Wow, what a great Sunday. Thank you all for all of your hard work…which resulted in our highest SS attendance so far at 1317! You are ministering to many individuals, families, and groups. The Lord has blessed us with much responsibility!

This week, a number of departments will be moving. In light of this let me remind all of us of some makers and breakers when it comes to the use of our Sunday School room space:

Breakers:

1. 80% rule. When you pass the 80% occupancy comfort of your space and a new person/couple comes in, they could sense quickly, “there’s no room for me or anyone else. We better not come back.”
2. Big circles. Oh yes, they sure do help create that open feeling, but they take up valuable space worse than any other setup.
3. Clutter. What has become a blind spot to us will stick out like a sore thumb to new comers. E.g. Christmas decorations, old pictures leaning against the wall, old literature/posters from 1975 SS lesson, or dishes from that fellowship back in 1984.
4. Tables. Ouch. I know we would all like tables, but this is a difficult one. If you use them, no real difficulty, but remember the priority of paper or people. If there’s no room, there’s no room.

Makers:

1. Rooms that are clear of “storage.” If you are uncomfortable in removing/throwing something out, get with me and we’ll make sure it is a keeper, or where to move it.
2. Alternative setups to the circle. Try a “flying V” or semicircle rows which allows for maximum space usage and some eye-contact interaction of class. Also, try alternate setups that flow with the hour like rows for beginning study, break into small groups for discussion. Or try small horseshoes of chairs through room for the hour.

Thank the Lord for our new spaces, but let us also remember to use the spaces effeciently.

Let me know of things you have tried that have worked or not worked.

I am so thankful to serve you!

Ray