Swap Shop is a place to exchange ideas for activities in Sunday school; share your success stories in teaching the Bible to children; and provide ways to foster a love for the Bible.

Swap Shop - “Back-to-School” Bulletin Board

Sunday school teacher, Olene Carroll, shares an idea on bulletin boards.

I have been preparing bulletin boards for our church for several years. Most are meant to inspire all ages, but some are especially for children. I’d like to share the most recent one. The subject is “Back-to-School” but it will stay up for a while.

I chose a 10-year-old girl from our Sunday school and took her picture at a front door. She is carrying her book bag with a weekly Bible Lesson sticking out of the outer pocket. Most printing software can handle making a poster-size picture. The software divides the original picture into 4 or 6 or more 8x10s and you just have to tape them together on the back to make a poster. The subject can look life-size. The scenes move from left to right beginning with children’s Sentinels [religious magazines], children reading the Bible, then the school bus, and finally any pictures having to do with school. Sprinkled among the pictures are inspiring religious quotes. The large print over the picture says, “PACK THE TRUTH LIKE ANNA RUTH.”

Across the bottom of the board are colorful folders and in them are bookmarks that children and adults are invited to take. Each one features several Bible quotes that would help a child in school. I looked up verses with subjects such as wisdom, understanding, teaching. The sign says: “Ten free bookmarks – helpful biblical reminders of God’s omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience.”

Then, not to leave out the other children in the Sunday school, I made up little rhymes about them as well. I glued them individually on monofilament lines and they hang over the bulletin board. I tied the line to washers to give it weight, glued 2 rhymes together, back and front and tacked the lines from the ceiling. The rhymes can be handled and turned around so the children can read both sides. It makes the children feel very special to have their names up there with their own little poem. The poems tell each child that he/she can be an example to others. (I added them to the board after taking the picture.)

To write the poems, I used a rhyming dictionary found online. Some are better than others.

For protection daily
Pray like Hailey!

No problem or dilemma
When you pray like Emma.

For someone who shares, it’s Matthew --
He’s guiding his friends on God’s path, too.

With God’s talent and beauty in Sarah,
There’s no coaching or outer mascara.

With that proven faith of Nathaniel,
No error or fear,-- not a granule.

When tests seem a problem at Timothy’s,
He’s inspired by Truth in a hymn he sees.

Challenges for Kyle?
Handled with a smile!

No worries or doubts for Scott
‘Cause God is there on the spot!

Nothing is scary for Andy --
He keeps his Lesson books handy.

Friends look up to Eddy --
His truths are steady and ready.

How much does God bless Deanne?
Just count the grains of sea sand.

When college throws toughies at Carly,
They unravel, they’re no longer snarly.

Nothing flusters Steve --
He knows on what to cleave.

Kids in the dark turn to Cristi --
Her vision is clear and not misty.

Fresh ideas keep coming to Mark --
He knows where to turn for that spark.

If it’s courage you want, call Claire --
Seems God gives her more than her share.

Good deeds come easy for Reed --
Love urges him to fill every need.

“God made us perfect,” says Emily,
“This truth blesses all, both them and me.”

If you’re sad or unhappy, tell Corey --
Then sadness will be an old story.

“Don’t cry,” says Alie,
“Climb out of that valley.”

Someone hurts you...call on Zach --
See them God-like; don’t fight back.

The goodness of God is all around Ken --
His family at home raises shouts of “Amen!”

Wanna chill out and be cool like Sierra?
Go to God, not the French Riviera.

Don’t think your life is a blank --
No one makes friends like Frank.

Are your thoughts in a muddle? Ask Josh -
God wipes away mess like a wash.

If his friends find they couldn’t be tenser,
They find spiritual answers from Spencer.

If friends look for joy, they ask Kevin --
He knows they’re already in heaven.

Want to turn evil thoughts off? ask Aaron -
He’ll show you what to do - turn prayer on.

“Don’t look at the outside,” says Keith,
“Close your eyes and look underneath.”

Looking for God? Where is He?
“He’s everywhere,” says Jeremy.

Can you make a speech? Amanda can --
Her words come part of the Father’s plan.

Who loves the Bible? Elizabeth does.
“In stories and healings it’s me that God loves.”

If it’s faith you’re wanting, call John --
Trust in God, not thither and yon.

Stand up for what’s right! Tara will --
Fearless and strong God keeps her still.

“Thank God every day,” says Danielle --
“Hello” to joy, and to sadness, “farewell.”

Mick knows what to do if he’s sick.
Why, it’s no part of God, and He’s quick!

“Learn your Commandments,” says Brennan --
“God’s power is handy from then on.”