This Sunday School emphasis coincides with the Centennial Celebration for the Church of the Nazarene. Therefore, much planning may already be taking place in your church preparing for the Centennial. You will want to coordinate your efforts with the following people:
• Children’s Coordinator chooses activities and ministries from the children’s section of the Centennial resources; recruits workers to implement activities and ministries selected for children; coordinates presentation of “The Hallelujah March,” including recruitment of drama director and actors, rehearsals, and presentation. See pages 44-51 of the Centennial Celebration Leader’s Guide.
• Youth Coordinator chooses activities and ministries from the youth section of the Centennial resources; recruits workers to implement activities and ministries selected for youth; works in conjunction with pastor to schedule an opportunity for youth to be involved in one of the Centennial services. See pages 42-43 of the Centennial Celebration Leader’s Guide.
• Sunday School Coordinator coordinates distribution of the special series of four Centennial lessons to teachers of all age groups and small group leaders; stays in touch with and encourages participation among teachers and group leaders. See page 53 of the Centennial Celebration Leader’s Guide.
A complete Centennial preparation timeline is included at www.centennialresources.org. Here are a few events which pertain to the Sunday School emphasis:
June 2008:
Be aware that Sunday, June 29, marks 99 days until October 5, 2008, Centennial Celebration Sunday and only 78 days until the first week of the Sunday School emphasis on September 14. As the Sunday closest to “100 days until the 100th Anniversary,” show the Centennial promotional DVD in your service and make the first announcement of preliminary plans. Children should begin their 100-day countdown. See page 44 of the Centennial Celebration Leader’s Guide.
July 2008:
• Have Sunday School Coordinator distribute Centennial curricula to all Sunday School teachers and small group leaders.
• Work with the Children’s Coordinator and Youth Coordinator to schedule a presentation of “The Hallelujah March” (see pages 46-49,Centennial Celebration Leader’s Guide) and one activity where youth can be involved in one of the Centennial services (see pages 42-43, Centennial Celebration Leader’s Guide).
• Print a calendar of Centennial services, ministries, and activities, and distribute it to your congregation through worship folder/bulletin, newsletter, and website at least monthly.
• Display the Centennial Celebration poster.
• Order Centennial resources from Nazarene Publishing House.
August 2008:
• Personally write all Sunday School teachers encouraging them to use the Centennial curricula on September 14, 21, 28, and October 5.
• Personally write all small group leaders encouraging them to use the Centennial curricula, and ask them to play the Centennial promotional DVD in their small group meetings throughout August and September.