A recollection of the previous week.

A beautiful view.

As I write this I am looking out of a window at Eastern Maine Medical overlooking the Penobscot River. My wife has had a few problems fixed that had arisen from having children, working hard and – hum – getting older. Also, I am on vacation.

Sitting, relaxing, nothing on my schedule. For a few days this is nice.

Later – we are home. Yet my wife is not recovered. Of course, that will take a long time. Our life is not 'normal'. At the same time some in our household are on a normal schedule. While 'tension' might be an overstatement, there is some pulling and tugging in different direction. Also, the household items are using this interruption as an opportunity for mischief. Something my wife notices more than myself.

The week continues.

Oh yes, our daughter has volley ball practice and a couple of games. Someone needs to take her to our Friday home school group. An elderly saint is close to being called home. We are in need of a few groceries.

My wife has had a steady stream of cards, phone calls and visitors. Meals have been accompanying these visits as well.

The Lord has been gracious, bestowing his love upon us. My wife has five more weeks of 'taking it easy'. As she feels more like herself, 'herself' will want to be on the go. Perhaps the hardest part is yet to come.

Sunday morning has arrived. I am the only one up. Soon others will be joining me. Lydia and I will worship and fellowship while Bobbi and her mom will stay home. Week one is above over. I'm looking forward to John's teaching today. May the Lord bestow his blessings upon His Word.

A humble 'thank you' to all who have contributed this week to our needs and our comfort.

Sunday School

Princeton Baptist has a very faithful adult Sunday School class. Over the years we have had a robust teaching staff for all ages, but things have changed. Fewer children are available to come to Sunday School. Another group which seems to be slipping through the cracks, for some reason, is that of the younger adults. Why? I don't know for sure.

Who is available, and also able, to teach these few young children and even fewer teens? Or, do we need to have the traditional classes?

In some games, like scrabble, or chess, for example, as the game progresses one has few and few pieces with which to work. In such cases one has to own up to his limitations, adapt to them and use what resources are available. So must we.

What are the real important elements of a Sunday School?

That the Word is taught well, soundly.

That the Word is taught with love.

That anyone coming in must be loved by those teaching and by others in the Sunday School.

That the Word be received well, as God's Word.

That it be received in Faith

that it be received in Obedience

That as a church we engage in prayer for our Sunday School

expressing our dependence upon him

asking for his blessing

that God's name might be honored

that those who are dead might be made alive

that fruit might be born in all of us.

Expressing thankfulness for the Gospel and for what He has given so far.

Elements that might be not so important.

Age segregation

The best lesson material (colorful, 'exciting', 'age appropriate', etc.)

Programs

Other items might be added to both list.

Lastly, Sunday School ought not to be in competition with or against the family. Rather it ought to support and complement worship at home.

Just a brief note. I recently read an article, which I am recommending. The topic is "naturalism".

http://henrycenter.org/pdf/birkett.pdf