by Jan Cagno

The golden days of summer are past and the settling down of fall routine is taking over. For most people, vacations are history and will be relived only through picture albums or the retelling of adventures that get better with every telling. There is a good feeling about once more taking up the old routines of school and work and preparations for the winter that will soon come. With these familiar activities comes a certain security that in spite of world-wide problems and conflicts, things are going on as they have for centuries.

In the Sunday school, too, it is time to adjust to fall schedules. Increased efforts should be underway to reach out to communities, which may have been scattered for the summer months but have returned to the stability that this season brings. This is a good time to sponsor a campaign for growth and a good time for Sunday school faithfuls to "rally ‘round." One excellent means of doing this is to hold a special rally day. Plan a program that will appeal to the entire Sunday school, keeping in mind that many things that interest children will hold the attention of adults as well. A message simple enough for children to understand will often also touch the hearts of adults and their entire family together for a unique program that everyone will enjoy. You might want to consider a program that includes puppets or chalk art or outstanding music, films or object lessons. Promote the rally program well in advance to the date set. Make use of free advertising on radio or television through "Public Service" announcements and send a well-written article to your local newspaper including a picture to catch the reader’s attention. Send personal invitations to folks who are on your Sunday school rolls but have not been attending regularly. Encourage your Sunday school students of all ages to invite their friends.

Start your rally promptly on time and dispense with as much of the normal routine as possible – this is a "special" morning. Be sure to organize what you will do and present your program smoothly and enthusiastically. You will want this to be an outstanding experience for all who come. If you are using a special guest, be sure they know exactly what you expect of them and what their time limits are. Allow them as much time as possible but never plan a rally that is so long that people lose interest and children become restless. An hour is usually a good length with an additional 15 minutes for an opening chorus, prayer, introductions, etc.

Finally, plan to follow-up your visitors on rally day. Have a place for them to register as they come in so that you will have their names and addresses for future contacts.

Plan carefully and thoroughly, be organized and promote well. Your rally day can be the exciting kick-off to successful growth in your church this fall.

(This article appeared in the "Fall, 1990" issue of "The Herald.")