Dear fellow shepherds of God’s flock,
Recognizing that many congregations were unable to offer face-to-face Sunday school this fall, NPH began providing video Sunday school lessons taught by gifted teachers that families could watch at home.
The program has been very well received. Since beginning in the fall, each week’s lesson averages over 2,000 views.
In November we sent out a survey to learn how the lessons are being used and how well they are working. The comments were very encouraging. The following articulates the sentiment expressed by many: “Thanks for providing this! It’s been a blessing to us!” “We are very grateful for this option to continue to have a Sunday school lesson for our children. As much as it hurts to not have it in-person right now, this was a great choice to have available to our family. My kids do enjoy the videos and the teachers chosen to teach them did a wonderful job of getting the Message across to the kids.”
The one observation from the survey that I find extremely gratifying is that 90% of respondents are watching the video with their children and more than two-thirds are completing the Christ-Light lesson sheet with them. This means parents are taking an active part in the spiritual training of their children. How the church will be blessed as families grow together around the Word of God!
Originally we committed to providing these lessons through the fall, hoping that by the end of the fall lessons, the COVID virus would have lost its momentum and church life could be a bit closer to normal. Because that hasn’t happened and because people have pleaded with us to continue, we are extending the program through the winter and spring lessons this year.
NOT YET ENROLLED?
The purpose of this note is to remind you that we are here to help you. If your Sunday school is struggling to find volunteers willing to teach, or if students just aren’t coming back, this might be one way to reach the families in your congregation. I’m convinced that through this program congregations are reaching children who otherwise would not be studying God’s Word.
Click here to find out more about the program and to learn the various ways the student lesson material can be distributed to your families. An option is available to ship directly to participating families if that works best for your congregation.
FOR THOSE ALREADY ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM
At this time of year, most congregations notice a decline in attendance in their Sunday school programs. This might be a good time for the pastor or Sunday school coordinator to remind participating families and encourage them to watch the free YouTube videos to nurture their children spiritually throughout the new year. You might consider sending a weekly reminder, as one of the parents who responded to the survey noted. It would help them develop the habit of regular participation in the remote Sunday school program.
We continue to pray that God will bless all the work you do in his name!
Because Jesus Lives!
Ray Schumacher
Bible Study Editor