On November 17 and 18, Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian Education in the Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education, visited the Sunday School of St. John Church in Southfield, MI, where she led a workshop for educators and gave a presentation on faith development to parents.
PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
December 10, 2012
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Sunday School Students Give Thanks
On November 17 and 18, Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian Education in the Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education, visited the Sunday School of St. John Church in Southfield, MI, where she led a workshop for educators and gave a presentation on faith development to parents.
On Saturday, November 17, Antreassian met with members of the Sunday School staff and school superintendent Alberta Godoshian for a workshop titled “What Every Sunday School Teacher Needs to Know.”
“Our teacher workshops accomplish a few modest but important things,” Antreassian said. This includes sessions on topics teachers need to brush up on, as well as a focus on creative teaching methods, such as games or activities appropriate for a classroom setting.
“Teachers then do a little lesson planning together, as a team, which is something they rarely have time for in the routine of the school year,” she added. “We also stress personal spirituality. And it’s a great networking opportunity – we all learn from each other, sharing expertise and experience.”
The workshop began with the screening of a new film on the history and meaning of the Nicene Creed, which inspired a thoughtful discussion on faith, tradition, doctrine and doubt. This was followed by a review of Bible basics, related classroom activity ideas, and a general meeting airing concerns and strategies.
On Sunday morning, the Sunday School children participated in a Thanksgiving-themed exercise with the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of St. John Church. He explained to the young students that just as they help set the table at Thanksgiving, altar servers help prepare the altar for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The children then assisted the deacons in bringing altar candles, the service book, and other items to Fr. Kochakian. They learned about the significance of each object and each received a blessing from the pastor.
During the morning procession, the children carried lit tapers in the sanctuary. Older students passed the Kiss of Peace among the congregation. “It was a moving experience to see the children so involved, the Superintendent and teachers intently supervising, and the congregation equally engaged in their participation,” Antreassian said.
Later in the afternoon, parents gathered to hear a presentation titled “Raising Children of Faith. The talk emphasized that there is no better way to prepare children for the challenges of the world than a deep and lasting faith in Jesus Christ.
Antreassian shared the “whys” and “hows” of faith development and the importance of the Church. “Jesus began to build a community of believers and taught by word and action what the Kingdom of God is like,” she said. “The same healing and miracle is forever possible in each of our lives through Christ.” The session concluded with questions and shared stories.
“I appreciate the hard work of Der Hayr, superintendent Alberta, the Sunday School staff, and the wonderful children and parents of St. John Sunday School,” she said. “Whatever problems our Sunday Schools are facing, love and faith are still in strong and inspiring evidence!”
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Photo attached: Sunday School students at St. John Church (file photo).
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