Celebrating 250 years of Sunday School
On Sunday evening, 8 September, we had a fantastic celebration of 250 years of Sunday School at Bright Parish Church, the site of the very first one in Ireland, indeed, perhaps the first in the Anglican church.
Sunday School leaders from around the diocese joined us for a (very breezy) BBQ with stunning views of Strangford Lough, the Mournes and the surrounding countryside.
Food was followed by a short act of worship and commissioning where we heard from Eva Gracey from Hope Church, Craigavon. Eva’s Christian faith has recently been reignited and she shared how important it was that Sunday School had laid strong foundations for her to build upon.
Preaching from Mark 10: 13-16, Bishop David spoke about the need for every parish to follow Jesus’ example in valuing and providing for children. There are around 75 Sunday Schools in Down and Dromore but over 100 church buildings, plus church plants. The bishop wants every single one to have a Sunday School.
Historically, Sunday Schools met a real societal need, using scripture to teach reading to poor children who were deprived of a formal education.
By the 1970s, Sunday schools served primarily as a form of discipleship for children whose parents attended church but the landscape is changing along with patterns of church attendance and increasing secularisation.
We're so grateful to all those who volunteer in children's ministry in all its forms, however, there is an urgent need to reach all children in our parishes. If you would like to initiate something in your location please contact our Children’s Development Officer, Millie Bellew, by emailing millie@downanddromore.org.
