Big L- Sidewalk Sunday School

The ministry was the first one birthed through the Wellspring of Hope Initiative and our first Sidewalk Sunday School was presented on April 23, 2008. 

2.  Where is the ministry held?

We bring the truck to the bottom of Richard Street at Mt. Pleasant which is part of the New Britain Housing Authority.  We park on the basketball court, sweep the glass and then spread tarps on the ground for the kids to sit on.  During the colder months, we meet in the community room at Mt. Pleasant.

3.  Where does the truck come from?

We have the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield to thank for allowing
us to use their Noah’s Ark truck.  We are believing God and waiting in anticipation for one our own.  The truck is self contained, battery powered with a sound system and a side that comes down and converts into a stage.                                                                 

4.  What does Big L mean?

When the ministry began, we decided to let the kids of Mt. Pleasant name the lion, our mascot.  We conducted a contest with a new bicycle as the prize.  After sifting through 50+ entries we chose Big L.  After we made our choice we learned that the curriculum we would be using has 4 Reasons we come to Sidewalk Sunday School all beginning with the letter L - Love, Learn, Lead & Live.  Isn’t God good?  We sing these words to the tune of B.I.N.G.O. every time we get together.  A bicycle was awarded and we became officially known as Big L. 

5.  What is the purpose?

Big L’s purpose is to bring the good news of Jesus to the children and families of the Mt. Pleasant community in New Britain through sharing the truth and love of Jesus with them, building relationships, and having lots of fun.

6.  How often does Big L happen?

Changes Season to season.  Contact Leadership.
 
7.  How many kids attend?

We average 35-40 but have had as many as 60. 

8.  What does Big L time look like?

We have one hour to cram in prayer, songs, puppets, a bible lesson, a memory verse, games and stories.  Kids are given opportunities to win prizes by knowing their memory verse and winning the game.  The truck is well stocked with prizes from arts and crafts items to footballs and everything in between.  It’s a pretty quick pace but we don’t want anyone getting bored – even the adults.  At the end, if balloons haven’t been popped because of bad behavior, candy is dispensed that include the memory verse for the kids to take home, memorize and recite the following week.  Informal interactions continue well past the scheduled hour!

9.  What other things are happening?

Big L participates in the annual Celebrate Mt. Pleasant Day which is held the first Saturday in June.

There is an annual Birthday Celebration for Big L in November. 

We celebrate Thanksgiving by presenting families with turkeys and all the fixings.

We have been able to bless the kids with scarves, hats, coats, clothes, and books that have been donated to us by our Acts 2 Ministry and bookstore.

Our Christmas celebration varies from year to year depending on how the Holy Spirit leads the team and the children.  This past year the children of the Mt. Pleasant community made gifts and sang Christmas carols for the elderly residents of their community.

10.  How many team members are needed to put on the sidewalk Sunday school?

While we currently have a core group of 12, we are always looking for people willing to partner with us on a regular basis or even just once in awhile, but we want to warn you – come once and you might get hooked! 

There are always opportunities for planning, teaching, production, administration, and simply interacting with the children.  Prayer is always welcome! 

We would also like to encourage other Wellspring ministries to get involved with Big L.

As we move into the 4th year of Big L, we see so much growth in the children and continued opportunities to come alongside of them with encouraging words and tangible support.  We have seen God open many doors and changes have begun to take place at Mt. Pleasant.  We are expanding the ministry to include home visits to the children who attend regularly, as well as an afterschool program and a computer lab for adults and children.  This has helped us establish relationships with the parents and guardians of the kids. 

We have all been blessed by this ministry and know that you will be too if you get involved.  Our God is a great big God and we know He has big plans for Big L.  Won’t you join us in this effort?