grade for the kids."
It was obvious that much time went into teaching the class. Their lesson plans included new and creative teaching methods. Hank and Charlene used hands-on learning methods before they became popular. One Sunday all the tables were rearranged; the center table was set for a Seder meal complete with bitter herbs and matzo. The symbolism was explained as the class experienced the Seder meal as Jewish families have for centuries.
Another Sunday the class painted large cardboard boxes, making them ships. "The church is like a ship," Hank explained as the students were busy painting. Another Sunday there was a discussion on finding ways to live out their Christian life. Charlene told of how Christians from other times lived out their lives for the Lord. Hank had the students look up and read verses from the Bible.
No one remembers what happened one Sunday near the end of the school year. What is remembered is that the class quickly got out of hand. There were disruptive comments, there was laughter, and no one seemed to be paying the least attention. Were the students tired of Sunday School? Maybe they were just being seventh graders. Finally Hank had had enough. For the first time he spoke harsh words, revealing his frustration. "You know," he began, "we spend a lot of time preparing for this class. If this is how you are going to treat us -- you can just find other teachers." Charlene said nothing, but it was apparent she too was upset.
The class sat there in total silence, too stunned to say anything. Being seventh graders, they did not know what to say. They might not have admitted it, but they really enjoyed their class and certainly liked their teachers. When the bell rang the students breathed a sigh of relief.
The next September there were new teachers for this class. By the time they graduated from high school over half the class would no longer attend either church or Sunday School. However, Hank and Charlene would be pleased to know that some of the seeds they planted in these young people did germinate and take root. Twenty-five years later, several members of that class are still very active in their church. Several have taught Sunday School classes, while others have tried their hand at leading a youth fellowship. Another class member chaired the church's official board for several years. These adults have their seventh grade Sunday School teachers to thank for making the gospel relevant for them. Much to their regret, they never had the opportunity to thank Hank and Charlene.
It was obvious that much time went into teaching the class. Their lesson plans included new and creative teaching methods. Hank and Charlene used hands-on learning methods before they became popular. One Sunday all the tables were rearranged; the center table was set for a Seder meal complete with bitter herbs and matzo. The symbolism was explained as the class experienced the Seder meal as Jewish families have for centuries.
Another Sunday the class painted large cardboard boxes, making them ships. "The church is like a ship," Hank explained as the students were busy painting. Another Sunday there was a discussion on finding ways to live out their Christian life. Charlene told of how Christians from other times lived out their lives for the Lord. Hank had the students look up and read verses from the Bible.
No one remembers what happened one Sunday near the end of the school year. What is remembered is that the class quickly got out of hand. There were disruptive comments, there was laughter, and no one seemed to be paying the least attention. Were the students tired of Sunday School? Maybe they were just being seventh graders. Finally Hank had had enough. For the first time he spoke harsh words, revealing his frustration. "You know," he began, "we spend a lot of time preparing for this class. If this is how you are going to treat us -- you can just find other teachers." Charlene said nothing, but it was apparent she too was upset.
The class sat there in total silence, too stunned to say anything. Being seventh graders, they did not know what to say. They might not have admitted it, but they really enjoyed their class and certainly liked their teachers. When the bell rang the students breathed a sigh of relief.
The next September there were new teachers for this class. By the time they graduated from high school over half the class would no longer attend either church or Sunday School. However, Hank and Charlene would be pleased to know that some of the seeds they planted in these young people did germinate and take root. Twenty-five years later, several members of that class are still very active in their church. Several have taught Sunday School classes, while others have tried their hand at leading a youth fellowship. Another class member chaired the church's official board for several years. These adults have their seventh grade Sunday School teachers to thank for making the gospel relevant for them. Much to their regret, they never had the opportunity to thank Hank and Charlene.
