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Sunday school class keeps changing name, always picks winner Boyce Bowdon, Apr 6, 2007
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Boyce Bowdon
By Boyce Bowdon Special Contributor
They started in 1970 as "The Balcony Class" because that's where they met, in the balcony at Lakeside United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Three years later, they found a better place to meet, so they renamed themselves "The Young Couples Class" because that's who they were: "young couples."
Before they could believe it, most of them were approaching 40 and they were no longer "young couples." So they changed their name again, this time to "The Share Class." They say that name fits them perfectly and always will, because that's what they do and have always done and hope to always do. They share.
Only four of the original couples are still members, but several other couples have attended for 20 to 30 years. Since the class began, attendance has ranged from 15 to 30, and now averages around 25.
Three couples - all longtime members of the class - volunteered to tell how their class has influenced their lives. The couples are Mary Ellen and Curtis Cromwell; Teresa and Henry Bockus; and Pam and John Green.
They say the class has influenced them in at least four ways.
1. The class is their support group.
"We can count on each other," the couples say. "All our class members, including those who have joined only recently, know we are there for one another, eager to celebrate with them in good times and to comfort them in bad times."
They mention what happened recently when Toby Wall, who was fighting cancer, had an operation. Fifteen or 20 class members gathered in the surgery waiting room to support Toby's husband, Billy Joe, with their presence and prayers.
Henry Bockus says he will never forget how the class was there for him when his father died.
2. The class helps them to grow spiritually.
"Studying the Bible and other resources together has helped us gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian. We have learned to be open and listen to other members' views, and sharing our experiences has deepened our relationships with one another and with God."
3. The class helps them to grow as local church leaders.
The couples say the class encourages them to accept church responsibilities. Many members teach Sunday school and vacation Bible school, sing in the choir, chair committees, help with various local church projects and in other ways generously contribute their time, talents and gifts.
4. The class encourages them to serve beyond the local church.
The class makes them more aware of the needs of others and more committed to helping. They serve at food banks, prepare meals for the hungry, build houses for the homeless and minister to prisoners.
"Our class has inspired us to take being members of the body of Christ more seriously and to give with servants' hearts and hands. Consequently, we are more compassionate and caring in our families, our conference and far beyond."
The class picked the right name: They share.
Dr. Bowdon is a freelance writer in Oklahoma City.
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