Christ United Methodist Church

Christian Education

                              

GUIDELINES FOR LESSON PREPARATION is the title for the next Christian Education Workshop.

This discussion may be helpful for all who teach, lead, instruct or direct others in the church setting.  A light breakfast will be served; we pray that we will see you there on December 7, 2008 at 9:00 A.M.               "Dr. J"
Contact Dr. Jo Ann Patterson, Minister of Christian Education
330-823-7136 (church)
December 6, 2008 - Sunday School Lesson Preparations
Email: joannp@cumcalliance.org or church@cumcalliance.org Thank you!!

             CHRISTIAN
              ED CORNER                    There is a condition familiar to all of us called “burnout.”  It is a
                                                           psychological exhaustion that is accompanied by diminished
                                                           efficiency and effectiveness.  After prolonged periods of stress,
                                                           burnout can also cause fatigue, headache, nausea and irritability.

Of course, we should be aware of impending burnout.  How often do you feel like there is simply too much to do and not enough time to get things done?  Some of us may work in the church to the point of exhaustion and not be able to say “no” when asked to take on one more task.  Perhaps your gifts and abilities are not in concert with the responsibility before you.  Maybe a steady diet of ministering to others has caused you to complain like the Psalmist that he “is poured out like water, with his heart melted like wax . . (Psalm 22:14-15).”

To take some of the sizzle out of your burnout, first consider reestablishing your relationship with God.  During busy or stressful times, prayer lives and Bible study habits will suffer.  Those who work with children often miss Sunday morning worship because they are busy with children’s activities scheduled during that time.

Make sure you understand why you are doing what you are doing.  Is it because you wanted to or because someone else wanted you to?  By all means try to discern whether or not God has called you to this task (given you a divine summons).

You may not be able to prepare and serve a fellowship meal for 150 persons with ease.  But your perfect pitch baritone voice is just right for the church choir.  God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts: manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you (I Peter 4:10).”

Last but certainly not least, please pray.  Have a little talk with Jesus and tell him all about your troubles.  It is OK to vent, to complain and to share your frustrations with God.  He cares for us and wants to encourage us.  Pray to Him who can keep us from failing should we become weary in our well-doing.

“Dr. J.”