I was a latecomer to the Internet way back in 1999, but one of the first websites I found was Sabbath School Net. I joined the Sabbath School Net email discussion group, where I met a few friends who I still have and some who sadly passed away. So much has changed since then. Since 2011, this blog took the place of the discussion group.
One of the other things I remember finding on Sabbath School Net way back in the day was the Michael Fracker Sabbath School Lesson Plans. At the time, I was teaching a New Believer’s class at the Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Michael’s lesson plans were easy to use to facilitate meaningful discussions, creating many teachable moments. In 2012, I joined the Sabbath School Net team, writing feature articles along with Lillianne Lopez, remember her? She turned out to be a lifelong friend, and I hope she starts contributing again, because I really enjoyed her insights.
Eventualy, as well as writing feature articles, I was invited to join Michael Fracker in creating the Sabbath School Lesson plans. Mine are a little different, we all do things a little differently, but I have really been enjoying creating these lesson plans. A friend told me a while back that she went to her Sabbath School classroom one Sabbath morning and found no teacher. She quickly found the teaching lessons on the Sabbath School Net website and easily facilitated the lesson study on a half moment’s notice. It makes me feel good knowing I can contribute.
As well as mine and Michael’s Sabbath School Lesson plans we have Bruce Cameron’s Teaching Outlines. For those blessed enough to have music in Sabbath School, we have Corinne Knopper’s Singing With Inspiration. I hope everyone is taking full advantage of these resources. Meanwhile, it would be helpful for all of us to know if you are using the lesson plans available for the classes you teach, and how you use them, and what you like or what would make them better.
I know a lot of you love making your own lesson plans, and that is fantastic. I suggest that when you plan to teach, make sure your class has plenty of opportunity for discussion. This means creating questions that will make people think, rather than giving a lecture. People have also told me that they like to look at our lesson plans and take a few ideas to put into their own lesson plans. That is great too. And no, you do not need to tell your class where you got your ideas.
I would love it if you would take a moment to comment and let us know if and how you are using our lesson plans. Thank you for helping us build an even better Sabbath School Network Community.
