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SUNDAY SCHOOL HANDBOOK
Dear Parents:
Greetings! I would like to personally welcome you to Duluth Bible Church (DBC) and our Sunday School. I consider it a privilege, as pastor of this church, to offer this opportunity to your children.
Our well trained and caring staff desires to teach your children the precious truths of God’s Word. Our object is to communicate God’s saving message of the Gospel of Christ so that children would place their faith in Him as their Savior.
Children who already have trusted Christ personally are then taught God’s Word in a clear and practical manner, in order that they might spiritually grow and serve the Lord with their lives. All of this is designed to complement Christian parents in their desire to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
I believe that availing your family to our Sunday School ministries each week would be a wise investment of time in light of eternity. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Darrell Patterson (Sunday School Superintendent) or myself at 724-5914.
Sincerely,
Pastor-teacher Dennis Rokser
“And that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
Getting Ready For The 3/4 Year & 5/K Class Yearly Curriculum
“Why Do We Have a Sunday School?”
The Word of God clearly teaches that children need to know about salvation through Jesus Christ. Also, children are capable of learning the Scriptures, which encourages spiritual growth in the life of the saved child.
We at the Duluth Bible Church understand that the primary responsibility of the training process for each child belongs to the parents (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Ephesians 6:4). Because of this, we believe the home and church should complement each other, not compete with each other.
In order to more effectively accomplish this, we have a structured Sunday School which provides each age group an opportunity to hear God’s Word.
The classes are broken up as follows:
3 and 4 Year Olds 5 and Kindergarten 1st and 2nd Grade 3rd and 4th Grade 5th and 6th Grade
The lessons in each class are taught in a two-year cycle. A general description of each quarter is explained in this handbook.
Included in each lesson every Sunday is the Gospel. Since sound doctrine has as its standard the Gospel of grace (1 Timothy 1:5-16), your child will hear the good news every Sunday morning, “How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He arose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Getting Ready for the 3 and 4 & 5 and K Class “What Can I as a Parent do to Prepare my Child for Sunday School?”
1. Practice with your child to sit and listen to stories for short time periods.
2. Demonstrate and role-play raising hand and waiting to be called on to speak.
3. Having your child potty trained is not necessary but is extremely helpful. The 3 and 4-year-old class teachers keep diapers in the room and will change them once during class time.
4. Practice singing songs at home. You may obtain a list of songs from the teacher.
5. Do not let your child bring toys or wear distracting jewelry, bows or ribbons.
6. Inform teachers of any special physical needs, allergies or learning disabilities.
7. Be sure your child is well rested and has had breakfast.
8. An offering is taken each Sunday. This offering is optional and the children are told this money is for the Lord and is used to buy our Sunday School materials.
9. Please have your child use the bathroom before class.
10. We encourage you to talk with the teachers about how your child is doing in class. Please ask the teacher when the most appropriate time would be.
11. In the 5 and K class, your child should have a Bible, though it is not necessary. However, they will be rewarded for remembering to bring it.
12. Especially for the 5 and K class, it would be helpful if your child could practice cutting with scissors.
“When Do The Children Move Up To The Next Class?”
First, the children will move out of the Nursery and into the 3 and 4 year old class as soon as they turn 3, or some time after if the parents feel the child is not yet ready for Sunday School. Also, the teachers prefer to have the children wait until a new unit, rather than immediately after their birthday.
Next, as soon as a child turns 5, s/he will move into the 5 and K class. Sometimes the teachers prefer that the child wait until the start of a new unit.
Grades K, 2, 4 and 6 will move up a grade in the Fall. The Kindergartners will go into the 1st and 2nd grade class, 2nd graders will go into the 3rd and 4th grade class, 4th graders will go into the 5th and 6th grade class, and the 6th graders will go into the Jr. and Sr. High class that meet on Wednesday nights.
Graduation Day (or “Promotion Sunday”) will be announced in advanced in our bulletin and your child will be notified as well.
“How Can I As A Parent Be Involved?”
1. Please take time to read the parent/teacher letters that will be sent home each quarter with your child. If your child misses this letter, please ask the teacher for one.
2. Talk with your child’s teacher to see how s/he is doing. Be sure to check with the teacher(s) to determine the most appropriate time to speak with them.
3. Work with your child on memorizing verses and encourage them to bring their Bible to class. We use the King James version and expect word perfect for the memory verses.
4. Discuss lessons at home to help your child review the material.
5. Teachers are often looking for volunteers to help decorate the bulletin boards.
6. Junior Church staff would like volunteers to help make new picture songs at times.
7. Every year volunteers are needed at Daily Vacation Bible School, Bible Camp and with the Christmas Program.
8. The 3 and 4 year old and 5 and K class teachers appreciate if parents bring snacks. The snack generally ties in with the theme of the story. See the teacher for more details.
9. Pray that your child behaves appropriately and begins to learn the precious truths of God’s Word.
10. Pray for your child’s teachers, that they would have wisdom and that they are filled with the Spirit.
What Is A Typical Sunday Morning Like?
First of all, all boys and girls in grades 1-6 attend Jr. Church from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. They are to bring their coats, mittens, pencils, notebook, etc. to their classroom before going to Jr. Church. They should bring their Bibles to Jr. Church.
Secondly, the 1st-6th grade students will be given the same break as the adults from 10:15-10:30. They are encouraged to get a drink and use the bathroom during this time so we do not have children going during the class time. They will go to their classrooms at the same time when the adults are signaled to go to the auditorium.
Finally, the boys and girls are dismissed from the classroom after the parents leave the auditorium at the conclusion of the 10:30 a.m. adult service.
Junior Church“What Happens In Junior Church?”
Junior Church is a time on Sunday morning from 9:15-10:15 a.m. when the 1st - 6th graders meet together for a time of singing, praying, offering and hear a story. This is an excellent opportunity for your child to learn doctrinally sound Bible songs and hear encouraging missionary stories.
At 10:15 the Junior Church is dismissed and we encourage them to go outside (weather permitting) and take a 15-minute break (at which time they should also be using the bathroom).
1st Through 6th Grade Point System “How Does The Point System Work?”
The Bible states that though eternal salvation is a free gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), believers in Christ may obtain rewards in heaven since “every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8). As a way to reinforce this truth with our Sunday School students, we have set up a point system to reward them for their faithfulness.
Every student receives 1 point for showing up prepared. For the 1st graders, this means having their Bibles. They receive 2 points for memorizing a verse. You should receive a "Parent Letter" at the beginning of each quarter (please ask your child’s teacher for a letter if you did not receive one). The letter will include the memorization verses for that quarter. They are encouraged to memorize at least one verse a week. There are also extra credit verses worth 2 points each. The students can only earn 2 points per verse. They are not allowed to repeat a verse each week to earn additional points.
These points are then converted into Bookstore dollars and can be spent on whatever the student would like. Each quarter the dollar totals are posted in the classrooms. If your child would like to spend their Bookstore dollars, you may bring them to the Bookstore and have them pick something out. They can spend some of or all of their credit. If the students want an item that is more than their available credit, they can pay for the difference with their own money.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11 “What Other Events Are There That I Should Know About?”
During the year there are other activities that are not directly related to Sunday School but are designed to teach the children and also provide some fun activities with other children from our church.
Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) Every summer our church hosts a week long DVBS. The school is usually the third week of July. Monday through Friday and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day, with a Friday night program at 7:00 p.m. DVBS is open to all children age 4 to grade 12. Please feel free to bring friends, relatives, and neighbors. There is no charge for DVBS.
Bible Camps Another very popular activity during the months of July and August is Bible Camp. Every summer Heritage Trail Bible Church sponsors three Bible Camps: ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14 and up. The Bible Camps are at the 4H Camp on Lake Eshquagama, about four miles south of Biwabik, in northern Minnesota. At Bible Camp, your child will hear missionary stories, learn Bible lessons, memorize verses, swim and play games. It is the highlight of many children’s summer. Each camp session runs for five days and there is a minimal charge to cover expenses.
Christmas Program Every year at Christmas time the Sunday School students present the Christmas story via a program. See page 11 for more details concerning this program.
NOTE: Flyers with additional information will be available for each event a few weeks prior.
“Does DBC Have a Christmas Program?”
Every year our church has a special program as a means to explain the true meaning of Christmas and to provide an opportunity for the kids to invite family and friends to hear the Good News.
The Christmas program includes songs, verses, readings, skits and a message by Pastor Rokser. Again, the primary purpose is to present the biblical Christmas story and the Gospel.
Since all grades are involved in the program, we urge you to work with your children to memorize their special parts and help them learn the songs. Teachers will provide each student with a copy of the songs and speaking parts. Also, there is a practice the Saturday morning prior to the program. This is a very important practice, which we encourage every child to attend.
Also, the Junior Church practices for the program on Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. during the month of November and the first two weeks of December. Children who do not attend these practices will not be able to participate in the program. Though you should be coming throughout the year to hear the Word of God at this time, we want to especially encourage you to have your child(ren) at these practices.
Another way that parents can get involved is by helping out with costumes and scenery. If you would like to be part of this ministry, please contact Darrell Patterson. Year 1
Fall Quarter We will begin the quarter by studying how God established the family unit and how it is an important part of his holy plan.
The second part of the quarter we study about David’s friendship with God.
The final lessons in this quarter focus on being thankful, first to God, then for those who are used by God.
Spring Quarter The Spring quarter starts out with lessons that teach the Deity of Jesus by the miracles he performed.
Next, the students will learn that our love to Jesus is shown by our actions.
Our lessons lead us from childhood to responsible church leadership in the life of Timothy.
Winter Quarter The first unit centers on praising God and different ways praise was given to God for the birth of Christ.
We will learn how Jesus grew physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. The children will learn how they can grow in ways to please Jesus.
In this final unit we focus on ways Jesus showed his love toward us.
Summer Quarter The final quarter of this year begins with lessons about how God made the world and everything on it. He is powerful and can do anything.
We will also learn that each child is special and unique and God loves us all.
Finally, we will learn how Noah obeyed God’s Word, and that God keeps his promises.
Fall Quarter The second year begins with a unit on the importance of prayer as seen in the lives of Hannah and Samuel.
We will also study the life of David and see how God helps us throughout our lives.
Finally, we will learn about being thankful. We will study the life of Elijah, and discuss how God provides for many of our needs.
Spring Quarter We begin the Spring quarter by looking at various accounts of people who met Jesus while He was here on earth.
The second unit begins with the events leading up to the crucifixion and ends with our Savior’s return to Heaven.
Next, we learn how we are new creatures in Christ.
Winter Quarter Heading into the Christmas season, we began this quarter with the angels visit to Mary and conclude with Jesus’ family returning to Nazareth from Egypt.
Next, we will study about Jesus’ earthly ministry and learn about the stories He told. We will look at four parables and how they apply to our daily lives.
Summer Quarter We will be reviewing some Old Testament stories like creation and people who trusted God.
During the next two units this quarter, we will study the life of Moses from his birth to the Israelites journey into the Promised Land. We will see how Moses was a faithful servant of God as he led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Fall Quarter We will begin this fall quarter with a study of Abraham and the birth of his son Isaac.
Next, we will study the life and times of Jacob from his birth to his reunion with Esau.
The last unit is a study of Jacob’s son, Joseph. We will trace the physical and spiritual growth of Joseph, another “man of faith.”
Spring Quarter As we continue the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will learn about the events that led to His crucifixion.
Following His death, we will study about the importance of His resurrection. He now lives for us!
Concluding the quarter is a series of lessons that deal with the adventures of the early church.
Winter Quarter We will introduce Joseph, Mary, Jesus & the Shepherds to the class.
The second unit covers the growth and teaching of Jesus. “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man: (Luke 2:52).
The final lessons center on how Christ demonstrated His Deity by performing miracles.
Summer Quarter
This quarter we begin a series of lessons on Moses’ life. We will learn how to walk by faith and see God’s faithfulness.
We will also see how God dealt with Pharaoh using the 10 plagues.
God’s power and provision will also be taught as we follow the Israelites in their exodus out of Egypt.
Fall Quarter Following the giving of the Ten Commandments by God, the Israelites continue their wilderness wanderings.
We will continue our OT study by looking into the life of Joshua and his leading of the Israelites through the land of Canaan.
Lastly we will learn about some of the Judges who were used by God to bring unity to the scattered tribes.
Spring Quarter During the Easter season, we will be learning about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, His trial and crucifixion.
Next, we will study some events in the lives of Stephen, Philip, Dorcus & Peter. They were God’s helpers in the building of the early church.
The final lessons are related to the life of Paul, starting with his conversion.
Winter Quarter Our Christmas unit will focus on the Bible characters and historical events, which set the stage for the birth of our Savior.
Next, we will study the teachings of Jesus as set forth in His earthly ministry. We will examine some of His parables.
The students will learn how to apply the truths of the parables to everyday life.
Summer Quarter We will study the six days of creation during the first unit.
Then we will see how sin entered the world and caused trouble for all mankind.
Our final lesson this quarter centers on how God judges man’s sin. We will focus on the story of Noah and the story of Babble.
Fall Quarter The lessons this first quarter center around three OT kings. First, we will see how Saul refuses to obey God and reaps death.
Then we will look at the life of David and how he sowed seeds of righteousness.
The last section is given over to the
study of Solomon. He was a wise king most of his life. Spring Quarter We will continue our study of the life of Jesus. We will see how He interacted with Nicodemus, Simon, Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler.
Next, our study of Jesus’ earthly ministry concludes with his death, burial and resurrection.
We close the quarter with four lessons on the events surrounding the life of the apostle Peter.
Winter Quarter The first four lessons focus on God’s special plan to save man from sin’s penalty of death. The Christmas story is told as we look at that special gift of eternal life that comes through Jesus Christ.
The remainder of the quarter is a study of Jesus’ earthly ministry. How He healed the sick and used it as an opportunity to spread the Good News.
Summer Quarter There are some Old Testament stories that teach how pride will lead to trouble. We will see this in the life of Solomon, Rehoboam and Jehoshaphat.
The rest of the quarter is a study of the life and times of Elijah. Throughout our study we will see that Elijah was known as a man of effectual and fervent prayer.
1st & 2nd Grade Year 2
Fall Quarter The beginning lessons of this quarter answer the question, “What is sin and where did it come from?” We will see how Lucifer sinned before creation.
The rest of the quarter is an in depth look at how God created the heavens and the earth. We will learn how He made the creatures including man and woman.
Spring Quarter This quarter is packed full of lessons that address some practical doctrines for the Christian life.
God wants us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. We learn what it means to walk with the Lord.
We will also look at the importance of prayer and the example of young Daniel’s faithfulness.
Winter Quarter Following the creation of man, we will see how he became a sinner. We will also study the Good News of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
We hope to impress upon the children’s’ mind that the inerrant, divinely inspired scriptures are to be respected and obeyed.
Finally, we will see the importance of the Holy Spirit’s role in helping us understand the Bible.
Summer Quarter This has often been quoted as one of the students’ favorite and most memorable quarters.
The entire quarter is given over to the study of the OT book of Esther.
We will learn of Haman’s hatred of the Jews, Mordecai’s obedience to God and Esther’s promotion to queen as she looks to God.
Fall Quarter This quarter begins a three-part study of God’s attributes. We will discuss how God is Sovereign, Righteous, Just and Love.
We will look at various Bible characters and how God’s attributes affected them.
We will also have a Thanksgiving lesson showing how Daniel gave thanks to the Lord.
Spring Quarter The final three attributes we will examine are Omnipotence, Immutability and Veracity.
Again, we will see God’s attributes on display through the eyes of several OT Bible characters.
We will also have a lesson on “The Risen
Savior” during the Easter holiday. Winter Quarter We continue to examine the God’s attributes through the eyes of various Old Testament believers.
The attributes we will study include Eternal Life, Omniscience, and Omni-presence.
We will also include a Christmas lesson with the wise men following the Star. Also, the children are involved with a Christmas Program.
Summer Quarter These lessons teach various truths using animals as our teachers.
God proves his love and care for us through using a donkey and a raven.
Various lessons on being content, obedient and being useful for the Lord are also taught again with the use of animals.
3rd & 4th Grade Year 2
Fall Quarter During the first three quarters we will look at the three members of the Trinity. We start with God the Father as the planner of creation and salvation. We will also learn about His relationship as the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and all believers.
The second half begins to look at God the Son. We see how He is the unique God-man as well as the mediator between God and man.
Spring Quarter This entire quarter focuses on the person and ministry of God the Holy Spirit.
We start with His role in the OT and how it contrasts with His NT indwelling of the believer.
Lessons include His role in the regeneration, and the indwelling and filling by God the Holy Spirit.
Winter Quarter This entire quarter is devoted to God the Son. During the first half, we will learn about His mission and His death, burial and resurrection.
We continue the lessons by looking at His ascension into heaven and how He continues to pray for us.
The last two lessons focus on the rapture and His second coming.
Summer Quarter This quarter emphasizes the importance of God’s Word. We begin with the origin and truthfulness of the Bible.
We see our sinful condition and God’s solution as set forth in the scriptures.
Throughout the quarter, we will see the practical application and the eternal nature of His Word.
Fall Quarter This quarter will be the beginning of a year long study on the life of Moses and the Tabernacle. We will study in detail Exodus and parts of Numbers. Then we will explore the many practical principles that apply to the believer.
Beginning with the birth of Moses until his death, we will see how God works in the lives of His people.
Spring Quarter The study of Moses’ life will come to an end this quarter. Half way through the quarter, after the death of Moses, we will have a special Easter Lesson.
The second half of this quarter will be the beginning of the Tabernacle study. We will study the Tabernacle in detail and learn how it pictures many truths related to the Christian life.
Winter Quarter During the Winter Quarter, we will continue to study the life of Moses. The scripture we will cover is Exodus 15 to 34. This portion of scripture describes how God tested the Israelites’ faithfulness.
Also, there will be a lesson on the Christmas Story this quarter, as well as practice times for the Christmas Program.
Summer Quarter We will conclude our study of the Tabernacle during the Summer. We will examine the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place as well as each separate piece of furniture in detail.
The students will also be involved in assembling a scale model of the Tabernacle in the classroom. Please come and see the finished product.
Grades 5 & 6 Year 2
Fall Quarter This is the first of four quarters entitled "The Christian Way of Life."
We will cover topics like the old sin nature, filling of the Spirit, divine discipline, and Christian suffering.
We will also be having a Thanksgiving lesson.
Spring Quarter This quarter will we study the Lord's Supper, Christian giving, the armor of God, death, and rewards.
These are excellent studies apply only to the believer. However the Gospel is presented every Sunday.
The Easter Lesson will focus on the resurrection.
Winter Quarter As we continue to study Christian way of life, we will cover topics like: faith-rest, witnessing, Baptism of the Spirit, the local & universal church, and ritual baptism.
Like every year at this time, we’ll have a Christmas Lesson and study the story of how God sent his only begotten Son to take our place on the cross.
Summer Quarter We will study how the believer is to have a changed mental attitude towards the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We will also spend time looking at how a believer should pray and the hindrances to prayer.
There will be a general review session at the conclusion of the quarter.
A Final Encouragement And Challenge "Is All This Really That Important?"
Having read this Sunday School Handbook, you may either be impressed with the tremendous value and blessing that a Bible teaching Sunday School can be, or may not be taking this opportunity for spiritual training all that seriously yet.
Certainly for the most part, a Sunday School will not normally over-ride the home when it comes to influence. However, it can indeed complement the day-to-day spiritual training that is occurring in your home.
Do take God's Word seriously! And do avail yourself to this excellent means of further cementing God's Word in the hearts and minds of your precious children. It can make a tremendous difference on whether the next generation will be a spiritual blow-out or a spiritual blessing. Which will it be in your home and in our church?
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deut. 6:4-9)
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