November is the time for thanksgiving. A time to thank family and friends for all the moments shared over the year. Thanks for good health and happiness. We can look at the world around us with gratefulness and joy. Despite the troubles with the economy, there are caring and loving people in our lives, especially here at St. Paul’s. I want to thank everyone who is helping out with the Sunday School program. The teachers are the first and foremost to deserve our thanks. Their dedication to this program is amazing. We also have a large group of parents who help out in so many different ways. Snacks are brought in; they help with crafts, or in the younger classrooms. They deserve our thanks, but most importantly I thank them for bringing their children. Each Sunday we have more and more children attending the classes. Some are children who have attended for years, but excitingly, we have had many new families join this year. It is wonderful to see the classes swell as the weeks go by. These children are so much fun to be around.

Our Sunday School program is dedicated to teaching the children about the importance of sharing our gifts with those less fortunate than ourselves. We teach them to care for their friends and the world around them. November is such a great time to do this with our children. What better way to thank God for all He has given us than to teach our children to give the most precious gift of all; to give the gift of love and friendship. God has given us all gifts. Some are gifted with music or art. These gifts are quite noticeable to everyone. Other gifts may not be as obvious to others. The Sunday School tries to show the children that although they may not be the best athlete on a team, or be able to draw beautiful pictures, they have been given the gift of caring for others. Being a friend to someone can be the most cherished gift a person can give. The Children of the King by Max Lucado is a wonderful story to read with your children about this concept. The teachers use these types of resources to reinforce the lessons. Also, during the month we will have several projects for the youth, involving helping our town and our veterans. Through their time and talents, the Sunday School will thank God by helping the world.

Again, I would like to thank everyone involved with the Sunday School. I’m looking forward to the next exciting months. This is a very special time of year at St. Paul’s. Remember, Sunday School registration is never closed. Registration cards are always available on the children’s snack table in the Parish Hall during coffee hour. Don’t worry about what you may have missed. Come join us for the things to come. Friends are always welcome. We know all about Saturday night sleepovers.