Campaign aims to re-energize, promote Sunday school June 18, 2004 By United Methodist News ServiceNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)—Sunday school is for everyone, not just children. That
is the message of “Sunday School: It’s for Life,” a joint campaign
between the United Methodist Publishing House and the United Methodist
Board of Discipleship to encourage congregations to see Sunday school as
a tool to educate people for faithful living and nurture them on their
spiritual journey. “We
have been listening to pastors say in various ways they are not sure
their congregation is accomplishing its purpose of helping members come
to a truly transforming understanding of who God is in their lives,”
said Harriett Olson, vice president of publishing with the Publishing
House. She
hopes “Sunday School: It’s for Life” will re-energize Sunday school and
promote it as “a vibrant teaching and learning setting.” The Publishing House has launched a new Web site, www.sundayschool.cokesbury.com,
with information on resources, events and training sessions and
articles about people involved in various Sunday school settings. It
also invites congregations to share their concerns and their success
stories with the larger church. A free video, produced by United
Methodist Communications, is also available to United Methodist
congregations. “One
of the things we have heard is that nothing is happening in Sunday
school and that is just not right,” Olson said. “There are some great
stories. One of the things we hope to do with the Web site is share
those stories.” Olson
said the plan is “to join hands with leaders in annual conferences,
districts and congregations to raise the profile of this important
setting in the church.” The North Texas Annual (regional) Conference,
for example, has already launched a campaign to increase the number of
Sunday school classes in its churches. News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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