Church School - PARTICIPATE!

Too often in today's world we find it difficult to meet the needs of the children in our church schools. There are so many outside influences that promise and deliver our children more fun, fancy and freedom. How come these tempting activities are pulling our youngsters away from the very foundations on which we built our faith and love in Christ on over the years? What did our parents, family and church provide for us years ago that is not working now; doesn't attract but rather repels?

First and foremost, we, the adults, have to look at ourselves. Are we modeling the behaviors we want our children to exhibit? Do we complain about having to go, drive them to church and then take off for breakfast, etc., arriving late for Divine Liturgy? Do we sit together as a family and with our whole mind and body fully participate in the service: receiving Holy Communion, reciting prayers, making the sign of the Cross, lighting candles or kneeling at specific times during the liturgy? Do we as parents, discourage rather than encourage, partially by removing ourselves from church life? As a child growing up in the church, I remember most vividly the first time I stood next to my mother as I sang in the choir. Even though my first attempts at singing did not sound angelic, I can recall the pride and excitement I felt just to belong. From where I stand today I can still picture my grandfather as he chanted the tones and the Epistle. As a matter of fact, I can see so many other members of my family, aunts, uncles and cousins taking part. We didn't just preach God's word, we lived it, together!

It's also not enough to say we bring our children to church school, if before we give them the opportunity to practice their faith in church, we whisk them out the side or back door, making justifiable excuses as to why they can't stay this week. I've often heard parents say that their child went with a friend to their church because of a specific program being offered. Do we provide programs, dances, etc. that would afford our children the opportunity to reciprocate? Do we nurture an environment that promotes Christian values and encourages warmth and caring?

Liturgical life in the church is very important as we all know, but there are other phases of their lives that require our attention too. Each child possesses a specific talent of one kind or another that, if not developed or if not allowed to be used, gets tossed aside. There is a saying that goes something like this, "It takes a whole village to raise up a child." It's not just the parents' job. This is where the Church school community itself needs to step in and provide. Allowing 45-50 minutes a week for learning and planning seasonal parties is admirable but we need to do more if we're going to keep our children involved. If we want them to use their talents then we must give them the tools, and the environment for such growth and development.

Setting up a church school library is a good place to start. We can donate some of our own personal books or offer monetary donations to honor a special occasion or offered in someone's memory. Many times visitors to a parish want to do something for the parish. If they ask, let them know of the church school's needs. If you are unsure of how to catalog these texts, there are resources available to show you the procedure. Someone who would like to donate their time on Sunday morning might wish to take on the responsibility of becoming the "Church School Librarian." A parent who drives his/her child to Church School but lives too far to go back home before church might be a good person to approach to take on this job. Even someone's grandmother might be a delightful "Story Lady" to read to the younger children. To the older classes, taking a library cart to the classrooms to have them sign out books would be beneficial to all. Oftentimes we want to help but we just don't know how.

Nothing brings more joy than the sounds of cherubic voices. Children love to sing and even though "Jesus Loves Me" may not be appropriate for a sixth grade class, there are many songs out on the market that have a Christian message to share. During our Christmas program at church, our junior choir sang "Angels Among Us," recorded by the popular group, Alabama. There wasn't a dry eye to be found. How do you make this come about? Invariably, in your parish, someone with musical talents/background may be approached to conduct music classes during Church School twice a month; once for the Primary and once for the Intermediate classes. The director works with the children to instill the love of music and to bring out the talent these children possess. During the same Christmas program, a young lady, aged ten, played a Christmas song on the flute. She along with another girl from the parish each sang a solo. No one could believe it. The resources you can tap most must first be uncovered. If we never try, we'll never know our full potential.

Art classes, run on a rotating basis like Music and Library, would also be a blessing. Children love nothing more than to be able to express themselves. When academic success is lacking, the creative domain might be more beneficial. These programs allow them additional avenues to explore.

I'd like to recommend a book entitled Children in the Church Today - An Orthodox Perspective, written by Sr. Magdelen, who is a monastic at the Orthodox Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, England. "Sr. Magdelen's major emphasis is that if children are conceived, born and brought up surrounded by prayer and love, they will grow up as spiritual persons and thus fulfill their human vocation." (Children in the Church Today) Her writings are meant for not only the parents but for young adults and teenagers as well. The book may be purchased through St. Vladimir's Seminary Press.

The spiritual life of our children is an immediate need in all our parishes. Where will you be and what will you be willing to offer when the call for help is made? Please don't wait to be approached. This calling may be the best investment you can make as a Christian steward.

- Joan Teebagy, Orthodox Christian Education Commission News