BRIDGING SUNDAY SCHOOL AND ACYO
Our goal is to connect our Sunday schools and ACYO members using collaborative activities and authentic interactions. Working together will make both organizations stronger and more meaningful for their participants, but it will take commitment on both sides. Join our efforts and get involved in making this happen in your parish today!
This school year, we have officially scheduled December 16 and February 9 as our ACYO Collaboration Sundays.
SUPERINTENDENTS’ COMMITMENT:
1. Set a time to meet with your church’s ACYO Chair. Discuss ways you may collaborate together throughout the school year.
2. Select and calendar some dates for going activities/events.
3. Consider setting up an Internship Program with your ACYO-aged students
4. Invite ACYO members to lead an ASSEMBLY. Some ideas include: sharing a favorite Bible story, song, dance, game, cultural lesson, craft, special talent, etc.
Presentations should always be approved by superintendent prior to assembly.
ACYO’S COMMITMENT:
1. Regular and continued communication with Sunday school superintendent
2. Generate a schedule of activities they wish to do with students and have approved by Superintendent.
3. Generate a sign-up sheet for ACYO members to commit to participating in desired activities.
4. Help with publicizing activities in advance for optimum participation.
SUNDAY SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
GOAL: To create lifelong, active church members who will serve Christ beyond Sunday school.
PURPOSE: To provide a comfortable, encouraging atmosphere allowing the student to find a place in our church once they have completed Sunday school. Gives Sunday school students an opportunity to experiment and experience the different roles available to them within their church.
HOW IT WORKS:
• This program is designed for students, aged 13 and older, however, each Sunday school should decide the best age group for their Intern program.
• On designated Sundays, students will serve as an intern instead of attending class.
• Internships will continue through the school year.
• It is recommended that students remain in the same intern role during the school year however, if student is unhappy, every effort should be made to make adjustments.
GETTING STARTED:
Step 1: Lead teacher explains the Internship Program to students:
• Description: On designated Sundays they will serve in the intern role of their choice at church.
• Expectations: Students are representing their Sunday school and should behave with courtesy and respect toward their mentors and respond positively to their guidance. Students will wear proper clothing for church.
• Explain Goal and Purpose (above)
Step 2: Allow students to select from the roles within the church below that they are interested in experiencing. Suggestions:
• Sing in choir
• Serve on altar
• Learn duties of Parish Council member
• Sunday school teacher
• Sunday school superintendent
• Parishioner
• ACYO
• Church beautification/maintenance
Step 3: Find Mentors! Select people within your church community who agree to mentor students in the roles within the church, (see suggestions above) and partner students accordingly.
Step 4: Communicate to students’ parents explaining the program, expectations, and any other information to help their child’s success. (proper dress, behaviors, etc.).
Step 5: Begin Intern Program! Review “Intern’s Guide to a Successful 1st Day (below). The Lead Teacher should monitor students’ whereabouts and supervise as necessary.
OPTIONAL:
De-Brief the Day: Students may debrief their experience by writing in a journal or sharing in an open discussion.
Suggested Journal/Discussion Topics:
• What have you learned about your church role you did not know before today?
• What do you enjoy most about your church role? What do you enjoy the least about your church role? What can you or someone else do to make this role even more enjoyable?
• What time does your church role begin? What time would you need to arrive? What time does it end?
• What specifically is needed to carry out your duties? How should you dress? What “materials” or “equipment” do you need? Where can you find the materials or equipment? Which items do you borrow and must stay at church? Which items should you bring yourself?
• Explain the importance of this church role to our church. What would happen if no one did this job? What experience does a person need to do this job?
• Write a short article for the church bulletin sharing your Internship experience using the following format:
My name is * and I am * years old. Presently, I am interning as *. My mentor’s name is *. I have already learned *. The best part about my internship is *. (Lead teacher should submit all articles to be printed in church bulletin!)
• Name 3 qualities that are required to be the BEST person to perform this church role. Do you have these qualities? Explain.
• Make your Mentor a “thank you” card sharing with them your appreciation and what you have enjoyed most about your internship.
Prepared by G. Chelebian/CEC
Intern’s Guide to a Successful 1st Day
1. Introduce yourself to your mentor. Tell him/her:
• Your name
• Your age/grade
• How long you have been attending Sunday school
• Why you’re interested in this church position/assignment
• What you hope to learn from them this year
2. Follow and study your mentor’s duties.
3. Ask questions! (This shows your interested and listening.)
4. Take notes. Include your likes, dislikes, and thoughts of your experience.
5. At the end of your session, thank your mentor for their time and valuable information.
6. Make a list of anything you need to bring, wear, or do to make your 2nd day as
an Intern successful.