A Brief History of the Sunday School, 1895–2024

Sunday School Song:

Sunday School, Sunday School, the family home of all our children;

Honouring our heavenly Father, loving one another, finding new life in joyful fellowship.

Sunday School, Sunday School, the gathering place for all our children;

Winning people for Christ, pressing onwards, offering ourselves faithfully as his soldiers.

Studying the Bible, praising without ceasing; as children love the Lord, the church is renewed.

Gladly obeying our Lord's commands, glorifying his name all our days.

Our History:

Sunday School ministry began on 18 June 1895, one month after our church was established.

In 1917, our pastor, Rev. 邱清浩, gave particular attention to children's ministry. He reorganised Sunday School and actively developed its work, establishing a strong foundation. Enrolment rose to 250 pupils in 15 classes. In those early years, successive pastors and church workers managed its work and activities themselves.

Enrolment grew rapidly in 1934. To develop the ministry, the Local Church Executive Committee began appointing a superintendent specifically to lead Sunday School. The first was Mr 柯宽心 (1934–1935), followed by Mr 倪汉卿 (1936), Mr 王则义 (1937–1940) and Mr 庄秉生 (1941). Alongside these superintendents, Rev. 黄懋庭, missionary Miss Urech, church worker 洪瑞要, Ms 陈淑美 and Ms 林清美 offered guidance. Teachers including the wife of Rev. 黄懋庭, Ms 杨玉莺, Ms 洪完全 and Mr 洪清江 worked together to develop the school. Enrolment at one point reached 500, meeting in five locations and using Hokkien and English. Alongside senior, intermediate and junior divisions, there were Hokkien adult classes and English youth classes.

Sunday School ceased operating from 1942 to 1945 because of the Pacific War. It reopened in 1946 under superintendent Mr 叶恩谭, with more than 350 pupils, 17 teachers and 12 classes meeting at our church, Air Itam and Jelutong.

In 1947, the appointment of superintendent became the responsibility of the quarterly circuit meeting, and Mr 叶 was reappointed. He left Penang in July, after which Ms 洪碧珠, Ms 洪完全, Ms 庄家珍 and Mr 陈承恩 jointly led the work for the rest of the year.

Ms 洪碧珠, also known as 瑞云, served as superintendent from 1948 to 1952. In 1950, Sunday School began meeting at the same time as Sunday worship. In 1953, she responded to God's call to study at Trinity Theological College in Singapore. After graduating in 1957, she was appointed an assistant pastor of our church.

Ms 林庆华 served as superintendent from 1953 to 1956. She introduced a revival class in 1954 and formed a children's singing group in 1956. In 1954, Sunday School contributed $2,000 towards the church's religious education building.

Ms 庄家珍 served as superintendent from 1957 to 1968. During her 12 years of leadership, Sunday School undertook many activities. It contributed $200 towards the Air Itam preaching point's parsonage in 1957 and $500 towards the Jelutong preaching point's church building in 1958. Monthly teacher-training classes were held from 1958 to 1960. From 1959 to 1961, assistance and food were provided to pupils and children from needy families. In August 1963, Mr 骆宽容 led a Vacation Bible School attended by more than 200 people.

In 1964, Sunday School contributed a further $1,500 towards the construction of our church's religious education building.

Sunday School ministry in Green Lane began in 1967, meeting successively in the homes of Mr and Mrs 陈锦安 and Ms 蔡松贞 until 1974. A three-day teacher-training event was held in April 1968, with Dr 文道源 and Ms 高丽丝 as speakers. That year, $1,000 was also contributed to the Jelutong religious education building. In May, Rev. 李前军, pastor of the Alor Setar church, led three days of children's evangelistic meetings, held in the mornings and afternoons at our church and in Jelutong.

Ms 薜璧锦 served as superintendent from 1969 to 1975. Several members of Methodist Women joined the ministry, and the Local Church Executive Committee hired school transport to bring pupils to classes. Ms 薜 reorganised the children's choir and donated a complete set of choir robes.

Sunday School contributed $300 to our church's theological scholarship fund in 1971 and $1,000 towards extensions to the secondary hall and parsonage in 1975.

In June 1973, our church held a children's revival meeting led by the women's general president and her officers. Sunday School teachers also had opportunities to attend teacher-training classes organised by the District women's society.

In 1975, Sunday School had 26 classes: one adult class, eight senior classes, ten intermediate classes and seven junior classes. Lessons ran from 9.30 to 10.30 am each Sunday. Before separating for Bible lessons, the senior division held 15 minutes of joint worship, the intermediate division practised singing for 20 minutes, and the junior division spent 30 minutes on songs and activities.

Alongside regular classes, special gatherings were held throughout the year. A Chinese New Year thanksgiving service on the first Sunday of the lunar year taught pupils the importance of gratitude. On Easter morning, pupils met outdoors at places such as the Christian cemetery, Botanic Gardens, Bukit Dumbar gardens or Youth Park for a message, fellowship, free activities and red eggs. At Parents' Day, church elders encouraged the children, who could buy and wear flowers in honour of their parents. On Sunday School Sunday, teachers followed the theme set by the Annual Conference Religious Education Department, and the day's offerings were sent to its headquarters. Children's Day in early October included competitions in ball games, storytelling, singing, Bible knowledge, memory verses and other activities, with prizes for winners. Children led the service, and each received a gift. Christmas celebrations included pupils' performances, gifts and refreshments. Awards encouraged pupils with perfect attendance or only one absence during the year. Senior pupils celebrated birthdays every six months, while intermediate and junior pupils did so every three months, with refreshments and fellowship.

Pupils used Chinese or English textbooks. For many years, Chinese classes used the 道光 Sunday School curriculum published by the China Sunday School Association. In 1975, they changed to the graded 福光 curriculum published by Christian Communications. English classes consistently used Scripture Union's graded Sunday School curriculum. Each pupil had a textbook to use in class and take home for revision and homework.

Teachers and staff met every three months to discuss the work ahead. An annual retreat offered devotional teaching and discussion of Sunday School teaching methods and teachers' own preparation. An annual meal and fellowship gathering also strengthened relationships and provided opportunities to exchange ideas.

Under successive superintendents, teachers and staff fulfilled their responsibilities and the school continued its work smoothly. Sunday School followed the guidance of the Local Church Executive Committee, which helped purchase Christmas gifts for teachers and pupils each year. Its other income came from pupils' weekly offerings and gifts from caring church members. God enabled Sunday School to meet its own expenses and contribute to other developments in the church's ministry.

Jesus said, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14, WEBBE) Sunday School's central purpose is to bring children to the Lord so they may know and receive his salvation. Its work has experienced both growth and decline, and pupil numbers have risen and fallen, yet the Lord has never abandoned us. He continues to uphold and guide us. We trust that he will cause the small seeds sown to sprout, grow, blossom and bear fruit. Our Sunday School is still a work in progress, and we welcome fellow believers' advice, guidance and prayers, that this ministry may grow and glorify the Lord's name.

All teachers and staff, 1938

All teachers and pupils, 1946

Farewell to Superintendent 叶恩潭, 1947

Children's singing group, 1956

Vacation Bible School workers, 1963

Vacation Bible School group photograph, 1963

Children's evangelistic meeting, 1968

Teacher-training event, 1968

All teachers and staff, 1972

All teachers and staff, 1973

All teachers and pupils, 1973

Teachers' retreat, 1974

Junior division teachers and pupils, 1974

Intermediate division teachers and pupils, 1974

Senior division teachers and pupils, 1974

Easter service at Youth Park, 1974

All teachers and staff, 1975

Sunday School Activities1960-1975

Junior division gathering

Intermediate division gathering

Senior division gathering

Adult class gathering

Joint gathering of the senior, intermediate and junior divisions for Parents' Day

 Junior division birthday celebration

Junior division Christmas performance, 1974

Christmas performance, 1960

In 1976, after Ms 薜璧锦 retired, Ms 邱淑楣 became superintendent. She was the longest-serving superintendent in Sunday School's history.

Under her leadership, Sunday School continued to meet from 9.30 to 10.30 am. Pupils gathered in two groups: preschool children, and primary- and secondary-school pupils. Teachers led the preschool children in praise and prayer. Older pupils were encouraged to lead singing and arrange the order of worship themselves, with teachers assisting, to develop independence. After worship, pupils separated into classes for Bible lessons appropriate to their school level.

In 1994, Sunday School contributed $10,000 towards the extension of our sanctuary.

From 1995, Sunday School tried a thematic approach, with the whole school following the same weekly theme over a set period. For example, “God's Plan” was the theme for the first term, used by both preschool and school-age groups. Teachers drew relevant material from their textbooks for discussion with pupils.

More than 30 teachers and staff helped carry out the school's various ministries. Staff meetings were held at the beginning and end of each year, with pastoral advisers providing guidance as the team planned lessons, reviewed weaknesses and made improvements. In addition, a teachers' discussion meeting was scheduled for the second Sunday of each month to help address teaching matters promptly.

All teachers and staff, 1985

All teachers and staff, 1995

 Sunday School Activities1985-1995

During the 1996 Christmas season, Sunday School joined the choir for a carol evening at City Centre Square in 美兰园. Preschool children presented a dance drama entitled “The Glorious Saviour Is Born”.

In May 1997, primary-school pupils and teachers took a day trip to Taiping. In June, the secondary-school group visited the Kwong Wah Yit Poh newspaper offices to learn about newspaper production.

In June 2000, Sunday School used the premises of 辅友社 for a mini sports day, giving children an opportunity for outdoor fellowship and exercise.

In April 2001, teachers took pupils to visit Jubilee Home for the elderly. Alongside care and encouragement, the church gave each resident a red packet, and pupils presented performances. In July, Sunday School planned Saturday-evening instrumental classes, including electronic piano and violin.

The Local Church Executive Committee raised the question of whether Sunday School teaching had improved from the church's earlier approaches, and urged church officers to take greater interest in this ministry. Sunday School teaching is an important part of church service and deserves close attention. Teacher quality and training must also be prioritised, since many future church leaders grow up through Sunday School.

From 2002, Sunday School planned an annual Vacation Bible Camp. To strengthen biblical teaching, lessons were to be taught every Sunday using a consistent curriculum across the divisions. Chinese tuition for Sunday School pupils in Primary Three began on Sunday afternoons in March. In September, the Annual Conference held a Sunday School teacher-training camp in Sitiawan. In November, our Sunday School ran a holiday Bible programme featuring Bible stories, crafts, games, physical activities and outdoor excursions.

In 2003, after Superintendent 邱淑楣 retired following 26 years of service, Ms 刘芬芬 succeeded her. Malay and English tuition were added to the existing Chinese classes, held every Saturday from 1.30 to 5.30 pm. Priority was given to Sunday School and kindergarten pupils and their siblings, with plans to open the programme to local children later. Alongside tuition, activities included singing, storytelling, drawing, music and recreation. There were 42 preschool and primary-school children.

In November 2005, Sunday School held a holiday camp themed “Let Love Dwell in Our Home Every Day”. It included a poster design competition and a parent–child talk by Mr 马锦华, who held a master's degree. Parents were invited to participate and strengthen relationships with their children. That year, the church also appealed for suitably qualified members to join the Sunday School teaching team.

In 2007, Ms 陈美盛 succeeded Ms 刘芬芬 as superintendent. Sunday School had 32 teachers and 129 pupils that year. At the Lantern Festival celebration, the junior class performed a play about the Nian, and the children presented a lion dance.

In early 2008, Sunday School introduced SPM Bible Knowledge classes taught in English. A Mid-Autumn lantern gathering in September gave children and their families an opportunity for fellowship. At the Christmas evening celebration in December, pupils presented the musical drama “The Birth of Jesus”.

In June 2009, teachers attended 文桥's “Garden of Life” training camp to improve their teaching. The following month, they also attended a Bible camp focusing on the Old Testament historical books.

In 2010, teachers attended a training camp entitled “The Word in Children's Books”, organised by Taiping Chinese Methodist Church.

In 2011, teachers attended “Building a Quality Sunday School”, organised by the China Sunday School Association.

In 2012, Sunday School held its first Parents' Day evening celebration, with pupils performing for their elders. It also organised a teacher-training course entitled “Teaching and Learning for Effective Mentors”.

A nursery class was established in 2013, with experienced early childhood educators teaching children from birth to age three. Parents or grandparents stayed alongside them, strengthening family relationships as they learned to draw near to the Lord.

In 2014, Sunday School needed a teacher able to teach in English. That year, three teachers attended a Sunday School training camp in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh, themed “Hope for Children”.

In 2015, Sunday School had 203 enrolled pupils and an average weekly attendance of 170. Those attending included 44 preschool children (including 12 babies), 60 secondary-school pupils and 66 primary-school pupils. There were 19 classes: four preschool, six primary, six secondary and three English classes. A total of 42 teachers and staff assisted each week.

Division heads held regular meetings every one or two months to review and improve the work, while strengthening fellowship, understanding and cooperation among teachers. Each Sunday before classes began at 10.30 am, teachers gathered by division to pray. To help children understand Scripture and become wise for salvation, the school encouraged memorisation of Bible passages and hymns, including the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, the books of the Old and New Testaments, and the Ten Commandments. Lessons were organised by age: preschool and primary classes used Child Evangelism Fellowship materials, while secondary classes focused on Bible study. An annual fire drill also taught children to recognise danger and evacuate safely.

Our preschool division serves children aged four to six. At this early stage, teachers use simple songs to lead worship, colourful PowerPoint slides to tell Bible stories, short memory verses, games and cutting-and-pasting crafts. During snack time, children learn to feed themselves, developing independence and learning to be part of a group.

Alongside weekly classes, Children's Sunday School holds special gatherings for Chinese New Year, Easter, Parents' Day, Children's Day, Christmas and birthdays. Primary-school pupils receive weekly devotional material to read and pray through with their families, nurturing a desire for God's Word and a regular spiritual life. A children's camp is usually held during the year-end school holidays, with pupils encouraged to invite classmates and friends so that more children may hear the gospel and come to know the Lord.

Many pupils continue attending Sunday School when they enter secondary school. A number commit themselves to church service and help lead parts of the programme. The church encourages and trains upper-secondary and tertiary students to join the teaching team. May these young people grow strong through careful nurture and become a new generation serving faithfully in the church.

As society changes and technology advances rapidly, teaching must also develop. Our church has therefore established multimedia classrooms so teachers and pupils can use computer technology in teaching and learning.

Teachers are encouraged to attend training to improve their skills and maintain teaching quality. In 2017, eight teachers attended the national Children's Sunday School teacher development programme on “Achieving New Standards in Sunday School Teaching”. The school also holds an annual teachers' retreat, helping teachers understand one another, rest and renew themselves, and work together more effectively in mutual service.

A one-way, lecture-based approach is less suited to Sunday School today. Teaching should be centred on pupils, with opportunities for participation and shared discussion, so that it can reach children growing up in a new era.

In 2018, under Superintendent 陈's leadership, Sunday School reorganised its team to establish a sound structure. The first priority was to renew teachers' attitudes towards service and rekindle their commitment to teaching children through the example of their own lives. Teachers were also encouraged to move beyond instruction towards pastoral nurture, helping children become disciples of the Lord.

In 2019, Sunday School arranged a “Life of Christ” training course to equip teachers for children's ministry. At the end of the year, a two-day, one-night junior leaders' camp encouraged pupils' enthusiasm for mission.

All teachers and pupils, 2015

From 2020, COVID-19 spread rapidly around the world, and the pandemic continued for several years. Governments introduced public health restrictions and lockdowns to contain it, including in Malaysia.

These measures transformed daily life. Shopping, travel and shared meals were restricted, while masks and physical distancing became necessary. Businesses of all sizes changed their operations or reduced their scale to cut costs. Schools closed, leaving children to learn online at home. Successive waves of disruption brought unprecedented difficulties affecting faith, marriage, parenting, emotional well-being and employment.

The pandemic changed our church life. Even when technology allowed us to see one another at a distance, free and meaningful conversation was difficult: someone might step away, another might interrupt, or the connection might fail. Familiar expressions of care—a reassuring pat on the shoulder, warm appreciation or a gift—became harder to offer. Communicating well was challenging, even before considering how to teach God's Word effectively.

Sustaining Sunday School's pastoral ministry during the pandemic was far from easy. Teaching methods had to change, and online teaching was a new experience for many teachers, particularly older members. Video software had to be installed on a phone or computer, and everyone needed to log in at the appointed time. Lessons could be disrupted by background noise, poor video quality or lost connections.

The children, however, often looked forward to online lessons. Compared with in-person teaching, online learning prompted us to plan programmes carefully and learn new software, creating a livelier learning environment than the dry or rigid methods of the past. Digital tools brought fresh approaches and helped hold children's attention. The great limitation was that we could not meet the children in person.

Thanks and praise be to the Lord! He helped us overcome the challenges of learning and adapting to new technology, enabling us to continue passing on the responsibility of Christian education into the next century. As his children, may we bring light to those around us with love and courage in this post-pandemic era, helping them see that the Lord Jesus is real.

The secondary- and primary-school groups resumed in-person classes in May and June 2022 respectively. In 2023, our Sunday School had 14 classes, 112 pupils, 31 teachers and an average attendance of 84. In 2024, teachers were encouraged to attend courses and talks promoted by the Methodist Christian Education Department, improving teaching as the school pursued renewal and revival.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, WEBBE) If the church is the foundation of an effective Sunday School and teachers are its key, parents are its driving force. May parents take an active interest in their children's growth and work with teachers to make Sunday School fruitful.

Past Sunday School Superintendents 1934 – 2024

1. 1934–1935: Mr 柯宽心

2. 1936: Mr 倪汉卿

3. 1937–1940: Mr 王则义

4. 1941: Mr 庄秉生

5. 1946–1947: Mr 叶恩潭

6. 1948–1952: Ms 洪碧珠 (later Rev. 洪瑞云)

7. 1953–1956: Ms 林庆华

8. 1957–1968: Ms 庄家珍

9. 1969–1975: Ms 薛璧锦

10. 1976–2002: Ms 邱淑楣

11. 2003–2006: Ms 刘芬芬

12. 2007–2020: Ms 陈美盛

13. 2021–2024: Mr 张俊杰

 

2024Sunday School

Theme:Renewal Towards Revival

Purpose:

1. Teaching is God's command.
2. The Lord Jesus cares deeply for people's souls.
3. Those who come to faith in childhood can live for the Lord and be used by him throughout their lives.
4. Children are the church's future stewards.

2024 Ministry Plan:

1. Sunday School offers 12 classes with 25 teachers.

Secondary division: Three classes, 30 enrolled pupils.

Primary division: Seven classes, 40 enrolled pupils.

Preschool division: One class, 15 enrolled pupils.

Nursery class: One class, five enrolled pupils.

2. Sunday School Curriculum by Division

Secondary division: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, an overview of the Bible, Paul's letters and the Minor Prophets

Primary division: Child Evangelism Fellowship curriculum series

Preschool and nursery classes: Little Kids Can Know God Series (CEF)

3. Teaching Team:

4. Annual Activities:

Pastors with all teachers and staff, 2024

Pastors with all secondary-school pupils, 2024