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SUNDAY SCHOOL HANDBOOK
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Mission Statement
2. Teacher Psalm
3. Sunday School Eligibility Statement
4. Sunday School Structure
5. Christian Behavior Expectations
Child Information Sheet
Notification of Class Trip
6. Sunday School Program
Course of Study
Additional Memory Work
Church Library
Sunday Morning Procedure
Church Attendance
Bibles
Offering
Sunday School Attendance and Absenteeism
Class Outside of the Building
Christmas Programs
Policies
Resource Center
Teacher Materials
Room Presentation
7. Safety Plan
8. Calendar of Events
FAITH LUTHERAN - [ TOP ]
SUNDAY SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART
OF A CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT;
THEREFORE,
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH STRIVES TO PROVIDE A WELL-ROUNDED EMPHASIS
IN TEACHING THE LOVE AND WILL OF GOD TO OUR STUDENTS. AT THE SAME
TIME, WE ENCOURAGE CHILDREN
TO SPREAD AND SHARE GOD'S LOVE AND WILL WITH OTHERS
THE TEACHER'S PSALM - [ TOP ]
THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I SHALL NOT FEAR IN GUIDING THESE PUPILS
HE LEADETH ME TO THE HEART OF THE TRUTH, AND PREPARETH THE MINDS OF
THE PUPILS FOR THE TRUTH.
HE GIVETH ME A VISION OF THE IMMORTALITY OF THESE LIVES.
HE LEADETH ME TO SEE THE SACREDNESS OF TEACHING HIS BOOK.
YES, THOUGH I BECOME DISCOURAGED AND DESPAIR AT TIMES, YET SHALL I
LIFT MY HEAD, FOR HIS PROMISES CANNOT FAIL ME. HIS WORD WILL NOT RETURN
TO HIM VOID,
AND MY FAITH UNDIMMED SHALL BURN THROUGH ALL THE COMING YEARS.
THOU WALKEST BEFORE ME THAT THE SEED PLANTED SHALL GROW. THOU SHALT STAND
BY MY SIDE SUNDAY.
AND SPEAK THROUGH THESE LIPS TO THAT THESE PUPILS FEEL THE NEARNESS OF GOD.
THOU SHALT CAUSE EACH BROKEN EFFORT TO GATHER SHEAVES THROUGH UNNUMBERED
YEARS.
MY JOY IS FULL WHEN I KNOW THAT EVERY EFFORT IN THY NAME SHALL ABIDE FOREVER.
SURELY THY LOVE AND WATCHCARE SHALL BE WITH ME EVERY DAY OF MY LIVE,
AND SOMEDAY I SHALL LIVE WITH THOSE WHO TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUS FOREVER AND
EVER.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT - [ TOP ]
Any child who is three years old as of September 1, is eligible to
enroll in the Sunday School at Faith Lutheran Church.
Parents/Guardians are welcome to stay and help with the transition of your
child into a new environment. Parents staying with younger children during
opening music are expected to remain behind the benches with their younger
children.
Teachers are responsible to ensure that all children know the class expectations
and behavior requirements. It is helpful to include the children in the
setting of those guidelines.
Discipline policies are handed out to each student. The teachers will work
with the superintendent to ensure this information is current and on file.
Teachers are expected to learn the safety plan of Faith Lutheran and prepare
children for comfort on practice drill.
THE GOLDEN RULE WILL BE FOLLOWED
- [ TOP ]
Matthew 18 will govern beginning with the rule that problems and
conflicts will be dealt with by the persons involved before any other
steps are taken.
Conflicts, disputes, and disagreements will not be dealt with on Sunday
morning in the church building.
Role of the Teacher:
1. Teach students.
2. Set an example by attending worship.
3. Maintain discipline in the classroom.
a. Use the above and below the line discipline method.
b. Issue a second warning.
c. When appropriate, isolate from the class with support from the
superintendent and education committee.
d. Notify parents through or in conjunction with superintendent.
e. The superintendent and Education Committee will support the teachers
in their efforts with discipline and the teacher is expected to seek help
when
needed.
4. Aid in selection of materials.
5. Help with special programs including the Christmas Program.
6. Attend all training sessions.
7. Take attendance and follow procedure on absenteeism.
8. Encourage memorization of Luther's Small Catechism and Bible Verses.
9. Pray.
Role of the Superintendent:
1. Support teachers in teaching.
2. Provide materials.
3. Aid in selection of materials.
4. Provide discipline when requested.
5. Develop planning calendar in cooperation with Education Committee.
6. Pray.
Role of the Education Committee:
1. Setting of policy.
2. Selection and calling of staff.
3. Oversight as to materials used.
4. Liaison to council.
5. Hearing of unresolved disputes and concerns.
6. Plan in-service events in conjunction with superintendent.
7. Assist superintendent with planning and doing Rally Day.
8. Do yearly evaluation in conjunction with superintendent.
9. Staff recognition.
10. Affirm support of all staff in their work.
11. Create in conjunction with the superintendent, opportunities for
enabling teachers to know each other better so they form a united
team.
12. Pray.
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
- [ TOP ]
Every child deserves a nurturing, friendly, caring and safe environment
while attending our Sunday School. In order to support our Sunday School
Teachers
in providing this environment for children, we have developed the following
Behavior Expectations for children as they spend time together at Faith
Lutheran Church.
Follow the Golden Rule: TREAT OTHERS, AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
Be prompt and prepared.
Come on time.
Be prepared to have fun and learn.
Respect authority.
Listen to authority.
Follow directions promptly.
Accept responsibility for behavior.
Respect the rights of others; display appropriate social skills.
Use appropriate voice and language.
Be kind.
Be polite.
Be cooperative.
Respect property.
Respect property of others.
Respect your own property.
- [ TOP ]
Date ___________________
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHILD INFORMATION SHEET
Please help us provide the best care and support for your child as
he/she attends Sunday School and other church related activities with
us by completing
this
information sheet.
RETURN BY SEPTEMBER 22, 2001.
Child's Name _____________________________ Birthdate __________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) ______________________________________________________
Phone Number ____________________ Number
during church hours ________________
Name of Family Doctor _________________________ Phone
Number ________________
Choice of Hospital _____________________________ Phone
Number ________________
If an emergency exists and I, the parent or guardian cannot be
reached, I give my authorization to the Pastor of Faith Lutheran or
the Sunday School
Superintendent(s)
to act in my child's best interest.
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________________
Do you have any "tips or tricks" that you find helpful with your
child to help us better assist your child in learning God's word? If so,
please share those with us!
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Names and Grades of other children in your family:
________________________________________ _________________________________
________________________________________ _________________________________
(Optional) Is your child on any medication(s) that we should be aware of?
Please indicate the medication(s) and purpose(s).
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
In the situation that a parent/guardian is unable to be here at the end
of Sunday School who would you like the Sunday School Superintendents and/or
teacher to contact.
1. _______________________________________ Phone Number _________________
2.
_______________________________________ Phone Number _________________
FAITH LUTHERAN
CHURCH - [ TOP ]
NOTIFICATION OF A CLASS TRIP
In our continuing effort to maintain
a safe environment for all Sunday School children we believe it
is necessary to
know where our
children are during the Sunday School hour.
The information must be completed for all class activities, which are
off the property of Faith Lutheran Church. It is necessary that this
information
be
completed far enough in advance so that if parent notification and/or
permission slips are deemed necessary before your trip, there will
be ample time to
send the information home and returned prior to your class trip.
Please contact Ann with questions. Only your cooperation will help
ensure the safety of all our youth.
OUR CLASS IS PLANNING TO BE OUT OF THE CHURCH BUILDING ON ____________________________________.
WE ARE PLANNING TO GO: _________________________
ç_________________________Location
ç_________________________________________________
ç________________________Times class will be out of the building
Teacher's Name _______________________ Date ___________
S. S. Superintendent ____________________ Date ___________
_________________Signature
Notification of Parents needed _____ Yes _____ No
Comments
COURSE
OF STUDY: - [ TOP ]
3 year old – Grade 2: Good New Explorers
Grade 3 – Grade 6: Life Together
Grade 7 – Grade 8: Our Life in Christ
Grade 9: Dobson's "Life on the Edge", Our
Neighbor's Faith and High School Bible Studies
ADDITIONAL MEMORY WORK:
3 year old – Grade 1: Bible Verses
Kindergarten: This is My Lutheran Church Enrichment Book
Grade 1: We Worship Enrichment Book
Grade 2: The Lord's Prayer Enrichment Book
Grade 3: The Bible Enrichment Book
Apostles' Creed Memory Work
Grade 4: The Apostles' Creed Enrichment Book
Grade 5: The Ten Commandments Memory Work
and Enrichment Book
Grade 6: Exploring Worship Enrichment Book
Grade 7-Grade 8: Books of the Bible
CHURCH LIBRARY
Teachers are encouraged to acquaint students with our church library
and help them to find books to check out and read. Videos are also
available from our
library for use in the classroom.
Please schedule a classroom visit to the church library with the Librarian
before Sunday morning is very helpful as the Librarian can have age-appropriate
materials available.
SUNDAY MORNING PROCEDURE
Teachers need to be present by 9:30 a.m. to greet kids. At times
this may mean leaving the first service before it is completed. Teachers
need to be present
during music for the 3 year olds to 2nd grade. Music for this age group will
be in the children's chapel.
3 Year Old – Grade 2: Opening Music: 9:40-9:55
___________________Class Time: 9:55-10:30
Grades 3-9: Class Time: 9:40-10:30
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Encourage children to attend church services with their parents. Children
are asked to sit in the sanctuary for church service. The crying room
is for use
by parents with young children and babies. Teachers are also encouraged to
attend service to be good role models for their students.
BIBLES
All 3rd Grade students and new students in 3rd Grade and above receive a Bible
from the church. If you have a new student please contact the Superintendent
about obtaining a Bible for the student. Encourage students in Grades 3 to
10 to bring their Bibles to class with them. There are extra Bibles for teachers
or class us in the resource center. The extra Bibles are the same version as
the church gives to all 3rd Grade students. Teachers may use or purchase a
Bible for use with their classes.
OFFERING
Offering envelopes are provided for all students. New students should receive
a box of envelopes at the time they register. New envelopes are distributed
each December. Three year olds, through Grade 2 have their offering collected
during opening music. Grades 3-9 offerings may be collected in class. Encourage
students to put their offerings in the church offering plates during services.
The offering collected in Sunday School envelopes helps supply materials for
the Sunday School program at Faith.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM
Attendance is taken each Sunday to assist in ordering the correct amount of
supplies and materials each semester. We do not give an award at the end of
the year for perfect or exceptional attendance. Rather, each month's perfect
attendance in each class will be printed in the Parish Visitor. Therefore,
it is important that each teacher keeps accurate records. The superintendent
will keep a master record. If a student is absent more than three consecutive
Sundays, please check up on him or her. There are "missing you" postcards
available in the resource center for the teachers to use.
If a child attends another church school he or she should bring back a note
from that church stating so, and they will be counted present in our Sunday
School for that day.
If a child attends another church and a church school, not in session, a bulletin
brought back from the church service will also allow him or her to be counted
present for that day.
We have "visitor" Sunday School cards available for children visiting
our Sunday School. There are to be given to Sunday School students who are
visiting your class. Extras are kept in the resource room.
Sunday School classes will be dismissed when the bell rings at approximately
10:30 a.m. In the three year old to Grade 2, class teachers shall only release
students to the people listed on the student release form, or older sisters,
brothers, or family members who you come to know.
CLASSES OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING
If a teacher is planning to take students on a class trip or outside of the
church, a class trip form must be completed and returned to the Sunday School
Superintendent.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS
There are two Christmas programs for the Sunday School, Grades 3-8 program
is scheduled during a second Sunday service in December. The three year olds
to 2nd Grade program are scheduled on a Sunday afternoon. All Sunday School
youth are expected to attend and participate; any child not attending will
need a signed note from a parent or guardian. Teachers are expected to prepare
their students for the parts given to that classroom. The ninth grade class
host JESUS' Birthday party after the afternoon performances.
POLICIES FOR GRADES 6-9 CONFIRMATION STUDENTS
The students in Grades 6-9 are taking confirmation instruction. One of the
requirements for confirmation is Sunday School and church attendance. Therefore,
teachers should ask if their students are attending church that Sunday and
record it in the attendance book. The Superintendent will record church attendance
as well as Sunday School attendance. All Grade 6-10 are asked to turn in 15
worship notes for the year.
RESOURCE CENTER
All visual aids, records, games, pictures, and art supplies are located in
the resource center. Please return all material to their proper place after
each use. If you need assistance in finding resource materials, please check
with the superintendent. There is also a bulletin board in the resource center
to note any desired needs. TVs and VCRs are available and are housed in the
resource center. A sign-up sheet is posted at the end of the shelves as you
enter. Signing up is necessary to reserve a TV/VCR. There are three unites
available. Arrangements can be made if additional units are needed.
ROOM PRESENTATION
We strive to have a welcoming environment for our youth; therefore, please
feel free to decorate and "spruce up" your classroom, as you so desire.
There are a lot of nice Biblical pictures and posters in the resource center
for use in your rooms. You are encouraged to keep your room looking neat and
clean; perhaps consider enlisting the students to help tidy and straighten
up at the end of each class session.
SAFETY PLAN -
[ TOP ]
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
CAMERON, WI
AUGUST 1999
The purpose of this safety plan is to provide a procedure to be followed
in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. The plan will include
fire escape
and shelter, tornado safety and evacuation.
The Faith Lutheran Church Council at the May 1999 council meeting authorized
this project. Pat N. presented it to the council in detail on June 14, 1999.
Faith Lutheran Church President, Tom M., contacted the church's insurance
company and Interim Pastor, Dan A., contacted the synod office to find out
if they
had any problems or issues with the safety plan.
A meeting was held on July 27, 1999 with Bob A. from the Barron County Emergency
Management office for his input and ideas on the safety plan.
Final approval and review was done by the property and management committee
and Pastor Paul T. on August 17, 1999 and is as follows:
EVACUATION PLAN
Visual signs will be posted in each Sunday School room and in all
high traffic areas to show the escape route of the church. These signs
will be color-coded
and laminated. Any replacement signs needs will be made available by making
copies or contacting Carrie P. who has the design on her computer program.
After the warning bell as sounded, the teachers will be in charge of their
own class. They will be instructed to take the attendance book, have one
teacher lead the class, have everyone hold hands and the second teacher follow
last
and close the door on the way out. This will be a sign the room is vacated.
The teachers and students will be educated on fire escape safety to lessen
the chance of a person refusing to leave the building.
One of the Sunday School superintendents will be in charge of the shelter
area and the other superintendent will come with the last class to leave
the church.
The safe shelter site for any evacuation is to go to Cameron Laundromat located
east of Faith Lutheran Church on Hwy. SS.
In the event of an evacuation during church services we will be directed
by the pastor to go to the Cameron Laundromat until the emergency is cleared.
If the evacuation is during Sunday School the superintendents in charge will
check with the teachers to ensure everyone is accounted for and will monitor
the exits at the laundromat until everyone leaves with a guardian.
Special needs will be addressed as needed. Guardian disputes will be noted
with confidentiality.
Fire Escape/Shelter
The warning system for a fire or evacuation (for a problem such as
a gas leak) will be as follows:
During church services: Pastor will be in charge and will give a verbal
warning over the P.A. system with directions for evacuation of the building.
Ringing
of the Sunday School bell should also be used as a warning.
During Sunday School or Bible school: The superintendents will be
in charge and the alarm will be ringing the Sunday School bell for
30 seconds as
well as verbal warnings.
In the event of an evacuation to the Cameron Laundromat the following persons
will be in charge of notification of the local law enforcement personnel
and deciding when to call the local radio station to notify families of
the situation:
During church services: Pastor of the church.
During Sunday School or Bible school: Superintendents.
If a hazardous spill occurs nearby we will be under the direction and control
of the Barron County Hazardous Response Team and will follow their directions.
In the event of a gas leak in the church, no person will be allowed to
enter the lower level to check for persons. The local officials will be
notified
and will handle the situation.
Tornado Safety
The following person will be in charge of making the call to go to
the dining room for tornado safety:
During church services: Pastor.
During Sunday School or Bible School: Superintendents.
The warning system for a tornado will be:
During church services: P.A. system/verbal
During Sunday School or Bible school: P.A. system/verbal.
The safe site for a tornado threat is in the dining room away from the
windows and under the tables. The children will be taught to kneel or sit
on the
floor with one arm behind the head and the other arm in front of the face.
The teachers
will be in charge of getting their class into the dining area and having
their attendance books with them. After all classes are accounted for,
the superintendents
will notify the local officials that we are in the church and request an
all-clear call.
Each classroom is to have a flashlight in it for the teacher to use if
needed.
The children's chapel area is not safe as the benches will become airborne
if windows are blown out.
The superintendents will make the all-clear call.
End of Disaster
The local law enforcement or fire department will decide when there
is no danger.
If the classrooms have been evacuated to the laundromat the children
will be released to a parent/guardian after all have been accounted
for and
the teachers
will leave after their class has been released.
Education
The church office will have an entire safety plan. This will include:
- Church floor plans
- Written agreement with Dave and Pam H.
- Emergency phone numbers
- List of any special needs
The Sunday School superintendents will train the teachers each fall
on the Safety Plan. The teachers will need to have their class practice
the evacuation
route on their own and the entire Sunday School will need to do a drill.
OPEN OUR HANDS…OPEN A WORLD -
[ TOP ]
2001-2002 SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 29 Teacher Inservice
September 3 No Sunday School
September 9 Sunday School Rally Day
__________Honor Roll Attendance Certificates presented for 2000-2001
year
__________Teacher installation during services
September 23 Third Grade to receive Bibles and Catechisms
September 23- Foreign Mission Emphasis
October 9 Providing Health and School Kits for Lutheran World Relief
November 18 3 year old to 2nd grade to sing at 10:45 service
December 2 First Sunday in Advent
December 9 Christmas Programs:
__________Grades 3-8 @ 10:45 a.m. Worship Service
__________3 year old – 2nd Grade @ 2:00 p.m.
December 23 No Sunday School
December 30 No Sunday School
January 6 Sunday School Resumes
February 10 Gifts Sunday – Donations for our Local Food Pantry
February 24 Home Missions Emphasis – Lenten Dime folders:
__________First Sunday in Lent
March 24 Palm Sunday – 10th Grade Confirmation
March 31 Easter Sunday – No Sunday School
April 7 Dime Folders Due
May 12 3 year old – 2nd Grade sing at 10:45 service
May 19 Last day of Sunday School
Attendance: Our Sunday School teachers do take attendance each Sunday.
The purpose of taking attendance is threefold: We use it to assist us
in ordering
the correct amount of supplies and materials each semester, rewarding
students who have good attendance with certificates, and maintaining
accurate roster
information.
Visits: You are welcome to visit our Sunday School at any time, and we
encourage you to contact the Sunday School superintendent or any Parish
Education Committee
member should you have any questions or concerns about our Sunday School
program.
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