Introduction
Sunday school, which in Japan is called CS (kyōkai gakkō, church school), is where children listen to Bible stories, sing and play with friends before or after worship. In Japanese churches it is customary to give children a card or note at each milestone: moving up a class in April, finishing elementary school in March, the Christmas party in December, the start of the new term. For a child, a little note from a teacher or an adult at church is a big gift that lets them feel loved by God. This page gathers 17 messages: for moving up and the new term, for graduation, for the Christmas party, and a few short words of blessing. Adapt them to the child's age, call them by name, and use them.
Messages for Moving Up and a New Term
Moving up a class is a milestone that feels a little proud and a little worrying. Recognize their growth, celebrate, and say that God is with them in the new class.
"Congratulations on moving up, [name]! You have grown again. In your new class too, Jesus is always with you. Your teacher is looking forward to seeing you on Sunday."
"[name], a new year is beginning. Last year you said "amen" in a loud voice during prayer, and it made me happy. This year again, let's enjoy the Bible stories together."
"[name], congratulations on moving up to the older group. Thank you for being an example to the little ones. God is pleased with your kindness. Thank you for continuing to help us."
"To the children in the new class: congratulations! God has prepared for you the meeting of new teachers and new friends. If you don't understand something, ask your teacher. We pray for you every week."
Luke 2:52
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
The young Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. It is an ideal verse for children moving up a class. Add it at the bottom of the card with this wish: that learning, growth of the body and the love received in relationships may grow together. Read all of Luke 2.
Messages for Graduation
The one leaving may be finishing elementary school or their Sunday school class. Recall memories and say clearly that the church remains a place to come back to.
"[name], congratulations on graduating. The songs we sang together and the Bible stories are a treasure to your teacher. Even in junior high, come and see us at church on Sunday whenever you like."
"[name], congratulations on finishing elementary school. I was glad when you prayed in worship each week. In your new school too, Jesus is always with you. The church remains your home."
"Congratulations on graduating. You tried many things and grew a great deal. Never forget that God loves you. Your teachers will always pray for you."
"[name], congratulations. Thank you for caring for the little ones in Sunday school. Thanks to you, everyone could smile. May God's blessing rest on you, now and always."
Messages for the Christmas Party
On a Christmas card, say your joy at the birth of Jesus in words the child understands. It is also a short note to tuck in with a gift.
"Merry Christmas, [name]! Today is Jesus' birthday. God loves us so much that he gave us Jesus. I'm so happy to celebrate this with all of you."
"[name], merry Christmas. Thank you for playing the shepherd so carefully in the play. Your voice rang through the whole hall. God must be pleased."
"Merry Christmas. The songs we sang today, try singing them at home too. May the love of Jesus reach your home."
"Thank you for coming to the Christmas party. I had a lovely time with you. Jesus loves all children. I wish you a wonderful Christmas."
Mark 10:14
"But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these."
Jesus was indignant with the disciples who turned the children away, and he asked that they be allowed to come to him, because God's Kingdom belongs to such as these. Read softly at the Christmas party or in a service, this verse helps children understand that they are precious to God. Read all of Mark 10.
Short Words of Blessing from Teachers
Even brief, they stay in the child's heart. Here are words to write in the corner of a card or to tuck in with a treat.
"[name], thank you for always coming with so much energy. May God keep you every day."
"[name], I was glad to read the Bible with you today. See you next week."
"God loves you very much, and so does your teacher. I always pray for you."
"[name], thank you for your help. God is pleased with your kind heart."
"All children are loved by God. Keep coming to church with all your energy."
Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path, sings the psalmist. Add it to a card with the wish that, all through the children's growing up, God's word will light the road even when it is dark. Read it slowly, in big letters. Read all of Psalm 119.
How to Write Your Own Message for a Sunday School Child
Call the child by name. With just their name, your message becomes special. For a whole class, think of each child as you write.
Fit the words to the age. For little ones, write very simply. For older ones, add help with reading the difficult words if needed.
Mention something specific about them. "You prayed in a loud voice" or "you were kind to the little ones" shows that you noticed, and gives the child confidence.
Say that they are loved by God. Not for grades or behavior, but just as they are. Repeat it.
Be brief, cheerful and clear. Avoid the long sermon and complicated words. Three to four sentences, and the child will read to the end.
Promise prayer only if you will pray. A child senses more than we think when someone prays for them.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunday school (CS)?
It is a time before or after the Sunday service when children listen to Bible stories, sing, do crafts or play. Depending on the church, it is also called children's worship. Classes are often divided by age.
Should I put a Bible verse on cards for children?
I suggest one verse, short and clear. Writing it in simple words or reading it aloud helps the child understand. There is no need to force a difficult verse.
What can the church do for a child finishing elementary school?
Many churches pray for each child in an end-of-year service and give them a card signed by everyone or a Bible. Say clearly that they can come back whenever they like.