Teachers inspired and encouraged

More than 80 Sunday school teachers from around the diocese and even a few from other denominations, were inspired and encouraged by the second annual Christian Education Workshop held at Christ Church (Parish) Church in Fredericton on Oct. 1.

Organized by Diocesan Christian Director Liz Harding and the Diocesan Christian Education committee, the event featured 21st century worship with several prayer stations and a hearty lunch as well as the useful workshops.

Ms. Harding’s presentation on positive discipline stressed meeting the needs of the children. The Rev. Dr. George Porter, Diocesan Youth Action Coordinator, offered the teachers insight into how to help their students develop foundations for believing as well as be-living. The value of puppets and music were demonstrated by The Rev. David Edwards and Janet Edwards of Taylor College and Cheryl Jacobs of Christ Church (Parish) Church respectively. There were also tips on presenting Christmas pageants, insights into curriculum models and suggestions for Sunday morning alternatives.

The lunch room was romantically decorated with paper tea lanterns made by Christian Education committee member Joanne Fitzpatrick, who was challenged to provide a Sunday school craft for the occasion. She offered two types of lanterns, larger ones requiring the dexterity of older students and youth group participants, and smaller, simpler ones for younger Sunday school students. Participants at the conference were each given a lantern to take home and construction details will be included in the next Christian Education mailing from Ms. Harding.

Bonnie Hunt, Christian Education Director for Christ Church (Parish) Church, member of the Christian Education Committee, and faithful assistant to Ms. Harding in the organization of the workshop day, taught the workshop participants a simple singing grace at lunch time. With the help of some of her youth group members, who were also on hand to help during the event, she sang:

Thank you God for peanut butter
And thank you God for jelly jam;
Thank you God for the food we’re eating
And thank you God for who I am.

Diocesan Communications
04 October 2005