Sunday School

Hello Good Shepherd Families,

We pray this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer in happy and healthy ways. The Education & Youth Team of GSLC, with guidance from our church council and the re-opening task force, have been working to come up with a safe, engaging, and flexible Sunday School plan. As we creep closer to the start of the school year, we do not anticipate meeting at church when Sunday School begins on September 13^th, 2020 but we are hopeful to be doing so before Christmas.

We have selected a curriculum designed specifically for families to use at home while not being able to meet in person. A binder with the one page weekly lessons will be delivered to your home before Sunday School starts on September 13^th. We will also be emailing the lessons out in a digital format weekly. And will have regular videos posted on our Facebook page “GSLC Children's Ministry” to touch base with your family. With everything else being asked of parents, we understand any apprehension you may have at taking on this task. Please know that we believe in you; you are fully equipped, and capable of taking this on. We are confident this experience will be a blessing to your entire family as you journey together, growing your faith.

When GSLC returns to in person gatherings, the same family model for Sunday School will be used with a curriculum designed more for large groups of families. Instead of gathering around the table at home, families (parents, grandparents, children, guardians, etc.) will gather around safely spaced tables in the community room. Families will be be guided through each lesson by a leader. Same family engagement. Same family experience. Same faith journey. Now, with the opportunity to share (safely from 6' away) your family's journey with your friends!

Bible Presentation Sunday will be September 20^th and will happen regardless of how we are worshiping. Our 4k, 3^rd grade, and 7^th grade students will receive their Bibles and a blessing. Plans are in place to have Bibles delivered to your home if we are not able to meet in person on that Sunday.

We know that many things look different right now in your lives and your children's lives. Like many of you, our families are also going through “online burnout”. We want nothing more than to be able to gather in person and to share our faith journeys together. Until it is safe to do so, however, we are committed to equipping and resourcing our families to share Sunday School together at home. If you have questions, we are an email, phone call, video chat, or text away, and are happy to help in however needed. And, if your family has questions, the best response is almost always, “you know what, I don't know the answer to that, but lets figure it out together.”

Now, more than ever, it is important that we have up to date contact information from everyone. Please complete and return the Sunday School Registration Form to Hallie- jhlangenhorst@gmail.com by Friday, August 28^th. And if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to one of us. Enjoy the rest of your summer and we will “see” you all soon one way or another.

God's Blessings,

GSLC Christian Education and Youth Ministry Team