A Brief Introduction to the Sunday School Ministry at St. John Lutheran Church

Children have a variety of interests, skills and learning preferences. This is why we have adopted an exciting and creative approach to Sunday School—the “Workshop Rotation Model”.   One Bible story is presented over the course of several weeks through a variety of stations. Each station involves the children in different learning activities such as art, cooking, drama, music, games, puppets, video, storytelling, computers, science, etc. The schedule and room assignments are listed in Worship bulletin each Sunday. Children age 3 through 6th grade are invited to participate.

Here is how it works:

• Spaces are transformed into interesting, interactive workshop stations
• Classes rotate to a different station each week and experience the Bible story in different ways
• Repetition helps memory retention and provides opportunities for in-depth exploration
• Children love the variety and want to come
• Adult “Guides” stay with each age group throughout the year, providing continuity and nurturing to their students
• Classes are on Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:45.

While we want our children to have fun in Sunday School, that is not the most important consideration for using this model of Sunday School. We want our children to have a saving relationship with the Lord and to grow in their faith and to put their trust in God. 

Salvation Stations—A Journey of Faith
Year’s Focus: Our God is Awesome 

Story: Banquet at Simon’s House        Luke 7:36-50

Family Page

Coloring Page A     Coloring Page B

Coloring Page C     Coloring Page D

God forgives all sins.

Bible Verse 1 John 1:8-9

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 7:36-50

There was a man named Simon who was very curious to find out more about Jesus so he invited him over to his house for dinner. As they were sitting in the garden area an uninvited woman slipped in and went over to Jesus. She began pouring perfume over his feet. She was crying so much that it made his feet wet. She then wiped them with her hair. Simon was disgusted with actions of this woman. He thought that Jesus should have made her leave.

Jesus told Simon this story. Suppose two men owed a lender some money. One man was in debt 500 gold coins and the other one only owed 50 gold pieces. The lender forgave the debt of both men. Which of the two men would show more gratitude and love to the lender? Simon said that it would be the man who had the largest debt. Jesus congratulated Simon because he had the right answer. 

Jesus told Simon that he did not show him any hospitality went he entered his house. Simon did not show the customary manners for that time. This included washing a visitor’s feet; welcoming a visitor with a hug; and refreshing the head with oil. Simon did none of these, but the uninvited woman did. Jesus told Simon that the woman showed her love for him in this way because she realized how much she was forgiven. On the other hand there were people who thought they did not need God’s forgiveness so they showed very little gratitude or love. 

Jesus then said to the woman that her sins were forgiven and told her to live her life in peace because her faith had saved her.

Thank You to everyone who is ministering in Sunday School for this rotation:

• Teachers: Heidi Schoedel (Science) , Sue Kindler (Games) , Carla Luttinen, (Video) Lori Payton (Singing)
• Guides: Meredith Hill Heidi Sharber
• Behind the Scenes: Henry and Cindy Meier