The concept of a “Sunday School” is a recent one. The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the 1700s and spreading throughout the world in the 1800s, took children out of their homes and put them to work for long hours each day. Some merciful Christians saw their hardships and began teaching them to read and write using the Bible on their one off day a week.

We are fortunate enough today to have an educational system that teaches children basic skills. The modern technological revolution has also made educational materials about the Bible readily available. And, unlike during the Industrial Revolution, we have far more free time to self-educate and self-teach. With all of these differences, why embark on another year of Sunday School and Adult Forum?

All these educational materials and free time will never replace the community of fellow Christians that bless us when we gather to study the Bible together. God made us for community. We might not all participate in it in the same way. Some find community with close friends; others with large groups. But we need each other as traveling companions on the journey of faith. Sunday School, for old, middle-aged, and young alike, is one part of this journey.

As we begin a new year of Sunday School and Adult Forum, we thank you, God, for the opportunity it provides to participate in the community to which you have called us. May you strengthen and guide this ministry.

Contributed by Philip
Monday September 10, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 42
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 23 (Proper 18)
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost