Celebration of the Return 2007

Sunday

September 9

The Celebration of the Return is an emphasis on renewing people’s commitment to attend church-related activities and enlisting them in specific opportunities of NURTURE as disciples of Jesus Christ . . . . . . Bishop Ben Chamness

Ø Use the “Sunday School: It’s for Life” resources available at www.sundayschool.cokesbury.com to celebrate the Sunday School and reinforce that growing in faith and building discipleship is a life-long journey.

Ø Have a Sunday School Open House

Ø Start a new adult Sunday school class

Ø Start a short-term pastor-led study

Ø Have a church-wide picnic or lunch

Ø Honor Christian education teachers and leaders

Ø Honor public school teachers

Ø Honor community helpers/public servants

Ø Share testimonies about Sunday School

Ø Offer a booklet or flyer about upcoming studies/classes

Ø Sing songs of celebration

Ø Celebrate Christian Education Sunday on September 9, 2007. Download resources, ideas, liturgies, etc., from www.gbod.org/education.

Ø Take a Christian Education Day offering to support conference education events, scholarships, etc. Remit to Conference Treasurer for account 403-010-6.

Ø Encourage Christian Education leaders and teachers of all age levels to upgrade their skills by enrolling in eChristianEd. Learn more at www.eChristianEd.com or the conference website at www.ctcumc.org. A new class begins on August 4, 2007.

….gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chambers. . . NRSV Joel 2:16

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world