May/June 2007

Sunday School Survey

We are delighted to be forwarding the results of a recent survey in which the schools listed below (by city) participated. A profound thank you to these 32 Sunday School Superintendents.

This kind of survey is done periodically to provide superintendents and pastors with information about how things are done and how people feel throughout our school system. This time, the survey was compiled by a website surveyor making bar graphs and pie charts possible. Unfortunately, it also meant occasional abbreviations and cut-offs that render an entry or two illegible. There's nothing we can do about that (short of calling people for clarification, which was not deemed worthwhile); even in the original entries, they were cut off. The initial list of schools is ordered according to date of submission, not alphabetically. Also, whenever comments are listed, they are not always quantified, but we can go back to the original submissions for more information, if that proves necessary. For example, the survey does not indicate how many schools charge $10 for their registration fee.

You will find your own points of interest and enlightening topics when you download the entire results by clicking here for a PDF file (1.7 MB). But below are a few highlights and observations for you to consider:

1. For those who envy the enrollments of larger schools, don’t. That’s like envying larger families, which indeed is exactly what a larger Sunday School is -- the product of a larger parish community. The same success can be had in just about any size school (in fact smaller communities have the advantage of a more intimate, family feeling); the only true challenge lies with the schools of 5–10 where a true "one-room schoolhouse" exists. And yet even here, with the right preparation and materials, and the fellowship of others in the parish, a great environment can be established.

2. In most schools, the average weekly attendance is less than 50%, something we all knew, but did we know it was so widespread?

3. Frequency of teacher meetings ranged from weekly to never. But studies show that however you can arrange it, and whether you are a staff of 3 or 33, meeting regularly as a "team" will definitely, absolutely make for a better school.

4. Our spiritual and professional development as Sunday School staffers clearly needs more work; let's cooperate to make retreat and training opportunities available and well-attended.

5. A stipend for the Sunday School superintendent, although currently disbursed in just 2 of the 32 schools that responded, may become a more important factor in the future. The job just gets harder, as people get busier, and the number of eager and enthusiastic volunteers -- once at a superintendent's beck and call - dwindles.

6. Registration fees are employed in approximately 2/3 of our schools. With the increase in curriculum costs and other expenses, a registration or materials donation/fee may be more widespread in the future. Think of it this way: we generally have no problem paying for what we value (putting our treasure where our hearts are -- see Matthew 6:19-21); asking for a modest support for books and materials and gifting our families with the hours of service and additional trip/book/gift expenses might be a perfect solution!

7. We are happy to see the widespread use of resources to supplement the basic curriculum. A textbook is one part of the classroom, and an important part. With the revised curriculum -- and thank you for the wonderful feedback on the new Kindergarten -- you will have a solid 60 minutes of classroom interaction and information. But many of you have more time and other needs. We continue to urge you to make sure all supplementary materials are approved by your pastor (or send them to us, we’d be happy to give you the thumbs up), since there are times when the beliefs expressed are not shared by the Armenian Church. Please be aware of this!

8. Assemblies, once the core experience of Sunday School and founded upon weekly worship, went into a period of decline. They're starting to become more popular again, resurrected as more interactive and creative. They can be effective fellowship and learning opportunities. They can also be deadly. Get a good assembly leader and you’ll have a great component to your weekly program; interesting Assemblies should comprise worship, Scripture, object lessons, music, and fun.

The final comments were so wonderful. What determination, commitment, enthusiasm, hope, and graciousness! How blessed we are to work with you and what an honor and privilege it is to count you as colleagues and Christian brothers and sisters in this most beautiful ministry.

Survey participants: Bayside, Binghamton, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit (Southfield), Elberon, Evanston, Fair Lawn, Framingham, Greenfield, Hartford, Hollywood (FL), Hye Pointe, Livingston, New Britain, NYC (St.Vartan), Palos Heights, Providence, Racine, Springfield, Trumbull, Union City, Watertown Watervliet, Waukegan, White Plains, Worcester, and Wynnewood.

Meet DYE staffer Ruzan Hovsepyan

In March 2006, the Department of Youth and Education was fortunate to welcome Ruzan Hosepyan to its staff. Ruzan is working as a DYE intern where she has contributed graciously and enormously to the work of the Department. Whether on the computer, designing brochures, assisting with mailings, handling correspondence, or overseeing a variety of details in DYE and Diocesan projects (such as “Church and Home”), Ruzan is a huge asset to our work. She will be missed when she inevitably leaves to work side by side with her husband, Deacon Vahe (upon his future ordination), for a very lucky parish community!

We asked Ruzan to share a little bit about herself for Educator readers. You can learn more about her by clicking here.