by Mary Ellen Stanton
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”
John F. Kennedy
Have you felt the excitement on Sunday mornings? Have you seen the energy and enthusiasm? It is not the Super Bowl; it is our Sunday School students. Each Sunday morning those at platform see young people gather around the story reader, their eyes on the pictures, laughing out loud at the humorous parts, speaking out in anticipation. Then off they run (and I do mean run) to Sunday School. What is causing all this excitement?
As with most things, success often takes several years and many people. Since the beginning of NoVES in 1983, the Sunday School has been building a strong, ethically based program. With many people contributing to the curriculum, its focus for children of all ages has always been on critical thinking, choices, and respect. But an effective curriculum can only go so far. A Sunday School needs dedicated and creative teachers to enliven the curriculum and establish an atmosphere of respect, acceptance, AND fun. It is amazing how many NoVES members have volunteered to teach Sunday School.
However, these teachers do not operate in isolation. They require assistance to coordinate classes, provide materials, and work with parents. Directors of Religious Education have done this throughout the years. Each DRE has provided a foundation for the next person to build upon. The DRE also needs support and encouragement; the Sunday School committee is there to provide it. The committee finds materials, recruits teachers, and helps the Sunday School in any way it can. Over the years, many Society members have served on this committee, those with children and those without children or whose children are grown. Members are always welcome to join the committee.
The NoVES Board recognizes that the Sunday School will not be successful if it is left to operate on its own. Therefore, the Board has made the Sunday School a priority. It works closely with the DRE and the Sunday School committee. Two Board members are also members of the Sunday School Committee. Three years ago the Board eliminated any charges for Sunday School. Its thinking was that the Sunday School experience is sufficiently valuable to be supported financially by the entire Society. Of course, none of these efforts would have meant anything if it were not for the parents who sought out an experience where children might learn in an environment free from religious dogma to become ethical adults.
The Northern Virginia Ethical Society is a place that recognizes its most valuable resources and hope for the future…our children.
