A 50-Year Legacy: Faith Across Three Generations

Jeanie Goode, Sheila Giles, Katelyn's daughters(Madi & Haven)


My Life as a Sunday School Teacher by Jeanie Goode  

On November 2, 1976—fifty years ago—we moved to Patten and into Jayne Cratty's house across the street, which was all part of God's perfect plan. Jayne attended our church and was moving into the new senior citizen complex at the time. We moved here because our children were just starting school.

We began coming to church, and our children attended Sunday School. They were quite shy, having only had each other to play with in the park, so I had to stay in the classroom with them at first. In 1977, I decided to become a Sunday School teacher to help my children feel more comfortable in class. It worked! Soon, they were happy to come on their own.

Back then, we held Sunday School from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. before the church service. Cora Savage was one of the teachers, and we became very good friends; she was absolutely wonderful with the children. Debbie Coolong played the piano for our songs, led the opening before classes, and taught a class as well. Terry Pettengill and Kelley Curtis were also part of the team. They were all wonderful teachers, and though I am sure I have forgotten a few names over the years, I cherish them all. Every year, we had a Christmas pageant, and absolutely everyone was involved—both children and adults alike!

I soon became the head of Christian Education and ordered all the Sunday School materials. I also helped with Vacation Bible School, ordering the craft supplies and teaching the craft class alongside Cecily MacKinnon and Sally Drew. They were two wonderful ladies who also taught the youth groups. All of our teachers pitched in to help with the garage sales and food sales we held to raise money for the Sunday School. Every Christmas, we hosted a craft and gift sale so the children could buy presents for their family and friends. We even gift-wrapped them for free! We didn’t make much money, but it made the children happy, and that is truly what mattered most.

Every year since then, I have been preparing Sunday School lessons and teaching classes. I know that is the reason why God led me on my long journey to this church: to fulfill His divine plan for my life. I will continue to teach until I am no longer able. Just like Johnny Appleseed thanked the Lord for the three things he needed for his apple trees—the sun, the rain, and the apple seeds—I thank the Lord for giving me the three things that I need: my church, my faith, and the children to teach. The Lord has truly been good to me.


Three Generations of Faith by Sheila Giles 

This church holds a truly special place in my heart. I was baptized here, attended Sunday School and church as a child, and as a teenager, I received the religious rite of confirmation right here where I stand today. I was even married in this church.

I attended Sunday School for many years. In fact, my Sunday School pin has eight bars, representing eight years of faithful attendance. The first year, I was given the pin itself, and each year after that, I received an individual bar to add to it. Jeannie would present the pins and bars to each child—and occasionally to adults—proudly announcing which year they were receiving. I recall those being such joyous services, marking the end of another successful Sunday School year.

Jeannie usually led the music in Sunday School. This Little Light of Mine, Deep and Wide (complete with the hand motions), He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, and Give Me Oil in My Lamp are just a few favorites that come to mind. To this day, I still find myself humming them from time to time! I vividly recall her calm presence, her endless patience, and, of course, her Bible stories—which she still beautifully shares with us today.

My children were also fortunate enough to have Jeannie for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Both Kathleen and Caleb shared with me how much they looked forward to the weekly Bible lessons, Jeannie’s fun crafts, and the delicious cookies she would occasionally bake to share with her students.

And now, a third generation—Madi and Haven—are blessed to know Jeannie. Kathleen and I are so deeply grateful for Jeannie’s presence in their lives. There is no one more suited to help us teach the girls about Jesus and His infinite love for them.

After church, the girls often come home with me for the afternoon. I will ask them, “What did you learn in Sunday School today?” They are always able to perfectly relay the Bible story that was shared that morning in class. I jokingly tell them, "You must have had your listening ears on!" I am sure they did, but I also believe the gentle, nurturing way in which Jeannie teaches is what truly fosters their learning.

Madi and Haven also enthusiastically show me their crafts when they join me back in the pew. I’m quite sure the people sitting behind us get a wonderful view of those crafts, too! Jeannie has been so incredibly good to them. She even put together a personal storybook for each of them and wrote a special piece based on a true story called The Doll's Story. I am certain Madi and Haven will love and treasure these gifts from Jeannie for many, many years to come.

Sunday School teachers play a vital role in shaping young hearts for Christ. Their work requires immense dedication, patience, and a deep love for God’s Word. Jeannie, thank you for committing your teaching to God. He uses it daily for His divine purpose. You may never truly know the full weight of how your words and actions have impacted a child’s faith over the last 50 years. Just know that God has worked powerfully through you!

Our family’s three generations love you, Jeannie, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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