"Father Abraham had many sons..." was sung with great gusto and the actions performed with enthusiasm by Sunday School teachers at the two recent training events organised by Clogher Diocesan Board of Religious Education!
Singing Father Abraham in Monaghan
A total of 79 Sunday School teachers and clergy representing 26 parishes in the diocese attended over the two nights; in Christ Church Parochial Hall, Maguiresbridge on Tuesday 23rd September 2014 and in St Patrick's Hall, Monaghan the following evening, Wednesday 24th September 2014.
Relaxing Sunday School Teachers at Maguiresbridge
Sunday School teachers at Monaghan
Catching up over a cup of tea in Maguiresbridge
Training was provided by Julie Currie, the Diocesan Children's Officer in the diocese of Down & Dromore. Julie's own practical experience coupled with her friendly, lively presentation style made these very enjoyable and beneficial evenings for all present.
Julie Currie
Julie sharing ideas
Julie provided ideas, resources, programme planning suggestions and strategies to strengthen and improve children's ministry. These included a self-registration' board for use at the opening and closing of each Sunday school session, a visual task board' to help keep children focused, ideas on teaching memory verses and songs as well as calendar templates for planning purposes and thoughts on helping children pray and minister to others. The visual aids for teaching the Ten Commandments were particularly effective.
Ideas for the task board
Self registration idea for Sunday Schools
Sunday School teachers were also given an overview of the two Clogher Diocesan Board of Religious Education (CDBRE) competitions - the Bishop's Medal and the Archdeacon Ruddell Prize and were given an opportunity to suggest how interest in these competitions could be extended.
Thanks to the two host parishes for providing excellent facilities as well as refreshments at the end of the evenings. Thank you also to everyone who attended the evenings, we trust you have been encouraged and enthused for the weeks and months ahead in your important work in children's ministry.