What's
 

Sunday School in the Family Church

Prince of Peace is an intergenerational church—also known as a family church. It’s a place where people come with the expectation that they will be able to make meaningful friendships with those of a different age—20 or 40 or 60 years’ different—just as families do. In an intergenerational congregation, people in their 90s have the privilege of holding babies and being on a first-name basis with toddlers, kindergartners and second graders. A family church is a place where children whose aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents live far away may still develop precious attachment to trustworthy adults.

A family church pays close attention to the safety of children, developing policies that prevent abuse. Prince of Peace has developed child safety policies and will offer periodic training to all the members of our congregation, with the goal of making and keeping this a very safe place.

A family church understands—yes, fervently believes—that faith is formed in every generation when one generation witnesses to another about belief in the saving love of God in Jesus Christ. Children need to hear from their elders about how important Jesus’ love has been in joy and sorrow, and how love toward Jesus deepens year after year.

But elders also need to experience the fresh discovery and new faith of children. Have you seen the video of the Pentecost story made by our children with Olof and Tomo Hellman? When you see our children recount the coming of the tongues of fire, and the wonder of the gift of the Holy Spirit, saying, “Young people will tell the story of God,” you will be amazed. You should be. What the Spirit does is AMAZING!

In a family church, the task of educating our children in God’s Word and the values of faith and Christian life is everybody’s responsibility. Last year, some 25 different people helped in a significant way to teach Sunday School. Some taught one lesson for one week; some taught one lesson for three successive weeks; some taught for six weeks; others for 32 weeks—the whole Sunday School year.

What a difference this whole-church understanding of Sunday School makes to our community! Our children now know so many more adults, and our adults, so many more children. And this is just the beginning of many great faith connections.

This fall, we will make some changes to Sunday School that will hopefully make the lessons easier to teach, and the commitment to teach easier to make. We are changing to a new, more user-friendly curriculum. (The stunning creativity promoted by the past year’s curriculum is still very welcome.)

We’re also dividing up the teaching schedule into 4-week segments. We’re asking anyone who agrees to teach, to teach with a partner for 4 weeks out of an 8-week unit. (The partner is an essential element of our child-protection policy.) We will pair experienced teachers with those who are not quite sure they’re ready to teach Sunday School, so that everyone has a positive experience. (Some teachers and parents have agreed to teach more than 4 weeks, to make sure there is enough experience and familiarity with children to go around.) This year, then, we have openings for 40 teachers in Sunday School. More blessings to go around!

Can you imagine what an amazing place this congregation will be when every child knows at least 16 adults by name? And 40 adults know at least 8 children well enough to start up a conversation and pray together?

Please take the opportunity this summer (July is better than August) to talk to Pastor Pam or Pastor Yoseph (the keepers of the schedule) about teaching Sunday School next year. Overcome your inhibitions. You have much to give, and so much more to gain, in an intergenerational, family congregation.

Contact Office at (206) 363-8100 or Email:  staff@princeofpeaceshoreline.com

Back To Top