Sunday School

It is not often that I get inspiration from the Calgary Sun, one of our local newspapers. Referred to as The Rag by those of us not fans of its political orientation, I nonetheless read it as a freebie along with my coffee at our local McDonald's halfway through each morning’s constitutional walk. This morning’s read was one of those. The front-page article was a begrudged affirmation of our Prime Minister’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Next page was equal print to Donald Trump’s rambling speech obviously not pleased with the standing ovation "Mark" had received. 

This free read was... almost balanced.[i] In fact, a few pages in and back to the local scene, Rick Bell, the Rick Mercer of the Conservatives, went as far as to identify some problems in Alberta’s healthcare system after his recent experience in an Urgent Care facility! Interestingly, Bell, the unofficial PR man of Alberta's UCP, gets immediate response from our government Hospitals Minister Matt Jones also admitting there are some problems. Really? Nice to at least have it acknowledged, even if it's only damage control. 

So our Rag was uncharacteristically balanced today. Media is that form of communication; words, images, art, a whole lot of posturing, and always conforming to the ones who are buying in, i.e. paying their wages. Media will give a balanced perspective if it is consistent with the owners' identified business goals. Anyway, today's newspaper is what inspired the pious-looking title you see at the top. Given the vested interest of media and the deep contrariness of speeches in the big arenas, I wonder about what is actually at the heart of daily news. As a Christian reader and writer, sometimes I also wonder what is at the heart of what comes from the pulpit. It's a good time to relearn something old, to sit with one another not only in coffee klatches and watering holes, but in a healthy way. Back to Sunday School!

Here we go! So far we still live in a free and democratic society, therefor important (urgent) that churches and faith communities learn - perhaps relearn - how to speak with one another! The truth of all 'stories' is larger than information, whether it comes from journalists, politicians, or from preachers (Yes clergy, we must admit this). 

In the congregation I belong to we have devoted recent months to an intentional transition process - preparing ourselves for engagement with the next pastor, reimaging our future. Guess what, now that we think we know what we want, we discover there is a limited supply! This perceived challenge for churches casts us in the same environment as the media. If we are dependent only on adequate professionals, good luck finding the right pulpiteers or managers to do it just right. 

Sunday School. I am a member of a congregation in the low church tradition, in my case the Mennonites. In our communion we do not need to emulate fellow Christians in the mainline and/or evangelical churches since we are not dependent on authoritative structures or popes or bishops or preachers to validate us (although historically some incredible leaders). Our strength and our confidence is in what we are known for - community of believers. It means we practice the scripture at the heart of our theology, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20). This is what orders our life.

Aaron Stauffer, in the latest issue of Sojourners, a U.S. social gospel magazine, writes about how important it is for congregations to act on what matters, the “sacred values we hold,” not just by what is being preached.[ii] These sacred values are best nurtured in circles of learning, the practice of gathering, not to form official opinions or to hammer out agreement on sticky Bible passages. It is here we sit with one another, usually dependent on one or several who have a gift of teaching, "we have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.... if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach" (Romans 12:6-7). This is the way to discern implications for the journey of faith. 

One further feature of good Sunday School is that it can be multigenerational. I recently visited a Mennonite Church near Two Hills, AB, where the starting age for Sunday School is four! Classes range from preschool to adult, classrooms with collapsible fronts so as to provide space for larger goszgebats (gatherings). Much inspiration in the education wing of this church. And Sunday School precedes a one and half hour worship service! The faith and the energy in this fellowship of believers is palpable, and certainly more convincing than latest meeting and worship formats with sermons from high-salaried professionals. The word, as touted by many in media or from pulpits, is not adequate.

There is considerable loneliness experienced also by those seeking to provide leadership. Once our perceived solutions are limited to 'input' - speeches or opinions as described in the opening paragraphs above - then we are hopelessly lost. Jimmy Carter, President of the United States 1977-81, served his country and his people well, losing after one term to Ronald Reagan, but winning the Nobel Peace Prize twenty years later. One of his involvements that began years before his presidency and only ended years later, was his regular schedule, teaching Sunday School in his home church in Plains, Georgia. 

---

[i] Although subsequent issues back to Alberta separation and other hot topics. E.g. Rick Bell, “Not Taking the Bait,” Calgary Sun, January 30, 2026.

[ii] “How Congregations Act on What Matters,” Sojourners, Jan/Feb, 2026, p.12.