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Phase 2 of Sunday School

We are excited to begin offering Children’s Sunday School at the church. We have surveyed our parents and asked them if they are ready to have their children back and the vast majority responded with a resounding, ‘yes!’ So under the direction of our Children Sunday School directors, Ric and Giselle Crooks, we are pleased that we can start once again. Our planned beginning date is August 23.

There are many who might question this move. Why would we open up the children’s ministry during a pandemic, especially when some schools are not physically meeting? Allow me to explain our rationale.

First of all, though some disagree, as Christians, gathering at church is essential to our lives. It is not optional. Yes, we have been blessed with a virtual option, but it is only second best to what we are instructed in scripture. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) ‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’ The intention of the New Testament is that the church would draw near to one another in worship and serve Christ.

Second, our families need it. For their emotional well-being, children need to play and learn together and parents need the help. The physical and spiritual interaction is needed for both. Parents need a time of respite when they can learn together without having to manage the kids. Children need to see the importance of spiritual learning in other kids.

Third, our teachers need to exercise their gifts. No teacher is being required to return. In addition to preparing Godly lessons, they are all submitting to the children’s policy of having their temperature taken, monitoring their own health, washing hands and running the risk of exposing themselves to the virus because teaching your children is important to them. They love your kids. They want to serve.

And last, people may question the timing. Our risks are different than that of public schools. Yes, there is always the risk of exposure. But unlike a school, we only meet once a week. If the possibility of exposure should ever occur (and Lord Willing, we hope it will not), then we would have shut down Children’s Sunday school for only one meeting- not two weeks of daily meetings. We also will be able to disinfect on an easier scale than public schools.

With that being said, every parent needs to read the Children’s policy and abide by it to the letter. While no protections are foolproof, it has been repeatedly been demonstrated that the vast majority of exposure has occurred when someone jut thought they had allergies, or thought they had a cold. If you or your child have any symptoms of sickness, please love your church family by staying home! Otherwise, you are not being Christlike, you are being arrogant and selfish. Please don’t put your teachers and fellow church members in a dangerous position. We will continue to have online worship for those who are ill or just aren’t ready yet to return. And we truly respect your wishes to abide by your own conscience either way.

Parents, as part of the new procedures, we are asking you NOT to enter the children’s classrooms, but to drop them off at the door. We will be providing multiple opportunities for you to come and see your child’s new classroom before Sunday School starts.