Hickory United Methodist Church is beginning what it considers a renaissance in the children's Sunday school department. With the congregation's support, a new rotation program will begin Sunday, focusing on kindergarten through sixth grade.

Christian education director Debbie Derrenbacher believes the church is ready for a change.

"Kids are different today. They need to experience Sunday school, to get up and out of their seats and do Sunday school, not just sit and listen.

"Typical children's classrooms are in the basement (of the church) with tile floors, unpainted walls -- and they are kept out of sight and out of mind."

Kickoff for the new program will be Sunday at 9 a.m. with a breakfast. The regular Sunday school hour will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Adult classes will continue as usual.

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