• Begin with prayer. Surround this special time in prayer. Enlist the prayer support of Sunday School leaders and prayer groups in your church.

• Read through the Sunday School emphasis website to gain a full perspective of the emphasis.

• Convene a meeting with the pastor, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School leaders of your church. Plan objectives of this emphasis specific for your church. Set goals which are challenging, but not unrealistic.

• Since this emphasis encourages Sunday School members to look for ways to connect with others outside the membership of the church, the hopeful outcome is that in the coming weeks, your Sunday School and church services will have several guests. This is the time to take steps to make your church (both as a fellowship of believers and as a building) welcoming to guests. Make sure knowledgeable greeters are available to direct visitors to Sunday School classes.

• Order promotional materials.

• Plan events related to this emphasis, including a celebration on the last Sunday of this emphasis (October 28). Create wallet-size invitations for class members to invite their families, friends, coworkers, and classmates to attend Sunday School and a special harvest celebration. Be sure to list the church’s contact information, Sunday School & worship service times.

• Meet with Sunday School teachers and enlist them in introducing the theme “Make the Connection with Others” to their classes. Remember, this emphasis is for all age groups, from young children to senior adult – and everyone in between. Find ways for everyone to make the connection with others!