“ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”.
Proverbs 22:6
Blessed are the children of our Church, as the Christian way is taught to them right from their childhood. Our church plays a vital role in the spiritual growth of our kids by holding various activities like Sunday school,VBS(Vacation Bible School ),Conducting Biblical exams etc… From the beginning Sunday school has been conducted in Chidambaranagar,Even before the construction of the church itself. Since then, Sunday school has been held regularly in stjohns church madathuvilai.
Sunday school
It is conducted on all Sundays of the month other than the first Sunday. The Sunday school session for the kids takes place at the same time as the Sunday service in the multipurpose hall. Children are taught songs composed by Paliar nesan ministry. Simple choreography and actions for the songs are taught to them to make it alive and interesting. Word of God are given to the kids in the form of short stories.Biographies of missionaries are included as part of their curriculum. Through this a zeal for the ministry of our Lord is fed to them in their tender age. Tours are organised for the Sunday school kids and teachers along with the Church priest and the Catechist to nearby places like Kutralam, Manimuthar, Pabanasam, Thitparappu Aruvi, Pathmanathapuram fort, Kaniyakumari, Saervalaru dam etc. This entertains fellowship between children and provides a welcome atmosphere to hear the word of God. Special prayers are made for the children celebrating their birthdays. Currently there are 5 Sunday school teachers under the direction of Mrs. Daisy & Mrs. Jeba ministering to the little ones of our church.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Vacation Bible School is conducted once in a year during summer holidays. This not only strengthens the children in Christ but also provides a chance to proclaim the word of our Lord to non-Christian children as well. Vacation Bible School is usually conducted for 10 days in May. The purpose of this school is to teach the children to live a Christ-like life right from childhood so that they can become living witnesses for Christ when they grow up. A title and verse of the Bible is chosen for every day under which the day’s curriculum will be based. Group discussions are conducted after grouping the children according to their age. Special songs with mild choreography are taught. There is no shortage for short stories and biographies in VBS. Small books are issued for keeping track of the curriculum along with Colouring, drawing and quizzing. Talents of the children are encouraged by organising singing, dancing and Drama acts. Snacks and refreshing drinks are provided to keep the kids brisk. A fun tour is arranged on the 9th day of the VBS. On the final day of the Vacation Bible School, a program is arranged, where the children display what they have learnt in the VBS to the congregation of the church. Prizes are distributed as tokens of appreciation. More than a hundred and fifty children participate and benefit from VBS every year.
Biblical Exam
To enhance the biblical knowledge for the kids,Our church organises a biblical exam every year. The Children of our church are classified into groups according to their age and syllabi are prescribed for each group. Exams are conducted orally for the little ones and in writing for other children.Prizes are distributed for appreciation and encouragement.This enhances competitive spirit and the Biblical knowledge of our kids.
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven”.
Matthew 19:14