Sunday, September 13, marked Promotion Sunday as children and teachers from all three children’s Sunday school departments stepped into a vibrant new season together. Following a general assembly in the sanctuary, students headed off to their respective departments to kick off the Sunday school year.

The Beginners Department—serving children from two years old through kindergarten—is growing, prompting the addition of a new class taught by Josh Piper. Once everyone had gathered, first graders were called up individually to receive a large Bible and a bag of goodies before heading upstairs to the Primary Department. Department leader Laura Sletmoe and her team of assistants guided the remaining children to their new classrooms using helpful identification labels. While there were a few tears (presumably mostly from the children!), everyone was soon settled.

Upstairs in the Primary and Junior Departments, students spent a short time with their previous year's teachers to say goodbye and receive special gifts. In the Primary Department, fifth graders were lined up to receive a celebratory gift, after which their former teachers walked them across the hall to the Junior Department. Just as they departed, six bright new first graders arrived. Following these transitions, teachers were called up one by one to read their new class lists and gather their students, with the third and fourth grades going last. Once everyone moved into their new spaces, classes enjoyed a short introductory period to get acquainted and learn how each class will run for the year ahead. The primary department celebrated several new and returning teachers, including Ty Mom and Aaron Hoskin.

The Junior Department bid a fond farewell to department leaders Gary and Crystal Sletmoe, who had led the department well for almost ten years. In addition, students from the eighth grade class graduated and moved up to the high school class. The group then warmly welcomed an energetic group of fifth graders, alongside new department leaders Mylo and Kayla Ivany. Natalie Tonning also joined the teaching ranks, along with several new substitute teachers.

As the students and teachers continue to study God’s Word together in the coming year, may God bless each one!