Why Teach the Old Testament?

More than a third of the lessons in our current scope and sequence for Sunday School at Concordia Publishing House teach accounts from the Old Testament, four out of every ten fall, winter, and spring quarters and a generous portion of our summer quarters as well. Why?

• These lessons answer unique questions not addressed in the New Testament. How did the world and human beings begin? Why is there sin and trouble in the world? How did God prepare the world for the coming Savior?
• These lessons show the depth of God's love and concern for His people. They show His providence for both the spiritual needs of all people, and for their physical needs as well. (God provided food for a widow and her son through Elijah. He also provided food for "all the earth" [Genesis 41:57 ESV].) 
• These lessons shares God's forgiveness.
• These lessons demonstrates God's love for all nations. (Yes, Jonah, that includes Nineveh!)
• These lessons reveal Christ. He is revealed in the first Passover lamb and the blood painted on the door frames. He is revealed in the ram caught in the thicket. He is revealed in the bronze serpent lifted up on a pole for the healing of Israel.

The Old Testament lessons are divided among our four fall quarters, which means they are taught every four years. (Most of our New Testament lessons are repeated at least every three years.) This repetition allows the Bible accounts to be reviewed and taught anew in a depth appropriate to each student's age and development stage, contributing to the student's overall biblical literacy.

This fall the cycle begins anew, with lessons coming from the first 28 chapters of Genesis.

God bless you as you teach His children His Old Testament Word!

Have You Considered "Cross Explorations"?

Cross Explorations is a site rotation, large group/small group hybrid curriculum now in its third year of publication. It's a great alternative to our traditional Sunday School material.

• It is designed for first through sixth graders.
• It follows the same sequence of lessons as Growing in Christ (so your preschoolers and junior high students can use that material for a unified weekly experience).
• Up to 30 students could be taught by just two volunteers (but the activities are so varied, you'll probably find lots of eager volunteers).
• In addition to the Engage opening and Explore Bible studies, student can enjoy a variety of Express sessions of lesson related activities: music, drama, crafts, snacks, games, and service projects! Offer the same kinds of activities each week, or alternate among them. Your choice!
• The perfect alternative for congregations looking for something "a little different"!
• Buy the "Starter Kit" and leaflets for each student, or order individual components a la carte!

You can view an explanatory video, explore the starter kit contents, and download samples at cph.org/sundayschool.

God bless you as you teach His children His Word!

Say Thank You

When was the last time your congregation said "Thank you" to your Sunday School teachers?

No one agrees to teach in order to receive your thanks. But the act of saying thanks blesses both the one thanked and the one doing the thanking. It acknowledges that we need each other in the body of Christ.

So, say "Thanks" . . .

• personally, one to one
• with a small gift
• with a card, handmade by the Sunday School children
• publicly, from the pulpit or during the announcements
• have the children sing a song
• with a phone call
• _________________________________

There are dozens of ways to say "Thank you." Don't put it off. And don't worry about doing it too often.

Thank you for teaching God's children His Word!