What Sunday School Teachers do when you're not looking

One of the goals of the NAECED conference is to help balance professional development with spiritual enrichment. Yes, it is a place for networking. Yes it is a place for resources. Yes it is a place to hear speakers in the field of Christian Formation. But a very important part of NAECED is an opportunity for Renewal. Refreshment. Re-establishing balance.

I am one of the few at the conference (the number is over 70, I learned...not 50) who is a part-time volunteer. Not that there aren't a lot of us out there, trust me. In fact, I think it is more the norm than the exception. But unfortunately, most churches can not afford, or do not feel it is important enough, to send their volunteer Christian Ed Directors to a conference like this.

I am very blessed mine can and does.

I am inspired by these women and men (yup...there are a few of them here too) here who are full time in this ministry and who have devoted their lives to the faith foundation and formation of our young people.

And you know what? Full time, part time, paid, unpaid...we all face the same issues. Small churches and big churches. How do you get children/teens to attend? How do you keep them inspired? How do you stay inspired yourself? How do you avoid burning out and taking time for yourself? How do you convince Vestry/Finance Committee that you need more money in the budget?

Just being together with these people and sharing common experiences, quiets my mind and reassures me that I have support. They understand the pressures I feel, the frustration and the burn out. It is renewing to attend worship together, to share a meal together, to sing together.

More later.