* Sunday School Saints

Ever since I was a little girl, every Sunday morning finds me at church going to Sunday School. I have attended different churches in different cities over the years but I always feel most at home when I am in Sunday School. I’ve been fortunate to meet some really great people at church who have inspired me to be a better person. I call them “Sunday School Saints” and I’d like to tell you about a few of them.

My earliest memories are of Mrs. Woody in a rural church in Virginia. She led the singing and opening assembly before Sunday School started. If it was your birthday week, you were presented with a wash cloth puppet she had made. A gift that was both practical and fun! The thing I remember most is that she always made everyone feel special. It didn’t matter who you were, who your parents were or where you came from, everyone was treated as an equal.

Another saint was Ms. Vonceil, our former pastor’s wife. When she sat down to play the piano it was like heaven on Earth. She just had a way of connecting with the music that made you feel what was in her heart. Ms. Vonceil was one of the most genuine, gracious people I have ever known.

One of my favorite saints was Mrs. Payne. She was a retired P.E. teacher and tennis coach who also taught Sunday School, including my two boys. Whenever one of her class members accepted Jesus, she rejoiced and wrote their name on the wall outside her classroom. She had a purpose and she loved to share that purpose with everyone.

Each of these ladies taught me an important lesson in life. I’m not sure about Mrs. Woody, but we lost Ms. Vonceil and Mrs. Payne to cancer. Both of these women were faithful to the end and rejoiced in sharing how Jesus had touched them during their cancer battle. They never complained and they set an example for me of how to deal with adversity. I only hope that my sharing about my struggles helps someone else the same way they helped me.

Blessings, Cindy J