Sunday School


Objectives of our Sunday School

Objectives of our Sunday School

1. Children raised in this program are taught the spiritual values of Orthodoxy and the rich customs and traditions of the Indian culture.

2. Our Sunday School, equipped with the latest and best teaching aids, a sound yet flexible curriculum, and staff by qualified teachers, has the following three goals:

3. To educate our children spiritually and morally, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the faith and traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Church

4. To develop in our children the habit of attending church regularly, studying the Scriptures, and participating conscientiously in the worship and sacramental life of our church

5. To cultivate in our children a Malankara Orthodox conscience and devotion to our ideals and to prepare them so that they become faithful and devoted dynamic members of our church, our community, and our country

This ministry is to provide a broad overview of the content, history and practice of our faith. We will look at the Scriptures, and very specifically at the Gospels, as well as focus on understanding the liturgy, worship and sacramental life of the Church. We will also discuss personal spiritual disciplines, stewardship, Christian moral values, the development of the virtues and faithful living.

Classes

Given that children may be of different ages in their classes at school, the Sunday School has grouped its children according to age to maintain continuity across groups. The minimum enrollment age is three years old and runs through age 18.

Hours

Students are required to be in the church building by 01:00 p.m. and remain until they have been dismissed by their teacher (usually around 01:45 p.m.).

Curriculum

The Sunday School curriculum is tailored to meet children's spiritual needs across various ages. For the younger children, the curriculum tends to focus on the child's individual needs and deals with Christianity in general terms. The curriculum flexes to the children's interests and desires making the learning process enjoyable and fun. For the older children, the curriculum becomes more systematic, but drives the students to voice their own thoughts and opinions. The subject matter is primarily cantered on the religious traditions in the Malankara Orthodox Church, but will frequently apply religious learning to real-world situations and events. The goal for our older children is to help them apply the fundamentals of Christianity in their life journey and everyday interactions.

Activities

Student Dedication

The Student Dedication is held on the first Sunday of the beginning of the school year. A special service will be held and children will be able to participate in different parts of the service.

Sunday School Day

Sunday School day is a special service held on the first Sunday of November. Similar to the Student Dedication.

Ways That Parents Can Help
The Sunday School

1. Plan to be in church at on time. Arriving at church late is sending a message to our children that it is not important to be on time for God. Just as we must be on time for school, work, and social events, we should also be on time for church each week.

2. See that your child comes to class prepared with books, homework and reading assignments, etc.

3. Discuss the lesson in the car or at home and let them know that the lesson is an important one that needs to be remembered.

4. Practice the faith at home, observe fast days and schedule family prayer time. Children are great imitators - what they see you do, you will see them do.

Teaching Staff

The program is run by over 9 dedicated volunteer teachers and staff, many of whom are graduates of the program themselves. The staffs bring a variety of backgrounds to further enrich the Sunday School program. We are proud to have teachers who are very dedicated and exemplify Christian values. We are very proud of each and every one of them.

Teachers

Head Master Mr. John Mathew
Nursery Ms. Minu Mathews
Beginner Mrs. Susan Shine
Class I Mrs. Rosily Biju & Mrs. Mary Prince
Class II Mrs. Nisha Benjamin & Mrs. Molly Vinu
Class III Mrs. Laly Mathew
Class IV Mrs. Somy Alex
Class V Mr. John Mathew