Introductory Class 10:45 a.m.
Class 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Self-Realization Fellowship Sunday School at the Berkeley Temple is open to all children of SRF members 3 to 12 years old interested in learning about the SRF teachings. Children are guided to develop the “How-to-Live" principles of Paramahansa Yogananda and taught to experience for themselves the value of meditation and having a personal relationship with God. Children also learn about the lives and teachings of the Self-Realization Fellowship line of Gurus. Classes are led by lay SRF members. Lessons are interesting, age-appropriate, and relevant to the children's daily lives.
Note to parents: Please escort your children to their classroom and pick them up after class.
Classes
- Preschool Class Girls and Boys — Ages 3 - 5
- Primary Girls and Boys — Ages 6 - 9
- Junior Girls and Boys — Ages 10 - 12
Sunday School Format
- Introductory Class — Children and Parents are welcomed to the Sunday School. The children are engaged in a pre-service activity (craft, game, etc.) creating a sense of unity and loving exchange and are given an introduction to the lesson of the class.Children are welcomed to their Sunday School class by the teachers, and work on an activity (craft, game, etc.) that sets the tone for the class lesson.
- Energization Exercises — The children practice the method of energy control taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.
- Meditation — Meditation begins with an opening prayer followed by a short period of devotional chanting. Children learn to still their minds and bodies and turn their awareness inward towards God. They frequently practice an affirmation that relates to the topic of the class. The meditation closes with a prayer. The length of the meditation period is determined by the ages of the children.
- The Lesson — Each class focuses on a spiritual theme, such as kindness, stillness, courage, evenmindedness. Teachers use storytelling, crafts, object lessons, puppets, role plays, discussion, and service projects to convey the lesson.
- Closing Prayer — Sunday School class ends with a prayer and a moment of silence.