Fall 2004

A Message to Educators

Dear Superintendents, Teachers, and Staff,

We are happy to inform you that as of September 1, 2004, the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education will have its own bi-monthly educational e-newsletter, The Armenian Church Educator.

Each issue will contain resource materials, information about new publications, and classroom activities for Sunday and Armenian School programs.  The newsletter will also contain resource material provided by our college and music ministries as well as the Diocese's Zohrab Information Center.  It is hoped that this expanded resource will be a help to our parish educators and serve as a resource for our parents. 

The Internet format will allow us to provide increased resources that could not fit in a traditionally printed newsletter.  It will allow us to provide multi-media resources to enrich your teaching.  It also enables us to create a more accessible library of resources for future teachers.

We love to hear from you. So please feel free to send us your recommendations, suggestions, or comments.  Just email me at U.Nalbandian@att.net.

To get started this fall, check out this September checklist, full of ideas and suggestions to get all educators ready to teach.

Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, Director
Department of Youth and Education
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

Highlights for Fall 2004

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September: The First Month of a Great New Sunday and Armenian School Year

Both teachers and students have mixed feelings about September. On the one hand it’s a great time for new beginnings; somehow no matter how old we get, the hope embodied in fresh notebooks and pencils and assignment pads never quite escapes us. On the other hand, September marks the end of summer and the more leisurely lifestyle of that season. Start this school year with a renewed commitment to some teaching basics found in this checklist, which you can refer to throughout the year as a reminder.

• Be prepared.
• Be a part of the team.
• Be prompt.
• Be part of your parish family.
• Be committed to your own spiritual growth.
• Be a learner yourself.

Read more about being ready.

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Stewardship in Your Sunday School

This year’s Diocesan theme is stewardship, the beautiful Christian concept that all we are and all we possess is God’s loving, generous gift to us and therefore our service to Him in return – whether through our time, our talents, or our financial support – is the natural response of human gratitude.  The following are some ways to fit the themes of stewardship into your Sunday School lessons:

• Stewardship Bible Study
• Stewardship and Space

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Service Project Ideas

Over the years our schools have participated in a number of Armenia service projects, such as packing and sending scarves and mittens, craft supply boxes, toys and stuffed animals.  Looking for other or additional service projects your students might relate to? Here are two you might consider: Operation Toy and Children to Children. Learn more.

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Faith-Filled TV Viewing:  Ideas For Teachers and Parents

When TV first began to be children’s favorite activity in the 60’s to the 80’s (it now vies with computer and computer games), it was deemed the enemy of intelligence, creativity, and morality. As time went by, however, educators and parents learned to harness the wonders TV had to offer (including information, inspiration, and challenges) and minimize the harm (laugh tracks that manipulate our funny bones, misinformation, dummied-down everything, unrealistic depictions of families, dating, and success.). Whether in the Sunday School classroom or at home, you can ask questions to connect television to children’s faith.   Learn more.

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Resources and Recommendations for Moral and Ethical Issues Discussions

Many faithful are interested in discussing moral and ethical issues with the youth and young adults in our communities.  Outlined here is a summary of issues and sample resources to consider in developing a moral and ethical issue dialogue on the parish level. 

• Trust
• What are the Issues?
• Who should be involved?
• Resources Available
• Discussion Starter Icebreakers

Learn more about broaching moral issues

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If you want to subscribe to The Armenian Church Educator or know someone who might be interested in subscribing, please send your name and email address to info@armenianchurch.net.