By Sergena Obas
On July 7, some thirty leaders from the Children’s and Adventurers’ Ministries gathered at the Holiday Inn Montreal-Longueuil for a training session. The purpose was to present the new Sabbath School curriculum entitled Alive in Jesus, which has been developed by the General Conference. The first part is geared toward at babies (0–12 months) and cradle (1–3 years). The guides will be launched globally in January 2025.
This training is in line with the Lord’s command in Deuteronomy 6.7: “These commandments that I give you today shall be on your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (NIV)
Bible, Only Foundation
Elsie Collie-Daley, Children’s Ministries Director of the Quebec Conference of SDA, began the meeting by extending a warm welcome to all participants. In her workshop, Sherri Uhrig, Director of Children’s Ministries for the North American Division, spoke about the Bible as the foundation of the program. Beside the children’s manual there is a study guide for parents. They are encouraged to teach the lessons to their little ones at a time of day when they are well rested and well fed. Most interestingly, participants were given paper, colored pencils and scissors with which to cut out little people attached at their hands and feet. These trios were then glued together to encircle the three pillars of grace, character development and mission. A Bible was drawn in each hand, and a heart to love Jesus.
Various teaching methods
After lunch, it was the turn of Mae-Lina Beaubrun Fleury, a trainer from the North American Division, to model Sabbath School. Three parents showed up with their stuffed babies, and Mae-Lina welcomed them with a big smile and taught the infants about what God has created: stars, chicks, fish, etc. When they saw chicks flapping their wings, Stephania D’Haiti’s two daughters came over to attend the lively Sabbath school.
Then came Judeline Theodore, teacher by profession and North American Division trainer, to talk about sensory preferences and explain how some children are drawn to music, others to colors, while others prefer to work with their hands in a sandbox. Still others would rather walk in nature to admire creation. She went on to teach how to organize inclusive Sabbath schools that serve children with special needs.
Judeline taught the songs to welcome the children, call them to pray, to study the week’s lesson, and even bid them farewell and invite them for next Sabbath. This routine will remain in their minds. Videos showed how every Saturday, there will be a time for parent training and sharing where community parents could be invited.
Each presenter gave a list of manuals and books to go deeper into the topics. Sabbath school teachers wondered where to find the budget for the props. If their church board cannot help, Mae-Lina showed how to use their creativity and use what they have on hand: seashells, thin blue handkerchiefs to talk about clouds, and so on.
People with passion for children
Michèle Hanitriniony came all they way from Quebec City and Menjie Richard from St-Henri. Benedicta Agbeshie and Guirlène Garçon, who are regulars at our training sessions, were delighted once again and are more equipped for their ministry. First-time attendees Guerline Alexandre and Éli Comian-Koumi kept saying, “Thank you for inviting me,” and are looking forward to future workshops. David Joseph and Saul Machando came to make videos that will be broadcast over time.
Everyone left with a bag full of gifts, and thanked Elsie Collie-Daley, Director of Children’s Ministry.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Quebec Conference, is the first conference in Canada to implement this new curriculum.
