As the Sunday School season comes to a close, the Rev. Tammy Martens has invited some of the teachers to offer reflections on their experiences. The reflections that follow here are from John Rasmussen, Gretchen Olsen, and Laurie Irwin.
John Rasmussen (Preschool/Kindergarten, The Worship Center)
As has been the case with previous volunteer opportunities for me here at ORUCC, I accepted the call….but with some trepidation. I must say that both Tammy and Winton have been very persuasive when it comes to stepping out of my “comfort zone”. That said, their persuasiveness is backed up by incredible encouragement, understanding, and support. I spent most of last Sunday School year as our son Jonah’s sidekick, so as a teacher I wanted to make sure that parents felt as welcome and comfortable as I did staying with their children if desired (or demanded!). Thank you to all the parents who have been involved not only supporting your own children on Sunday mornings, but also offering a helping hand for all.
It has been a joy to work with the “hands on” curriculum Young Children and Worship and to see the kids reenact/embellish the stories with their fertile imaginations (occasionally incorporating a super-hero you might not remember from the Bible version). Thanks again to Steve Sheets for the amazing, hand-crafted materials! It is my hope that all who participated this year feel that the seeds have been planted for a long and fruitful faith journey.
It makes me smile to say that there is actually some disappointment in our house (not just by me) on a Sunday without Sunday School–it is my hope that some of you are smiling too.
Gretchen Olson, 1st/2nd Grade (The Way of the Child)
I have so enjoyed my class this year! It has been a treat getting to know all the 1st and 2nd graders. Each one is so special in their own way, and I found it to be a privilege to be their Sunday school leader. Laurie Irwin and I team taught, which worked out very well. The curriculum is very easy to teach; it is largely values based and the kids can relate to it. Tammy made it extra easy because she set up the rooms for us in advance so we did not have to do much beyond reading our lesson.
I finish out the year with a feeling of gladness that I now know these kids pretty well and will continue to have the opportunity to develop our relationships. I look forward to watching them grow!
Laurie Irwin, 1st/2nd Grade (The Way of the Child)
As a 20 year, or so, member of ORUCC I have been a Sunday School teacher with almost every age group almost every year that I have been a part of the church.
I have no children of my own but I believe that children need adult friends/mentors that are not their parent or related to them. It is good for them and it is good for me. I have learned so many things from all the children I have taught. Many of these children are adults now and when they come back to church to visit they still refer to me as their “Sunday School teacher”. It makes me feel so proud.
In all of the years that I have been a teacher I have learned many things but a few stand out in my mind.
- As a high school aged child you can still love “Veggie Tales.”
- You can learn about the bible by playing Bible Pictionary!
- Drawing a picture of a monster or robot does show God’s love for everyone.
- You don’t always have to be quiet to say a prayer.
- Children are listening to you even when you think they are not.
I enjoy being a Sunday school teacher because I am still a kid at heart and I enjoy all the activities that our children do. It really does take a whole church to raise a child!
