The Sabbath of Dec. 2, 2006, found the Auckland, New Zealand, Sabbath school in the Domain, an extensive park that borders the church hall. The children were asked to consider the question, "What does nature teach me about God?" The idea behind the outing was to clarify and expand the children's understanding of God by focusing on His creation.

The weather was picture-perfect and the children thoroughly enjoyed the change of venue. The exploration included a sensory-garden where the children could handle various plants, an indoor "winter garden" with a vast variety of flowers and plants, several ponds and countless trees.

The children were prompted with questions on God's nature, His care for them and their place in His plan. Conversation flowed freely during a picnic under the trees. After the park tour, the children returned to the Sabbath school room to decorate their own world with flower petals, leaves and bark collected from the park.

We all enjoyed the lesson and the chance to get to know each other better. We hope to hold our lessons outdoors a few more times during our southern hemisphere summer.