Hebrews 10:24-25
…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Snap! The camera flashed. Miss Cynde took a picture of those who attended Bible class that week and would for the next 13 weeks. Just think there would be 13 different attendance pictures in the classroom. One for each week of the new quarter. It was fun because she took one where everyone smiled nicely and then a silly one. Some of the kids made really funny faces. The week before their classes actually began Miss Cynde took an individual picture of each student that would be in her class and had them raise both hands and look up with their eyes. They would find out more about these particular pictures when they arrived for Sunday morning Bible class. The classroom had been decorated with a new Bible theme. Mary Rose always thought it was exciting to step into the classroom on that first Sunday and see what the new theme was and all the new decorations. They gave them some sort of clue as to what Bible lessons they would be learning about. There were also new Bible games in the early arriver’s box. As she came in, the teacher, directed Mary Rose to where the attendance charts hung. All the individual pictures Miss Cynde had taken of them were now on the attendance charts, but all of their arms had been cut off and replaced with yarn that was taped to their hands. Each week they attended Bible class, they would move their hands up a space toward the Bible at the top of the chart. Their arms would grow longer and longer as they reached higher. At the top was the student’s name and words that read, “Mary Rose is Drawing Nearer to God”.(James 4:8) Mary Rose said, “So when we come to Bible class it helps us draw nearer to God!” That’s right replied Miss Cynde. “Bible class is definitely one great way we can draw nearer to God. We should try to meet with the church each time it comes together. That is how we stir up love and good works!” There was also a new bulletin board in the hall for pictures of those who had perfect attendance. Last quarter there weren’t very many who had perfect attendance so there weren’t very many pictures. But now they all had another chance to try for perfect attendance and hopefully, this time, there would be a whole lot of pictures! Mary Rose was going to try hard to be there each Sunday. This first Sunday ended up being pretty special. Their entire class was there for Bible class! That meant at the end of class a special perfect attendance pennant was put outside their door that everyone could see! Like a banner of honor. Ohhh, everyone liked the idea of that. The students had received letters in the mail so their parents knew of the attendance challenge that was set. Everyone was going to do their very best to attend each week. They closed their Bible class time by singing the Hymn Nearer Still Nearer.

Greetings! To my Sister Bible Class Teachers,

How has the month been going? Mine has been very busy but filled with great things for the Lord. A new quarter just began for our Bible class program and I am loving it! Coming back from a break, I am so excited to be back into the classroom!  I have four wonderful 5th and 6th graders who are loving, respectful, have willing hearts, and who get excited about learning God’s Word! This past week our class had perfect attendance! That is a BIG DEAL! Drawing near to God is a BIG DEAL! One of the things I am doing in my Bible class this quarter is taking an attendance picture each week. The students love it and get excited to see the picture the next week! Also, we are using the attendance chart that was talked about in Mary Rose’ Bible class. Each student moves their hands up one space each week they attend. By the end of the quarter (13 spaces) they will have stretched their arms high enough to reach the Bible at the top of the page. Just like Mary Rose said, “When we attend Bible class it helps us draw nearer to God.” Click on the gold star to find your GOLD STAR visual aids! This month’s featured visual aid is the attendance chart, with directions and “how to” pictures!

My prayers and encouragement go with you,

Serving in Christ,

Gwendolyn Schnell

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Gwen Schnell

Gwen has been married to her supportive husband Dan for 38 years. Dan has been the pulpit minister for the Owasso Church of Christ for over 20 years and they both love working with the congregation there. They are blessed with 3 faithful children (a son, a daughter, and a son) who are married to Christian spouses, and they also have 3 wonderful grandchildren. Gwen has experience in teaching children’s Bible classes from cradle roll – 6th grade for over 30 years and has also had the pleasure of opening up the Word with teen and adult ladies classes. She loves to share God’s word and continues to grow with her students. Her favorite class to teach is 4th-6th grades.

Latest posts by Gwen Schnell (see all)

• Mary Rose and Me “Mending” - April 25, 2018
• Mary Rose and Me “Training Wheels” - March 28, 2018
• Mary Rose and Me “Intelligent and Beautiful” - February 28, 2018