What do you remember from Sunday School?  When I was four there was a boy in my Sunday School class who would claim to be the “kissing bulldog,” chasing all the girls around the classroom.  We also enjoyed ducking behind tables singing while singing part of “I’m in the Lord’s Army.”  In third grade, our Sunday School teacher did not show up one week and I looked at the other three kids in my class and said “Let’s find the teacher’s book and do it ourselves.”  (While we were quite proud of this accomplishment, our parents told us we probably should have gotten an adult!) 

In fifth grade, I had a wonderful teacher named Charmane– the two of us really clicked.  When I joined the church choir in eighth grade, she was one of the people who went out of her way to make me feel welcomed in a group of people where the closest one to my age was my dad!  When she and her twin sister, Arlane, directed the church Christmas play, my sister and I also learned siblings argue regardless of their age.  (Which made us feel a whole lot better about life!)  She  always showed interest in what I was doing and encouraged me throughout my school career.

After my freshman year of college, the Christian Education Director asked me if I would be willing to co-teach with Charmane for the summer.  I agreed thinking I would just be a warm body to help.  As it turned out, Charmane had other plans.  I got to be the teacher– she was the warm body.  Teaching with my former teacher in the room was a nerve wracking but rewarding experience.  At the end of the summer, Charmane gave me a basket thanking me for teaching the class.  Two years later, Charmane died of pancreatic cancer.  I still have the basket she gave me.  In fact, it sits on my desk filled with candy that I share with you all. 

The basket serves as a reminder to me of Charmane’s constant love and encouragement as well as my responsibility to share what she taught me with others.  Also, as a reminder of how important a community of faith and Sunday school can be.  If it were not from those Sunday School experiences as her student and later as a co-teacher, I am not sure I would have gotten to experience a friendship with this amazing lady and role model. 

What are you missing out on?  Sure, Sunday School is somewhat early and you can be missing out on some sleep.  On the other hand, the relationships formed in Sunday School classes can really bring joy into your life.  Is there a Charmane missing from your life?  All of our classes are intended to help build community within the church.  Try one on for size.  If that is not a good fit, try another one– there are three very different classes for adults!  Even if you are not an adult yet, some of my favorite memories growing up are from Sunday School– they could be some of yours too!

As this autumn season kicks off, I hope you will seriously consider adding Sunday School to your routine! 

Have a blessed day, Erin