Love One Another

The Sunday school is a unique body of believers who truly care and show concern for each other. They often live out Christ’s admonition to "bear one another’s burdens" and to "love one another." There is a wide variety of ways that these characteristics are manifested creatively in many Sunday schools. One Sunday school set up a "lending library" that involved much more than lending books. Two lists were compiled and posted where they would be accessible to everyone. One list itemized possessions that Sunday school members would be glad to loan. This list included such things as tools, small kitchen appliances, camping equipment, and even an old station wagon. A second list contained the names of persons who were willing to perform special services such as car repairs, painting, typing, babysitting, haircuts, sewing, watching pets, baking and housework. Services were offered for a small price, for a "donation to the church," or in trade.

Another Sunday school instituted a "people bank." Members signed up to help those in need by performing specific tasks and listed the number of hours per week or month that they would be available. This kept anyone from being called upon too many times and gave many more a chance to be helpful to those who were in need. This was one way that the members of that Sunday school felt they could care for those with special needs in their community.

Still other Sunday schools have standing committees who provide meals for new mothers, the sick or the injured of their community, a moving crew who help members move in or out of homes, and even a "Blessing" committee that is responsible for keeping the "Blessing Board" up to date. The "Blessing Board" is a bulletin board in the foyer of the church on which all of those items which families own but no longer want are listed under the heading "Blessings." Another heading said "Blessings Needed." Anyone needing a particular item placed their name and item needed on that list. Those needs were matched with owners of the "blessings" and everyone benefited. Cupboards and closets gradually got cleaned out and many people were able to have needs met in a satisfactory fashion.

In a similar manner, another Sunday school had a "good neighbor" or "cup of kindness" Sunday twice each year. On each of those Sundays, each person present was given a sheet which asked everyone, including visitors, to write their name, address and phone number. The offering plates were then passed and slips of paper were collected. The offering plates were then passed a second time and each person took one slip from the plates. Each person was then instructed to secretly encourage or do some "kindness" for the person whose name they received during the week ahead.

The week following the "good neighbor" or "cup of kindness" Sunday proved to be very exciting for everyone involved. Receiving nice things is not really the most important aspect of the week. Most people find that they derive much more pleasure from the things they plan and do for others. Sometimes, they are even funny. One church reported a lady who placed a freshly baked pie on the doorstep of her friend’s house. She rang the bell and then ran away. The "friend’s dog, however, chased her away much faster than she was planning to go. Most of the time, the results are a deeper appreciation for what "God’s family" is all about.

(This article appeared in the "Winter, 1994-95" issue of "The Herald.")