Volunteers Appreciation Sunday School Sunday Dept.

Jesus said about children, "Unless you become as a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God."(Matt. 18:3)
1. Choose a theme. Good planning. Designate who is responsible for each thing that will be done. Post event in the bulletin in several weeks in advance. 2. Designate a Sunday that is tailored for this occasion including the music, scripture, prayers, and an encouraging sermon around topics such as servant hood, the importance of Sunday school, looking back -looking forward. Choose music and songs that support the selected theme. Aim for excellence in the selection and presentation of all music. a. (some examples of appropriate selections of music: i. I Love to Tell the Story ii. A Charge to Keep Have I iii. Living for Jesus, I Would Be True iv. In the Service of the King v. Make Me A Servant vi. I will Serve Thee vii. A Charge to Keep Have I viii. Your Love Compels Me ix. I Am Thine O Lord x. I Give All to You xi. I Would Be True xii. Take My Life and Let It Be 3. An appropriate responsive reading offers the entire congregation an opportunity to express appreciation with one voice to those called into Christian service 4. Readings of appreciation poems for teachers. 5. Handout of a Teachers Prayer on special paper and laminated. Example provided.
Research by Rev. Jeanne McIntosh August 2011

6. Write things that the kids say about their teachers that they like and put on PowerPoint or have someone read them. 7. Sharing something either nice or funny (not offensive) about the teachers. 8. Provide PowerPoint slides of the teachers in action in the classes with the kids and adults. Mark is good at getting updated pictures. 9. Express appreciation in a tangible way. Explain that the gift cannot adequately express appreciation but is a symbol token of gratitude in for faithful and excellent service. 10. Tale volunteers out for a breakfast (less expensive than a dinner). Make reservations in advance. 11. Write thankful notes and present from all the students or one from the whole church and have as many sign as possible. 12. Shower the teachers with cards. Set out baskets for each teacher for people to put cards in the baskets. Announce ahead of time so people will know to do this. Encourage them to write notes as this is very special to read and reread. 13. Show a PowerPoint of teacher quotes and their pictures. 14. Give each teacher a Certificate of Appreciation. 15. Provide light breakfast (bagels, donuts, and fruit) before Sunday school, or snacks following church in honor of the teachers. 16. Provide each child a flower and have them sign a poster board size, and write some message to the teacher. Have a children present the teacher the poster board card, along with their flowers. 17. A short drama skit from one of the classes about a true event in their class. 18. Thank everyone who made this a special service for the teachers. 19. Special closing prayer for all teachers. 20. Encourage prayer for teachers. 21. Give acknowledgement of all workers of the Sunday school department: Greeters, Secretary, counters of attendance & money, Education Director, Teachers, Drivers, VBS Workers, Janitor, ect.

Research by Rev. Jeanne McIntosh August 2011

Example of a Sunday Appreciation program and order of worship

Pin an appropriate flower on teachers (SS Supt) Welcome the worshipers and introduces the theme/purpose of the day Congregational song Reading (Luke 2:10-11; Luke 2:22: Luke 18:15, Luke 18:16) Congregational song Reading (Luke 9:47; Matthew 18:2-3, Proverb 22:6; Matthew 5:6; James 2:17) Congregational song Responsive reading (2 Timothy 3:15; Luke 18:17; Mark 10:16; Proverbs 20:11) Special music Reading: (Matthew 5:13, 16; Matt. 6:33; John 13:34-35; Luke 2:42-46) Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation, cards from congregation, ect (SS Supt) Special Prayers by a man, woman, and youth from the congregation (variety of classes) Tithes and Offerings Morning message text suggestions (Matt.7:28-29; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV Matthew 25:21 (NIV); 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV); 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Closing altar prayer for teachers coming up front Closing Chorus: (Examples) I Will Serve The Find Us Faithful Love Through Me Well Work Till Jesus Comes (chorus only)

Research by Rev. Jeanne McIntosh August 2011

READINGS

A LIGHTHOUSE IN A FOGGY WORLD Teachers are a lighthouse in a foggy world O, Lord Help them to be. A beacon glowing through the night... To guide someone to Thee. In raging seas and dark of night... A ship was lost from shore. And then the lighthouse beamed its light... That ship was lost no more. A lighthouse in a foggy world. A searchlight glowing far in view. The only lighthouse Your students may see... May be the light that is in you. adapted from ~ Dave Cowles ~

(Name of teacher here), I'm happy that you're my Sunday school teacher; I enjoy each lesson you teach. As my role model you inspire me To love God, to pray, and to read my Bible. With your kindness you get my attention; Every week you are planting a seed Of Christ love, peace, and joy To know and to grow like Him. You help me to understand; I'm thankful for all that you've done. I look forward to each Sunday, and I just want to say, As a teacher, you're a number one!
Adapted from Joanna Fuchs Research by Rev. Jeanne McIntosh August 2011

A Teachers Prayer Sunday School Teachers

Lord, thank You for every Sunday school teacher as they begin this new church year. Thank You for their ministry to Your children. Sustain them in health: strong in body, mind and spirit to move in faith, patience, and with expectation. Protect them and keep them. Encourage them to behold the beauty of Your holiness. Bless their ears to hear the lovely, the uplifting, and the encouraging, and to shut out the demeaning and the negative. Cause their feet to walk in holiness and their steps ordered by You. Bless their hands to be tender-helping hands to those in need, hands that bless. May their hearts be humble and receptive to those around them. May their minds be strong, disciplined, balanced and faith-filled. Your grace be upon their homes and classrooms that they may be havens of rest and renewal, sanctuaries of peace where the sounds of joy and laughter grace each room, where love and unconditional acceptance is never ending. Father God, grant success and prosperity in their places of ministry and life. May goodness and mercy follow each precious teacher all the days of their long, healthy lives. Lord bless them and keep them. Make Your face shine upon them, and be gracious to them. Lord lift up Your countenance upon them and give them peace. In the name of Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
From Disciple Land Newsletter 2011

Research by Rev. Jeanne McIntosh August 2011