January- February 2009

As we enter into 2009, it is a good time to meet as a staff and reassess your plans for the rest of the church school year, examine how the members of your staff are doing in their areas, and look at upcoming events for the church school. It is surely not too early to start planning what events and programs you want to implement in Lent. You may wish to plan a retreat day for your church school, which is a wonderful time to integrate the church school with others in the parish who do not usually have contact with the children. To the right you will find a link to a basic plan for such a day.
Also, when January and February come, and the wonderful Christmas season is over, there is often a slump in enthusiasm, not just for the children, but for the staff as well. This would be a great time to plan a field trip, or special activity. Perhaps it might be a good time to bring the children to the local food pantry or shelter, followed by a discussion on how we as Christians are supposed to be of help to our fellow man. (Jesus asks us, "who is my brother?") Or to plan an joint activity with another local church group. Or perhaps, to begin an ongoing project which all in the church school can work on for the rest of the school year. One fun idea is a large icon, which can then be used in a church school room, parish hall, or church entry way. You will find directions for this to the right on this page.
Whatever you choose, make sure to plan for meaningful Lenten activities, and take a step soon that will enliven your church school and its teachers and volunteers during the gray days of late winter and early spring.