Christian Education Sunday is an important part of growing and making disciples. It is a lifelong development of spiritual roots.
“He answered, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.’” — Matthew 15:13, NRSV
The storms of life can be strong. Difficult moments come. The mistakes of others can profoundly affect us. Like a plant whose roots are not strong and have not reached deep enough into the earth, so it is in the spiritual lives of those who have not been rooted and grounded in Scripture and surrounded by a community that will encourage and build them up in the faith.
One Sunday each year, on Christian Education Sunday, we recognize the importance of Christian education in The United Methodist Church. Our aim with Christian education is to do the work of planting, tending and nurturing a deeply rooted faith that will withstand the difficult seasons, inspire us to faithfulness, and move us to compassion for the least and the lost.
In every season of our lives and spiritual development, we need to nurture that faith and the growth that is to come. Christian education begins with new babies experiencing the love of a faith community and continues through adulthood. Whether it is studying and searching Scripture or in the practice of putting faith into action alongside members of our congregations, Christian education is an important part of growing and making disciples.
Christian education is carried out in so many ways. It involves clergy and laity working together to provide opportunities to put down spiritual roots.
The traditional date for Christian Education Sunday in the Detroit Conference is August 26; West Michigan is September 9. Churches of The Michigan Conference are encouraged to celebrate on a day most suited on their calendar. An offering may be taken to support ministries of Christian Education in The Michigan Conference. Click here for a promotional flyer.
The Rev. Kathy Pittenger, Children’s Initiatives Coordinator for The Michigan Conference, offers these suggestions for planning Christian Education Sunday.
- Prayers and Newsletter Nugget
- Mission Moment, Prayers and Newsletter Nugget
- Rally Day Worship Elements
- Back to School Blessing with video
- Back to School Litany
- Blessing of Backpacks
- Back to School Prayer Tool
- Presentation of Bibles
- Have my Bible! Now what?
- Celebration of the Bible
- Gift Wrapping the Presentation Bible
For additional resources or more information, contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger, [email protected] or 517.897.4483
Last Updated on October 31, 2023