Sunday School Notes from Mary Frances

Jack and Mary Frances working a Seaboard UMC Yardsale in 2004

My mom taught Sunday School at Seaboard United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Part of the time she taught the teenage class, but as our membership dwindled, she taught the whole church. She loved the Standard Lesson Commentary as well as Tarbell's, but her lessons were sprinkled with other readings as well, articles from the news, poems, bits of wisdom. She could be found every Saturday in our quiet front room (the "parlor") with books and papers scattered around her. She made copious notes and put her heart into her efforts and it showed. Her former students love her for it still. 

During this time at home, I've attacked some of my boxes of saved letters and mementos and came across these simple index cards, which I'm sure were part of a lesson. Her handwriting is typical of her style,  a little on the rough side despite being an elementary school teacher. She blamed it on her own school aged forced conversion from left handed to right  handed.  She passed these notes on to me to use in my own Sunday School classroom years ago. 

I've had a lifetime of reading Mom's writing so I'm adding a transcript of each card; 

Indulgence says "Drink your way out."

Philosophy says "Think your way out."

Science says "Invent your way out."

Industry says "Work your way out."

Communism says "Strike your way out."

Militarism says "Fight your way out."

Christ says "I AM THE WAY OUT!"

God is FOR us - that is good.

God is WITH us - that is better.

God is IN us - that is best!

Fear knocked on the door

Faith answered

There was no one there!

Take off a dirty shirt and put on a clean one on. That's what Jesus did to my heart. 

Mom always ended her lessons with the phrase "Life is interesting!" 

And it is! 

Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord. - Psalms 34:11