Posted in Ministry

Things I’ve learned teaching preschool Sunday School

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Last summer, I decided to take a year off from teaching adult Bible classes on Sunday mornings to teach Sunday School. The one class that still needed a teacher was the preschool/kindergarten class. I love to teach, its one of my strengths, but did I have what it takes to handle the littlest ones? There was only one way to find out.

A year has gone by and it has been a wonderful blessing and experience for me. The materials we ordered from Concordia Publishing house were excellent, and provided me with more than enough ideas to keep the children interested and busy for an hour. I also have to thank Shari our preschool director, who has taught me so much about working with that age level for the last nineteen years. I’m also grateful that Sharon, one of our members who teaches kindergarten and first grade in the public schools, allowed me to volunteer in her class once a week. I learned something from her about teaching, classroom management, and discipline every time I am there.

Here’s what I’ve learned about teaching this age group:

  • Stickers rule. Every single child loves stickers. You cannot have too many stickers.
  • You also can’t have too much glue. We go through bottles of glue and glue sticks at an alarming rate. This is because the younger you are, the more glue you must use for a craft project.
  • Everyone needs their own container of crayons. A big bucket to share doesn’t work. But if everyone has a small container of crayons, they will share with each other. (Crayons are also homogeneous. For example, all the orange crayons will end up in one container.)
  • Give them a job. Everyone wants to help, so let them handle as many classroom tasks as you can. From handing out supplies to cleaning up, they all want something to do.
  • If any child gets a hold of a stapler, everything will end up with a staple in it.
  • Whoever taught me that a child’s attention span was the same number of minutes as their age was correct. After the opening, it will take twelve activities to keep a four-year-old busy for 48 minutes.
  • They want to do it themselves. Cutting, drawing, stapling, folding, gluing, tying, coloring and sticking stickers. So have all the hard stuff done ahead of time (like a hard shape to cut out). Once you’re in the room, you have to let them do it.
  • They absolutely love Jesus! (Even more than stickers!) They love everything about him. At this age, every story about his life and ministry reinforces their faith in an amazing way.
  • They are always hungry.
  • The time I have with them each week flies by. Attendance stickers, a page to color, a story to tell, a story leaflet to put stickers on, a song to sing, a verse to learn, and some crafts to make — before I know it, the parents have arrived to pick them up.
  • Very few children attend every week because the most active families only come twice a month at best. There are trips, illness, sleepovers, work and sports events that take up previously open weekend time.
  • Not one can sit in a chair for more than a minute. They either fall off, get up to reach something, get up to pick up something they dropped, come over to get my attention, or whatever. Perpetual motion!

I am about to return to teaching adults on Sunday mornings. It will probably take me a few weeks to adapt. Adult students tend to sit quietly passive in class and dare you to get them to talk. Maybe I will try stickers.

 

 

Posted in Life

People like that

Posted on by William Douthwaite

As I reading through 1 Samuel, I was struck by the interesting relationship Saul has with David.

After David defeats Goliath in chapter 17, King Saul takes David into his service, makes him commander of his armies and watches as David becomes increasingly more popular. People start writing songs about David and his victories, which really annoys Saul. Saul is jealous, afraid and threatened by David. Yet Saul needs David. You see, not only is David successful at winning battles and defeating Saul's enemies, but David is the one whose music can calm Saul when he's tormented with harmful spirits (1 Samuel 16:23).

How many people like this has God placed in our lives? You know who I'm talking about. The ones we're jealous of because they perform better, look nicer or have more than us. The people who command attention while we're ignored. Someone who annoys us just by being around.

Could it be that we need people like this?

That's a strange idea, but let's just go with it for a moment. Why might we need people like this who threaten us, frighten us or make us jealous?

For one thing, they can teach you something. If you want to succeed at something, you might just want to emulate someone who is successful in that area. You want to apprentice under someone who is really good at what they do, right? Thank goodness for those folks!

It's also humbling. It reminds you that you are no better than Saul, the first king of Israel who had the throne snatched away from his family in favor of someone who had a heart like God's (David). Someone more popular, more successful than me intrudes upon my self-righteousness, and rightly reminds me that the only thing I really have going for us is God's grace, not my performance.

They're also a reminder that you're annoying, too. You can go above and beyond helping someone, only to discover they don't appreciate your efforts at all. You've made them look lazy or incompetent by doing so much!

I don't like it, but I admit that I need people like that.

 

Posted in Life

Reflections on being a grandfather (so far)

Posted on by William Douthwaite
I’ve got two grandchildren now. My first, Eden, was born last summer. Number two, Elijah, is just a few weeks old. A week or so ago, these cousins met for the first time and this seems like a good time to reflect upon my experience of being a grandfather.

First, there’s little that compares with holding newborn life. Small, helpless, trusting, miraculous are just a few adjectives that come to mind. Tears and laughter erupt in their presence. They grow so fast you find yourself watching each minute to see how they’ve changed. The memories of my own children’s births are vivid once again.

As I take them in my arms, I remember exactly what to do. Immediately I cuddle, rock and sway. A diaper change is followed by a quick swaddle before lifting them up on my shoulder. Without thinking I’m singing songs, imitating their sounds, and giving them a tour of the world.

Suddenly, my children have become husbands and wives, and dads and moms. They still call me Dad and my wife Mom, but we call them “Dad” and “Mom,” too. But no one is confused.

Life is so simple when all you have to worry about is eating, sleeping and getting your diaper changed. All you have to do is cry a little, and someone – or everyone – comes to attend to your needs.

Posted in Ministry

“The only pastor kind of guy I know”

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“In the Spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love…” and, as I learned this week, to college.

Weeks after most application deadlines have passed, letters of recommendations mailed and acceptances (or rejections) received, two young men came to me in the space of a week to get a reference from me. Both seniors in high school, each recently was recruited by small schools, in part, for their athletic prowess. Both were small Christian schools that required a reference from a pastor to complete the application. Each student stopped by my office to have me complete that form, saying, “You're the only pastor kind of guy I know.”

Student A graduated from our church's preschool fifteen years ago. His mother also taught at our school for many years. I believe His family was half-Jewish and half-Christian, though I don't think they participated in either tradition very often. Since I had to answer a question about his commitment to Jesus Christ, he explained to me that his parents exposed him to both traditions so he could make up his own mind. I asked him if he had. He said he was open to it, which is what I typed as my answer to that question.

Student B was in confirmation class five years ago. At the time, his family was regular in worship and I got to know him very well. He was smart, asked great questions and seemed to grasp well the basics of the Christian faith. After confirmation, though, I only saw him three more times. Once, when his younger sister was confirmed. The second time was a weekday morning when he asked me to pray for a friend of his in the Marines being deployed to Iraq. Number three was to ask for this recommendation. At one time his commitment seemed strong. Presently I knew little about his faith, so I typed that for my answer.

So now I am wondering how many small Christian colleges get recommendations like mine? How important is my input in the admission process? How important is my input for their athletic programs? Was I just a hoop to jump through? (I'm pretty sure I know the answer to that question.) And why would you ask a virtual stranger to recommend you to a college?

I have written many letters of recommendation over the years, mostly for young people I knew very well and could write pages about. For each I've strived to be unique, creative, entertaining and put into words how impressed I was with them. But this was a new experience. I tried to put the best construction on everything. I tried to express everything in the kindest and most honest way. But I had to be honest.

It took courage to come in and ask me for a recommendation. I'll give them that much. But it takes a lot more than courage to make it through college.

 

 

Posted in Ministry

My love-hate relationship with confirmation classes

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?'” (Revelation 7:13)

Last Sunday morning, the answer was our church’s most recent confirmation class. With a red carnation pinned to their white robes, five eighth-graders had the promises of their baptism confirmed as they made public profession of their Christian faith. Over the past two years, I taught them the basic stories and truths of the Bible using Luther’s Small Catechism and a variety of teaching materials I’ve collected over the past thirty years.

I’ve known Corey his whole life, baptizing him fourteen years ago. I’ve known Adam nearly as long. They’re both in Boy Scouts, are very intelligent, and talk non-stop at an extremely rapid pace. I’ve known Kristina about six years, since her family moved to town. She’s one of the quietest people I’ve ever met. It was so fun trying to get her to laugh. I met Olivia when her older sister began confirmation class four years ago. She a talented gymnast with a contagious laugh. Cole’s only been here about a year, but he’s smart and has his head on straight. Everything they learned about God and His Word was important. But just as important was the relationship forged during each week’s 90 minute class. I usually make a few extra “unofficial” certificates with some of the nicknames I invent for them. (This year I was convinced Adam was an alien, so I called him “Alphonzo Zorf. And, for some reason we came up with “Potatolivia,” too.)

Confirmation is one of those powerful worship-family-Holy Spirit moments for me. Unable to believe in Jesus Christ or come to him by our own reason or strength, I am so aware of the Spirit’s work during this rite. I choked up a little because Corey’s grandfather, not in very good health, not only came, but was able to come to the altar to lay hands on his grandson.

You see, I have this love-hate relationship with the whole process of confirmation. Call me crazy, but I love teaching Jr. High or Middle School students. They have so many questions and desperately want to learn. High school students are different. They think they know everything. Seventh and eighth graders are just discovering who they are, learning what they can do and dreaming about what they can be. Teaching them involves laughing, teasing, yelling and threatening. It also involves transition, for they grow so much through their seventh and eighth grade years. Clueless in seventh grade, they show up for their second year suddenly having discovered the opposite sex, combing their hair and wearing makeup.

But as much as I love teaching these classes, I hate what confirmation will mean. Typically, I will never see half of them again. The drop out rate is consistently 50%. Tragically, their parents will stop bringing them to church and before long the entire family will drift away from the congregation. Like salmon returning to spawn, families show up with their seventh-grader because they need to make their children attend these classes. Sadly, when it’s over, these families will be gone.

This year will be atypical. Four of the families have been very involved in the church, and I expect they will continue. I only have to say, “Adios” to one. And next fall, I’ll start all over again with a new class of fresh recruits with a variety of backgrounds and personalities. And whenever we meet, it will once again be the most frustrating and rewarding part of my week.

 

 

Posted in Ministry

What’s your part of the wall?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

broken-rampart-wall-sindhudurg-island-fortIn his book He Walks Among Us, Rich Stearns, president of World Vision, mentions the daunting task tackled by Nehemiah and those who returned to Jerusalem after exile in Babylon. The walls of the city had been destroyed many years before, but Nehemiah set out to make sure they were rebuilt. How in the world would they accomplish such a enormous task? Stearns writes

Nehemiah understood that great walls are repaired just one stone at a time, so he organized the people to each do their part: “Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house” (Nehemiah 3:28). The impossible task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was completed in fifty- two days because each person tackled the section of the wall that lay right in front of them (p. 40).

When there are billions of people living in poverty all over the world and thousands of children dying each day, what difference can any of us really make? Talk about a daunting task! Where would we even start?

Well, rather than feeling guilty or inadequate, we might want to ask the question, “What’s my part of the wall?” What opportunity has God placed before you to make a difference in what looks insignificant but is in reality a very important job? Who did you see with a need today? Whether in a far away place or across the street, that’s your part of the wall.

Stearns also quotes Oswald Chambers:

The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do. Jesus took a towel . . . and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

A great way to start each day – to remind ourselves of both God’s mercy and the needs around us – could be to ask, “What part of the wall do you want me to work on today?” I am sure the Lord will let you know!

Posted in Stuff

Coming around the backstretch: This and that (for March 7, 2015)

Posted on by William Douthwaite

We’re halfway through the season of Lent on our way to Easter Sunday. Hopefully I’ll remember to set my clocks ahead tonight so I’m not late for church tomorrow morning. I discovered a bunch of interesting stuff to share this past week.

Amy Carmichael wrote, ““Let nothing be said about anyone unless it passes through the three sieves: Is it true? Is it kind?sieves Is it necessary?” (aka, The Three Sieves of Socrates). Tim Challies reflects on the importance of that wisdom in The 3 Sieves.

Aaron Armstrong recommends these books to Christians who would like to read about Islam. A few more are added in the comments.

Walter Fretz is the name of a baby who survived just a few moments after being born at just 19 weeks’ gestation. He was tiny, but had a powerful message to send about preborn human life in this story from lifenews.com. According to this article from Christianity today, the Guttmacher Institute’s research has 54331found twenty percent of women who have an abortion identify themselves a born-again, evangelical, charismatic, or fundamentalist Christians. That’s reason enough to make sure we (Christians and the Church) frequently and stubbornly speak of God’s mercy and forgiveness as well as His gift of life.

Food updates:

  • I made a batch of Pinot Noir Brownies. They are even more  chocolately and delicious as I had hoped!
  • I like Peeps as much as anyone, but I’m dubious about Peeps flavored milk from Prairie Farms. I’ll let you try it and tell me what you think.
  • Do you like the Lemon Cake at Starbucks? Here’s the recipe you can make at home. They claim it’s even better.
  • Be sure to make the Brownies and Lemon Cake before you read this article from the World Health Organization, which states that we are getting way too many calories from sugar.
  • I have to make one of these for next week’s baby shower. I hope I can find a nice watermelon at this time of the year.

watermelon baby

Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby have been in the news as companies begun by Christians. Here are a few more companies I’ll bet you didn’t know were also started by believers. BTW, the Chick-fil-A in Palm Coast opens March 19!

Picture1

Posted in Life, Ministry

The Dropbox

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Picture3Last night my wife and I went to see “The Dropbox” a documentary directed and produced by students from the University of Southern California about a pastor in Seoul, Korea who constructed a box in the wall of his church to rescue babies that would otherwise be abandoned in the streets. It was a moving and emotional journey to the church and home of Pastor Lee Jong-rak, who not only continues to care for his own disabled son, but adopted more babies for a total of fifteen children he and his wife now care for. Over 300 babies were left in the box in 2013, surrendered mostly by single mothers who could not keep them because of social pressure or could not care for them because of congenital disabilities.

But rather than seeing the needs and challenges, Pastor Lee sees each child as perfect, beautiful and important. As I saw each child smile, I saw them in a different way, too. The film tugs at your heart in several ways. Your mind simultaneously says you should be doing something for orphans and asks how could anyone do what Pastor Lee and his wife have done?

The director of the film, Brian Ivie became a Christian during the six months he spent in Korea gathering information and footage for the film. He realized that he was one of those kids, and discovered that God still wanted him. He briefly tells of his own transformation in an interview at the end of the film. Once you realize how important your life is to Jesus Christ, you are reminded that every life is sacred and worth our love and care.

You can learn more about the film, which is only being shown March 3-5 in selected theaters at www.thedropboxfilm.com. I am sure the movie will be on DVD before too long, and it would make for a good movie night at church!

 

Posted in Devotions, Stuff

Brownies, beagles and badmouthing: This and That (for February 28, 2015)

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Here are a few things I’ve run across this week.

This is a tough one (but a good one) to read for those who are of a different political persuasion: Why you should think twice before badmouthing Obama.

browniesFood news! (My weekly this and that apparently now needs a “food” section.) From the UK, a grandmother finds a Monopoly piece in her cole slaw. You’ll soon be able to get edible coffee cups in Great Britain and butter-flavored Kit Kats in Japan. And I’ll let you know when I’ve whipped up a batch of Pinot Noir Brownies.

BeagleBayleePurebredDogs8Months1Now that a beagle has won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, some may be thinking about getting a beagle of their own. My family had a beagle when I was growing up in Ridley Park, PA. His registered name was Sir Richard of Hastings, my dad called him Schnitz (short for Schnitzle),  but we mostly called him Bo. (Why? It’s a long story for another post.) Anyway, he had all the characteristics of the breed mentioned in Beware the Beagle. Before he fattened up, he would bolt the minute the front door was open a millimeter too wide or a millisecond too long. He would search out the most minute crumbs of food throughout the house. And he never tired of guarding the yard from squirrels.