A SCHOOL BREAK-UP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27572, 14 December 1950, Page 8

A SCHOOL BREAK-UP

Sir. —I should like to draw attention to a Sunday School closing ceremony that took place last Sunday afternoon. At this function there were prizes awarded to boys and girls for excellence in Scripture memorising, in oral and written examinations upon the subjects of instruction during the past year, as well as wall. texts distributed to each little one in the beginner's department. Assembly prizes were also presented, WCTU awards were made, and “ Best Boy ” and “ Best Girl ” in the Sunday school received undesirable publicity. What of the majority of the pupils of such a Sunday school who have to look on at this soul-destroying ceremony? Many of them are spiritually struggling to keep hold to the directions of' their parents and their teachers, trying to believe that Jesus loves them so much, wondering what He thinks of the poor children whose lights cannot shine out so clearly as those of the “ bright stars ” or “ candles ’’ who have been given awards. " Jesus bids us shine first of all for Him; Well He sees and knows it if our light is dim.” This truth is liable to be forgotten at such a prize-giving, and the dim lights are easily put out in the years ahead. Sore hearts are not readily healed and there .are countless adults today who look back upon Sunday school awards as responsible for their indifference to church activities now. I could tell you of a mother who spent hours with her young children over Sunday School lessons and who thought they, had done well; and yet, after such a prize-giving,- she had to comfort her children and try to explain to them the why and the wherefor of their not receiving any prize. A child lives hopefully for a number of years, but is always the better for encouragement on the difficult path of life. Can he or she wait for the “ Well done, thou good and faithful servant; Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!”? There is the commendation that awaits young and old alike. Teachers and par-, ents desire no back-patting—they only Put out their hands to help on the young things growing up in their charge. It is their business and they can help each other at times and in other ways. Open air gatherings and the singing of the Doxology in thankfulness to God for all His good gifts—especially sunshine, fresh air, beauty and love—these will bind in friendship the youth of our church. I am. etc.. Judge Not