TALK The Walk
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle A
A group of mothers has been meeting once a month to pray for their children, as well as for other students and the teachers of the local elementary school. Their concern stemmed from what their children would be exposed to once they started school. The mothers prayed that God would show them a way to instill positive character traits in the children. For a couple of years the moms discussed ideas that did not pan out. The school district was not supportive of the idea of pulling students from their classes for one hour of Christian instruction a week. Some of the mothers were also uncomfortable with that notion. So the moms continued to pray and wait.
The opportunity presented itself when the school district initiated a character education program. Two of the moms in the prayer group were asked to join the committee. "It was the answer to our prayers," one of the mothers said. "I truly think it was God's timing." An after-school program was designed, Tuesday Afternoons Live for Kids, known as TALK, with the full support of the school district. The program would meet at area churches and would be open to students in third through sixth grade. The moms' excitement was contagious; others soon joined in support. Other moms soon volunteered to help along with several retired school teachers who would help the students with their homework. Area pastors would also be involved, taking turns presenting a character trait each week. Additional time would be designated for activities, crafts, and snacks. After several months of planning they were ready to begin the program.
The question remaining was would the students want to take part in this program? Brochures were sent home the first week of school. Their goal, as stated in their mission statement, was "to promote positive character development and personal growth by using stories, songs, games, activities, Bible memory work, and peer discussion." At the annual open house at school several TALK representatives were present to answer any questions and enroll the students.
"The response was unbelievable," the volunteer director reported, "with over eighty students signing up that night." There were so many students that some had to be placed on a waiting list.
It took a lot of work to pull resources and people together but it was well worth it that first day when eighty students entered the church. For many it would be the first time they had been inside a church. Tuesday afternoons became a time of learning and fun together. God had answered the prayers of the moms' group.
The opportunity presented itself when the school district initiated a character education program. Two of the moms in the prayer group were asked to join the committee. "It was the answer to our prayers," one of the mothers said. "I truly think it was God's timing." An after-school program was designed, Tuesday Afternoons Live for Kids, known as TALK, with the full support of the school district. The program would meet at area churches and would be open to students in third through sixth grade. The moms' excitement was contagious; others soon joined in support. Other moms soon volunteered to help along with several retired school teachers who would help the students with their homework. Area pastors would also be involved, taking turns presenting a character trait each week. Additional time would be designated for activities, crafts, and snacks. After several months of planning they were ready to begin the program.
The question remaining was would the students want to take part in this program? Brochures were sent home the first week of school. Their goal, as stated in their mission statement, was "to promote positive character development and personal growth by using stories, songs, games, activities, Bible memory work, and peer discussion." At the annual open house at school several TALK representatives were present to answer any questions and enroll the students.
"The response was unbelievable," the volunteer director reported, "with over eighty students signing up that night." There were so many students that some had to be placed on a waiting list.
It took a lot of work to pull resources and people together but it was well worth it that first day when eighty students entered the church. For many it would be the first time they had been inside a church. Tuesday afternoons became a time of learning and fun together. God had answered the prayers of the moms' group.
