"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
~John 13:35
I have the privilege of being on the teaching team for 4th and 5th grade Sunday school. It’s a wonderful time. Called “Agape Foundations,” this class is set after kids receive their Bible at Saint John’s.
We start the year by learning different books in the Bible and marking their places with bookmarks. As the class continues, we focus on the stories that help us understand who God is as well as the character of the law, prophets, gospels, writings, and letters. Several years ago, the 4th and 5th grade group chose their own name, Agape, the New Testament Greek word for God’s unconditional, steadfast love. The group also gets together once a month in the afternoon for games and fellowship with their faith family in “Agape Fun.” This gathering gets the students in the rhythm of how weekly youth group will feel starting in 6th grade.
These 4th and 5th graders can tell you where the Gospels are in their Bibles, as well as the best places to play “9-Square in the Air” on campus. They have both foundational knowledge and lots of fun. They are truly well-rounded!
Like the young ones in the Agape group, we will all pay attention to both foundations and fun at Saint John's this spring. Through the Letter of 1 Peter, we will engage in the life of the early church. The Letter of 1 James is filled imagery to help us understand how to live as Christians. The early followers of Christ were longing for guidance as they formed faith communities, and their story has lessons for us even today. We will also celebrate many milestones in our current faith community — Confirmation, Graduating Seniors, Izzy’s Graduation, Pentecost, and Music Sunday. Fun!
The foundation of all we do is God’s agape love. It’s why we worship and why we serve our neighbor. Through Christ, it’s how we understand the forgiveness God offers and where we turn to in difficult and happy times. It’s both our solid foundation, and our source of deep joy. And it is certainly something to celebrate.
