The Shine curriculum, which is a joint project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia, has shared a teacher blessing for the start of the Sunday school year. The blessing first appeared in the Shine e-newsletter, which is available by e-mail.
For more about Shine go to https://shinecurriculum.com .
Order curriculum items from Brethren Press by calling 800-441-3712. The Shine theme for Fall 2016 is “God Restores the People.”
A teacher blessing
Consider using this blessing in a time of commissioning for church school staff before the first session of the fall quarter:
Leader: “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78–79).
ALL: Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
People: A candle once lit, can spread the light to other candles. The light grows and grows.
Leader: May God give you deep love for each child or youth in your care. May your compassion and welcome make God’s love real to each one.
People: A lantern once lit should not be hidden but should give light to all.
Leader: May God’s word reach your heart as you prepare your sessions. May you share the gift of God’s story with children and youth.
People: God created the sun to call forth growth and life on earth.
Leader: May Sunday school be a time of discovery, sharing, and growing together. May we follow Jesus, who guides our feet into the way of peace.
ALL: Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
Leader: Go forth knowing that God’s light shines through you and that God is with you.