FAQs about our Progressive Sunday School

What is a Progressive Sunday School?

A central, driving force in creating a progressive Sunday School is to teach our children how to think about God and life in a way that supports our Christian values of honesty, acceptance, tolerance, compassion and generosity. Through study of the Christian Bible, story-telling, art projects, music, and other hands-on activities, our Progressive Sunday School teaches children about their religious and cultural heritages. We expose children to the moral values, traditions, history, and wonder of the Christian religious life. The religious education philosophy is to teach, not preach. We strive to educate our children and help them feel comfortable with Christianity. Experienced teachers guide learning and offer developmentally appropriate programs that introduce children to their heritages in an engaging and meaningful way. Children are encouraged to ask the many "why" questions they bring to class and to discuss their faith. The teachers endeavor to interweave social skills instruction and community building into the curriculum.

Why send my child to a Progressive Sunday School?

Parents of our Sunday School children express many, varied reasons for giving their children a Christian education. Sunday School can help children sort out that difficult family question: "Who goes where?" If my caregiver/ parents are Christian, then "what do they believe?" Only through exposure to their heritages can our children grow to ask that vital and inevitable question "what do I believe?" The St Columba Children's education team believe that in today's diverse world, it is crucial to teach our children that there is more than one way of looking at the world -- and that one way is not better or worse, just different. The Sunday School gives our children a place to be accepted and understood among kindred spirits, helping children feel more comfortable being both Christian. Children have the opportunity to interact with peers from similar backgrounds, providing a sense of belonging and identity.

What does Our Progressve Sunday School Teach?

St Columba Sunday School program that uses the Multiage Seasons of the Spirit resources, seeks to provide an even-handed approach to Christian learning, offers an age-appropriate introduction to key ideas, practices, and history. We do include discussions of God, and of Jesus, as central elements of Christianity. In discussing Jesus, we emphasize the historical Jesus, Jesus the activist and thinker and Jesus the peacemaker and friend. As well as this our Sunday School teaches children about holiday traditions which they can experience at home and through family events. Another goal of the Sunday School is to teach children the importance of giving. To that end, the program is tied to our community services. For example Friends: a volunteer home visiting service, and our counselling service, both of which assist people in need throughout the year.

Who does Our Progressive Sunday School Serve??

Currently, the school offers classes for children 3-12 years during school term times .

When does our Sunday School meet?

Beginning in September 2004, the class will meet at the regular Sunday School time of 10.30 each Sunday and is directed by Ree Boddé, MTheol , a religious educator. She has a lot of experience with children and their families.

How much does it cost for my child to join?

This is a service that we provide at no cost. A koha would however, help toward Sunday School resources.

How do I enrole my child or get additional information?

To enrole your child(s) in Sunday School or get additional information click here.

St Columba Church

92 Surrey Crescent Grey Lynn
Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Telephone +64 9 376 4229, Fax +64 9 376 4225
Postal: P.O.Box 78-080, Grey Lynn Auckland 1030, New Zealand

Vicar: The Rev'd Dr Susan Adams
Associate Priest: The Rev'd Dr Keith King
Community Services Co-ordinator: Margaret Schoneveld
Web Master: Jennifer Gottschalk (Computer Plus)
For more mailing options, please use our email form.