SUNDAY SCHOOL

Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.  Luke 18:16.      The training of the children in the Word has been vital to the people of the Temple Society.  In the first year of its organization it was decided that Rev. Fink should give special instruction to the young people and that they should be taught the doctrines and ideals of the society.  Special emphasis was to be given to the building up of the Kingdom of God on earth, and that they should strive to live according to the will of the Heavenly Father as Jesus Christ portrayed it in His earthly life.  A definite program for Sunday School classes was started and these have been continued throughout the years.      When Rev. Schanz arrived he started a Bible and German school program for the spring months.  Classes were held at the church three mornings a week during April and May.  Instruction was given in the study of the Bible and the reading and writing of the German language.  Conformation Classes were held for the older children.  This program continued until about 1918 or during World War I when it seemed wise to discontinue the study of the German language.  At the present time the Word is devoutly taught in both the worship and the Sunday School hour.  There are four children's classes, one young adult class and two older adult classes.      Many of the Sunday School members are third and fourth generation descendants of the founders.  Jim and Judy Ade, Linda Ade, Dee Ann and Dana Jo Ade are fifth generation members of the Temple Sunday School.  Records show that Eva Lauxman born June 16, 1886 was the first child born in the colony.  At the present time Linda Colleen Ade born June 1, 1961 and Dana Jo Ade born September 3, 1961, are the youngest members on the nursery roll.

Missions

"Go ye unto all the workd, and preach the gospel to every creature,"  Luke 16:15      From the very beginning the religious faith of the founders was manifest in the recognition  that God gives the increase.  The Giving of thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"  Ephesians 5:30, was an essential teaching.  So it was, that a "Dank Fest" or "Thanks Feast Day" was established.  This day is observed in the fall after the harvest season.  The custom was started that on this day a thank offering should be brought unto the Lord.  This offering has always been used for special missionary  purposes.  As God blessed and as the members prospered additional missionary projects were undertaken.      At the present time every first Sunday of the month is designated as missionary Sunday and the entire offering is used to such purposes.  Seven missions are sent regular contributions by the church.      Not only do the adults enjoy missionary responsibilities, each of the young peoples Sunday School classes have a definite program of their own.      In addition to this the women's missionary  organization, "The Frauen Verein", has its program which is faithfully carried out.