Ryan the Rhino and Caring for Creation

This manual has been developed by the Environmental Network of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (Green Anglicans) with the support of SAFCEI and WWF-SA to provide a resource for Sunday Schools for children aged 5-12. Some of the activities can also be used with older or younger children. It is a resource under development so we would appreciate feedback and comments! Please send these to Rev Rachel Mash at rmash@mweb.co.za. The aim of this manual is to build healthy relationships with God, each other and all creation. We also want the children to understand and appreciate the inter-relationships and mutual interdependence of all life on earth, that we are part of a ‘web of life’. “Is the story true?” Children will come with different views on evolution and creation from home and school. The important thing is not whether we believe that God put the laws of nature in place and created the Earth over billions of years, or whether the earth was created in seven days. Some Christians believe in evolution, others do not. The story of Genesis explains the ‘why’ of creation and not the ‘how’. It was a story that the Israelites told their children to make clear where everything came from and to whom it belonged. As humans we are a part of the web of creation, and we want the children to appreciate the wonder of creation. It is best to explain that the Bible tells us about both the order of creation and the importance of creation. The story tells us about the creation of time and the Bible also says “with God one day is just like 1000 years and 1000 years is just like one day” (2 Peter 3:8). The word ‘day’ doesn’t mean a day as we understand with our clocks, twenty four hours, it is more like a ‘time’ or period. What is important is to acknowledge that, as humans, we are part of the web of creation and subject to the laws of nature as shaped by our Creator, and to celebrate and appreciate the wonder, diversity and interdependence of creation. Materials: There are three types of activities, some you can do with no materials at all, some need paper and pencils and some are more complicated and need preparation beforehand. These might be papier mache or playdough or watching a video if one of the teachers has a laptop. Ryan the Rhino: He is an important figure who will greet the children each week and introduce the story. He can also help you with discipline – if Ryan asks the children to be quiet they often respond well!! Perhaps there is a child in church who has a rhino toy they will lend to Sunday School for 10 weeks. Otherwise use a different animal who lives in Africa such as Elly the Elephant, Zebbie the Zebra etc. Talking object: This is to help with discipline. Choose a small ball and explain that this represents our Earth, which we must love and respect. In the same way we need to respect other children who want to speak. Often the children want to speak all at the same time and the teacher can say that only the child with the ball can speak, then they pass it on to the next child. Audit: During the sessions, the children will be involved in an ‘audit’ looking at water use, electricity use and land use in the church. The instructions are at the back of the manual on page 61. Mural: If it is possible try to have an ongoing mural – this can be eight pieces of flipchart paper stuck up with prestick. Then each week you add more pictures and information to the mural. Otherwise have a separate piece of flipchart for each week. Church: It is important that the whole church takes part in what you are doing, so that if the children want to do something like start recycling or plant flowers then they meet with encouragement. Also consider how you will present the learnings to the church. Each week the children can share something, a new song, a poster, a short drama. Adults will often listen better to children as they do not feel threatened!! It would be wonderful to include the theme in family services and all-generational activities during the period. The whole course ends with a family service of celebration so try to organise your dates so that you can do this. Worship songs: These are at the back of the book in alphabetical order page 56. Stories: We have included traditional stories from around the world that bring great wisdom