Delilah, you Philistine!

The title refers to something I said to my sister after Sunday school when I was a child. She apparently annoyed me enough to require that I go Old Testament on her.

This month I begin teaching Sunday school (not as in vogue a title as is "Eastern Christian Formation" or "children's catechesis" but my preferred title) to the 1^st-3^rd grade kids of the parish. This is a new for us as previously we only did classes for children at specific times like Christmas, during the summer, or the Great Lent. I'm rather looking forward to the experience as are my students.

Following the metropolia's mandate we will be using the God With Us series along with some supplementary materials. The primary text is quite well organized, full color, and not so age specific that as I work through the text there will be any problems moving from grade level to grade level in cohort fashion. Along with the children's book there are three (four if you include the Bible) packets that are referenced but not required for each lesson. As I've used this program at home I can attest to how helpful they are.

Expect future posts on my classes. I may even take a picture or two.

The first is Revelation in Color, an icon packet described as:

Fifty full-color 8½ × 11 prints of icons based on Gospel narratives and parables. Includes reflections on the Scriptural passages drawn from patristic sources plus excerpts from John Custer’s commentaries on the Gospels and the Apostolic Writings. References to the Byzantine liturgical cycle, the Revised Common Lectionary and the Roman Lectionary are also given for each passage. An introduction describes the principles behind the tradition of icons in Byzantine practice.

The second is Come Bless the Lord, and is explained as:

New edition of this popular resource features full size (8½ × 11) full color prints suitable for framing or mounting. I plan to laminate them. The 39 subjects include Christ, the Mother of God, saints and major feasts of the Church year. An accompanying instructional booklet includes explanations of the theology of the icons and the spirituality expressed in each icon. The most complete and accessible icon collection for popular use. A bi-lingual edition, Vengan y alaben al Senor, includes a booklet in Spanish with the English commentary printed on the back of the icon prints.

Finally, there is Teaching Pics:

88 full-color cards, 8½ × 11 in size, grouped in four themes (Great Lend and Pascha, Sacraments, Feast Days and other services, Divine Liturgy). The front of each card features an 8x10” full-color photograph, the backside contains a detailed explanation of what is depicted on the card as well as activity ideas. Great for church school, home schooling, or family activities.