Hello folks,
I have had another opportunity fall in to my lap.
I already teach the youngsters at our church school religion.
- Kindergarten age (15 kids) - Bible stories (Creation, Adam/Eve, Noah, this week was Tower of Babel) They will hit the Nativity story just before Christmas.
- Middle kids (ages 7-10) - This year going over the Our Father and dissecting the meaning ( you would be amazed that they say it and don't know what it means).
- Older kids (10-13) - studying the Symbol of Faith (Creed) and dissecting the meaning.
- After the Nativity break the older bunch will be learning the symbolism of the Divine Liturgy - but, I haven't finished the book, yet.
Last year the middle and older kids learned all about church structure. I made a 120 page booklet which instructed them on "What it is" - 50 pages of naming and describing various aspects of the Orthodox church so that they would be familiar with proper terminology and symbolism. The other half of the year and book was "What do I do" - here we went over how to behave....what to do when you walk into church, how to put up the candle, how to properly cross yourself, when NOT to walk around, how to dress, etc.
Two years of Bible Summer School - one year we learned about the Theotokos, and this last summer we learned about "Being Fishers of Men"..going over Proverbs, etc.
The Jr UOL (Junior Ukrainian Orthodox League) - the kids are getting religious instruction 1st Sunday of each month. These kids are not all in the Saturday school, therefore, this is their time to learn. Just started this yesterday. Went over "what the Church and therefore, we, believe".
Now....we have decided to offer Religious studies for adults on Saturdays after the Ukrainian School for kids is over. I was asked to do this....and if you know me even a little bit...you know I could never say no to such an opportunity!
I am worried, however, that I am not "qualified" to "instruct" adults. I have spoken to my priest, and he has given his blessing. He said he would help me out if I was stuck in a corner or if the students needed some questions answered that I couldn't answer, however, the major responsibility of the adult education will fall to me.
I am, once again.....truly honored and humbled to have this opportunity awarded to me.
My question is....what do I teach the adults? I am afraid to "ask" them because that could open a can of worms. Therefore, I feel I should pick the curriculum.
The director of the Saturday school said to start at the beginning...that I would be surprised how little the adults know. ....but, what does that mean? Bible stories?
What do you think adults would like to learn?
I humbly ask your advice on how to proceed. I want to have a positive effect on the individuals whom I am entrusted with and to impart valuable knowledge to them.
Please, brothers, sisters, and fathers,....help me in my newest endeavour.
My classes are set to start the 24th of this month.
Thank you all so much for your input.
In XC,
Liza