Teaching Children to Delight in God's Word

Elementary Ages: First through Fourth Grade

Let the Little Children Come to Me.  Mark 10:14

Psalm 1:2  His delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law does he meditate day and night.

Kids at this age are like sponges, eager to learn and ready to start communicating and living what they learn. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).  We want to encourage our kids to come to Jesus in an environment that loving, safe, welcoming-and fun!

Knowing the Word
"Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord." 2 Peter 3:18

What better goal can we set for our kids than to encourage them to live and grow in God's grace and to acquire a personal knowledge of Him?  We are blessed to have a staff of committed volunteers who desire that your children will indeed inherit the kingdom of heaven.  Our goal is to support and assist you, the parents, in training your children. Our team of teachers and helpers spend many hours a week planning and praying for the children and families to whom they minister.  We desire to communicate God's love in a warm and caring setting, and to teach His Word in such way that makes it relevant to daily living. We want our children to find their place in the church family and to encourage them in their spiritual commitment and growth. Sunday school should be a place to develop a relationship with God; with kind and understanding teachers; and with the other children.

"We will not hide them from their children showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength and his wonderful works that he hath done. Psalm 78:4

Why We Teach (what we believe about God's Word) 

 The Bible is God's truth, given to the human race.   Every person and story in Scripture is truth, and from it we draw strength and wisdom to live our lives. God's Word gives us hope in desperate times, as well as the joy and satisfaction of knowing the God who created the universe also created and loves each person on this planet.  While each individual is important to God, it is also essential for us to see the overall plan and purpose of God, and how we fit into that plan.  God has gifted each of us with unique talents and abilities.  Once we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and receive forgiveness for our sins, we are given the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to listen for and act upon the call of God on our lives.

At Maranatha Chapel we believe that parents should be the primary teachers of Biblical material to their children. It is our desire to be partners with parents in nurturing their children in biblical foundations. If children develop the ability to trust during the early years, they will have a basis for commitment to Jesus Christ when they reach the age of accountability.

Maybe leave work a little early this week and read a Bible story to your kids.

Isaiah 54:13 states, "And all your children will be taught by the Lord. And they will have much peace." We trust that this is the desired goal of all parents who bring their children to our church. God wants parents to succeed in the task of parenting their children with biblical principles. We want to help each individual unveil his or her uniqueness in an atmosphere of Christ-like love and acceptance.

Parent Heroes

YOU ARE VITAL TO YOUR CHILD'S SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

How to help your child get the most out of Sunday school

1. Encourage your child to develop friendships at Sunday school. One of the strongest benefits the church provides your family is an extended "family" of both adult and childhood friends who support positive Christian values. Consistent attendance makes it easy for meaningful friendships to grow.

2. Be consistent in bringing your child to Sunday school so that he or she will benefit from the biblical instruction. Children are surrounded by influences, which are often in conflict with the truths of Scripture. Sunday school can be your child's most important hour out of every week!

3. Cultivate friendships with your child's teachers. It's easier for you to approach two or three teachers than for them to personally contact the parents of all the children in their classes. Your support helps teachers do a good job!

4. Watch for and talk with your child about the take-home materials provided each week. A few minutes of informal conversation at home can help to reinforce and apply the Bible truths your child has studied.

5. Learn the Bible memory verses with your child. Copy each week's verse onto a folded index card and set it on your breakfast table.

6. Ask a few questions about the Bible story to see what your child remembers and understands-and talk about how the story illustrates familiar experiences at home or in the neighborhood. A good question is "What is one way you can do what that story teaches us?"

7. During the week look for ways to connect a recent Bible verse or story to specific situations. For example, while watching TV, ask how a character's action compares with those of a person in a Bible story.