CURRICULUM:
SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIAL:
Sample materials for Summer 2008 have arrived!!! (Bible Quest ,We Believe, Present Word, and Seasons of the Spirit)
Summer materials are different than Fall, Winter, and Spring materials. We Believe and Bible Quest only publish one curriculum choice each designed for all age groups. The Present Word for adults continues on as usual.
We Believe: "Christ's Work: Reconciling the World to God" - This curriculum continues its strong tie to Presbyterian Church (USA) mission.
We Believe Workshop - Year Three: "Joseph: God's dreamer; Moses: Baby in a basket; Jonah; Advent: Mary's Song; Boy Jesus at the Temple; Jesus Teaches us to pray; The Great Dinner; Peter: Three Times, "No!" and Three Times "Yes"; Philip and the Ethiopian; Lydia"
Bible Quest 2007-2008 Theme is "God is Savior - Salvation". The Summer program (geared for children age 3 through Grade 8) continues this theme, ending with "Salvation for All Nations". Activities are labeled to show which is best suited to each age group. Bible Quest will no longer be available after the Summer 2008 program.
The Present Word - Materials are available in large print, Braille, and cassette format. (Summer 2008 - Images of Christ); (Fall 2008 - New Testament Community); (Winter 2008-09 - People of Commitment); (Spring of 2009 - New Creations in Christ); (Summer 2009 - Called Sealed with Promise)
The "Seasons of the Spirit" Pentecost 1 material for 2008 covers May 18, 2008 (Trinity Sunday) through August 31, 2008.
AKALOO - Last year was the first year that "Year One" was out. "Year Two" has arrived! "Akaloo is primarily an online resource, offered as three separate modules: Children, Youth, and Adults. Akaloo Web contains the leader material for the program and includes all online resources for the learners. Akaloo also features print handbooks for every age or "stage" of discipleship."
Bible Time Anytime - a thirteen-week, children's Bible study curriculum (weekly leaflets) that consists of three Old Testament units and one unit on the early church. This resource is specifically written for young children (ages 3-5) and elementary children (grades K-5). Children will learn about God, God's love for us, and God's friends.
Splash Pack--Birth to Three Faith Formation (12 monthly parent newsletters and a music CD)
Faith for Life2 - Bible Study from Logos Ministry. Perfect for midweek or Sunday educational ministries.
- Course One: Friends and Family in Faith (First graders)
- Course Two: Jesus and His Followers (Second graders)
- Course Three: Old Testament Servants of God (Third graders)
- Course Four: God's People Worship (Fourth graders)
- Course Five: Surprising Stories (Fifth graders)
- Course Six: Time for Jesus - Middle School
- Course Seven: The Bible Our Book of Faith - Middle School
- Course Eight: Questions and Beliefs - Middle School
- Course Eleven: The Ten Commandments: A Foundation for Christian Living - High School
- Course Twelve: The Parable of Jesus: Transforming Pictures - High School
- Course Fourteen: Faces in the Family: A Study in Relationships - High School
* * * * * * * *
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
"Rainforest Adventure: A Tree Top Bible Blast" - 2008 VBS from Augsburg has arrived. This program was jointly prepared with Augsburg Fortress and Congregational Ministries for the second year. Information pamphlet available at the Resource Center. The starter kit includes a director's guide, guides for leaders, participant books, and a DVD/song sampler. PDS #978-0-8066-6155-1; $69.99.
Cokesbury's VBS start kit for Summer 2008: "Beach Party" has arrived.
* * * * * * * *
Elective Curriculums:
Bible Curriculum for Older Children and Younger Youth from WeBelieve (Grades 5,6-8):
- The Bible - The Story of God's Faithfulness: A Survey of the Old Testament plus Student's Notebook (A sequential, systematic approach to Bible Study.) (9 units - Creation Faithfulness; A Faithful Family; A Faithful God; Judges and Kings; Special Writings; A Divided Kingdom, To Babylon and Back Again; and Review)
- With All Boldness and Freedom: A Survey of the New Testament plus Student's Notebook (7 units - Introduction to the Course; Jesus, the Early Years; The Ministry of Jesus; The Passion and the Resurrection; The Beginning of the Church; The Church Grows; and Review)
- I Know My Bible - seven units designed to help students know what and where the major Bible stories are, and to see how the Bible story flows. Each section if followed by a review.
Older Youth (Grades 9-12) Bible Quest Elective
- Bookmarks: Bible Explorations for Older Youth - Volume 1
- Bookmarks: Bible Explorations for Older Youth - Volume 2
- Bookmarks: Bible Explorations for Older Youth - Volume 3
- Bookmarks: Bible Explorations for Older Youth - Volume 4
- Bookmarks: Bible Explorations for Older Youth - Volume 5
- Bookmarks: Bible Explorations for Older Youth - Volume 6
This is a Bible Study based on the belief that high school youth are beloved children of God, claimed by Jesus Christ for great things. A variety of activities and tools are used to help with biblical interpretation. Each Bookmarks volume contains one unit suitable for either Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter. (Available while supplies last)
Bible Quest Elective for Young Adults:
- Push it! - Volume 1
- Push it! - Volume 2
- Push it! - Volume 3
- Push it! - Volume 4
"These four volumes are designed by young adults for young adults who are seeking to explore and challenge the Bible. Push it! invites young adults to "push" the Bible - to ask critical questions and connect it with their lives. The sessions, designed for individuals or groups, also encourage the Bible to "push" young adults to connect faith with their contemporary lives and provide enough ideas for an entire year. Use Push it! in a variety of settings - weekly or monthly groups, retreats, mission projects, or fellowship groups." (Available while supplies last)
Adult WeBelieve program: Foundations of Christian Faith:
- Believing in Jesus Christ by Leanne Van Dyk plus Adult Study Guide
- The Christian Life:A Geography of God by Michael L. LIndvall plus Adult Study Guide
- Christian Worship: Glorifying and Enjoying God by Ronald P. Byars plus Adult Study Guide
- Creation and Last Things:At the Intersection of Theology and Science by Gregory S. Cootsona plus Adult Study Guide
- The Holy Spirit by Mateen Elass plus Adult Study Guide
- Searching for Truth: Confessing Christ in an Uncertain World by Thomas W. Currie III plus Adult Study Guide
- The Rhythm of Discipleship by Luther D. Ivory
- The Trinity by Philip W. Butin plus Adult Study Guide
- What It Means to be Human by MIchelle J. Bartel plus Adult Study Guide
These books are wonderful for Small Group Study use as well as Adult Sunday School.
Looking for a fresh curriculum for your adult or youth Sunday School?
Check out The Thoughtful Christian - www.thethoughtfulchristian.com
* * * * * * * *
Curriculum for Church Officers: Great Ends of the Church Series
- Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World by Darrel L. Guder
- Maintenance of Divine Worship by Howard L. Rice, Jr.
- Preservation of the Truth by Joseph D. Small
- Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind by Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez
- Shelter, Nurture, and Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God by Elizabeth F. Caldwell
(The Great Ends of the Church represent a brief statement of principles found in the Book of Order) We have all of these books in the Resource Center for you to borrow. We also have a Powerpoint Presentation on CD and a VHS video for you to borrow as well.
* * * * * * * *
Young Adult Bible Study Series by We Believe - Designed specifically for small groups - Real Faith/Real Life Series
- Beyond the Outer Limits
- Checklist of Life
- Discerning God's Call
- Healthy Living: Stewardship of the Body
- Heart Knowledge: Spiritual Discipline and the Experience of God
- Islam and Christianity
- Jesus and the Hip-Hop Generation
- Mix It Up: Faith, Politics, and Citizenship
- Seekers, Saints, and Other Hypocrites
- The Matrix and the Gospel
- Urgency Born of Hope
The themes in this series reflect contemporary issues and offer questions for reflection that are rooted in Scripture and in the Reformed tradition.
* * * * * * * *
Curriculum for Baptism/Communion
Rotating Workshops for Grades 1 - 5: (Produced by Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Baptism
- Communion
- Apostle's Creed
- Lord's Prayer
Available for loan from the Resource Center on a single CD
Belonging to God: A First Catechism
The Resource Center has a sample for lending purposes:
- Children and Sacraments: Leader's Guide
- Pastor's & Educator's Guide
- Belonging to God CD
- Belonging to God Visual Aid cards
God's Family at the Table: A Guide for Parents by Thomas G. Long
- Helping Baptized Children Prepare to Receive Communion
"Invitation to Christ" - A Guide to Sacramental Practices
This wonderful "free" resource, which can be ordered from the PC(USA) website, has a marvelous addition available to anyone:
- A Monthly (e-mail) Newsletter that offers resources for theological reflection and liturgical action - www.pcusa.org/sacraments/subscriptions.htm
* * * * * * * *
Confirmation Curriculum:
Confirmation: Presbyterian Practices in Ecumenical Perspective - by Richard Robert Osmer - examination of the theological significance of confirmation, survey of early church practices of confirmation. He proposes a two step process of confirmation: addressing from youth to adolescence and from adolescence to adulthood.
Professing Our Faith - Official PC(USA) curriculum
- Teacher's Guide
- Student's Notebook
- 35 Session course or 8 Session course
Can We Talk? Conversations for Faith by Geneva Press (Student Journal)
a short-term (7 studies), high intensity immersion in the Christian faith and investigation of core Christian beliefs.
Making Disciples: Coordinator's Guide - by William H. Willimon
- a three-month confirmation process
- mentor program
Journey to Discipleship
- A Confirmation/Commissioning Curriculum for Presbyterian USA Congregations! by Harvey G. Throop of Logos
- 26 lessons in 5 units - each lesson can be covered easily in 60 minutes and some can be combined to shorten the course
- It has proven itself effective in classes as small as two or three as well as 20-30 students
- available through from Dimensions Resources - dimensionsresources.com
"Choosing Curriculum" - from Summer 2008 Ideas!
...The goal in choosing curriculum is choosing the tool that works best in your setting and with your congregation.
...there are many ways to evaluate curriculum and no one right or wrong way. Being informed about how and why you make your choices is the most important aspect of evaluating curriculum.
An important consideration for any Presbyterian church is to select curriculum that reflects Reformed theological beliefs in its teaching and learning activities:
- The soveriegn God is the subject of the curriculum. All persons of the Trinity are included: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Both the Old and New Testaments are studied.
- God is shown to be a God of grace.
- Both the humanity and divinity of Jesus are portrayed.
- The concept of serving God through serving others is evident throughout.
- Illustrations, examples, and language treat all persons with respect and show the diversity of humankind.
- A Reformed understanding of worship and the sacraments is articulated.
These considerations are not expected to be found in a single lesson, but in the body of work of a curriculum. Therefore, it is important to take the time to review more than one lesson and more than one age level when evaluating curriculum. Depending on the type of curriculum you are evaluating, several units or quarters of material will indicate its breadth and depth.
Educational considerations are also important to assess when evaluating curriculum. Be sure that the curriculum:
- Allows for the diversity of learners by incorporating multiple ways of being intelligent and learning.
- Incorporates age-appropriate lessons and activities.
- Encourages cooperative learning among the students.
- Makes connections with the worship life of the congregation.
- Creates a bridge to daily life, allowing the students to apply the learning to their own experiences.
- Provides clear directions for the teachers.
Years ago there was just one type of curriculum, usually available quarterly with a teacher's guide, a student leaflet, and a classroom resource kit. This model of curriculum is still very popular and meets the needs of many Sunday school classrooms across the country.
However, today, educational ministries have other practical concerns to address when considering which curriculum will meet their needs. Five practical considerations to examine when evaluating a curriculum are:
- Teacher Preparation - Is the lesson plan easy to follow and does it have a purpose, providing substance and activities for engaging both the teacher and the student? What does it take for a teacher to get ready for class? How long does the preparation take, and are the instructions clear? How easy is the curriculum to give to a substitute teacher? Are the supplemental materials or resources easy to find and readily available? How well does this curriculum work with a team of teachers?
- Adaptability - How adaptable is the curriculum for a particular class? All curricula is written for the broad spectrum of the church and users vary in experience and approach. Therefore, adaptability and flexibility are important considerations. Look for curriculum with suggestions for variations according to class size and budgetary concerns.
- Format and Design - Are the format and design attractive, easy to follow, and engaging to you as a teacher? Do the student pieces engage the students? Are all types of people represented in the pictures? Does the artwork vary, lending itself to more than just one look, helping students understand that there are many ways to imagine the biblical stories?
- Ordering and Delivery - How easy or complex is the ordering process? How efficient is the delivery? What are the delivery methods, and do they suit your needs? How are returns or problems handled? Is there a person to talk with if you have questions or problems?
- Affordability - What is the price breakdown and how does it compare with other curricula of a similar nature and format? Are there ways to save costs? Be certain to compare costs as you consider how you would use the curriculum.
Evaluating and choosing curriculum is an important process but it does not have to be complex. Get samples. Determine your priorities. Ask your questions. Make decisions. And remember that it is but one tool in our toolbox of educational ministry in the church. The most important resource you have is not made of paper and ink but of flesh and blood; it is you, the educator, the teacher, the pastor, the parent, the church member, the friend. It is the personal relationships that you build, the stories you tell, and the faith that you share that will make a difference in another person's life. All curricula have their strengths and their drawbacks. The question is which curriculum is right for your congregation, allowing you to use it as a guide, providing a method for sharing those stories and that faith, for engaging learners in faith develoment and spritual growth
Submitted by Meg Elliott Rift, editor for children's curriculum
“Tips for Midweek Programming” from Summer 2008 Ideas!
Midweek programming is a great idea, right? it means gathering the congregation between Sundays, creating extra learning opportunities, and getting more use out of your church facility. Why then, can midweek programming be such a challenge? Here are a few ideas to consider when you’re planning it.
Develop Clear Goals
Before you do anything else, ask, “Why are we doing this?” Be honest with your answer. Doing something because it worked last year or because the congregation down the street does it are not good reasons to hold a program. Would a midweek program enhance your congregation’s mission? Are your congregants ready to plan, help, and participate? Developing three to five clear, measurable goals will create purpose for your program, focus your participants and leaders, and provide a basis for evaluation. Then make sure your programming remains faithful to the goals you’ve developed.
Strive for Creative Solutions
Let go of any preconceived ideas about midweek programming in your congregation and get creative with developing new ideas. Maybe an all-church family night each Wednesday is no the best plan for your congregation. Could you do a topical lunch once a month for working people? Could you hold a weekly prayer breakfast at someone’s home?
Listen to the People You Want to Reach and Focus on Quality
Many of our church members are overcommitted and stretched too thin. Why should coming to church one more time be added to their list of commitments? Midweek programming needs to be more than just another line on people’s daily planners. Listen to the spiritual needs of your participants and respond with a high-quality, meaningful experience. In an age of many options, people need to feel that their time is being well used.
Share the Leadership Responsibilities
When you respond to the needs of your participants, be careful not to let them become complete consumers. Develop an organizational model in which everyone is nurtured and everyone serves in some capacity. If you have children and youth, find jobs or leadership roles for them, too. Each participant needs to have an investment in the program.
Appeal to Every Age Group
If you are trying to attract families, create an environment in which each age group in the congregation (children, youth, and adults in all stages of life) has a high quality connecting point. Though it is not necessary for all age groups to be together during the program time, it is important that all of the groups follow the same general schedule.
Food is Important
Eating a meal together provides a relaxed context for conversation and sometimes creates extra motivation for participation. If you include a meal in your midweek program, make sure that it is an intentional part of the program. Keep the quality of the meal as high as possible and the cost of the meal as low as possible. Remember that offering the same simple meal alternative for children and youth each time you gather will make things easier for parents and kids.
Consider the Timing and Location
As you plan for your program, be thoughtful about its time and place. Can you meet with a group during the business day at a restaurant for lunch? Can you meet with nonworking parents during school time? If a program begins too early in the evening, you lose people who work during the day. If it begins too late, you run into bedtimes for the children and homework time for youth. If you are programming for families, remember to keep the start and end times for each age group the same so they can share transportation.
Develop Rituals
Developing rituals in your time together can offer comfort and stability during a busy day or week. Rituals may include a sharing time for joys and concerns, celebrating birthdays in a particular way, or singing favorite songs together. Give yourself permission to include creative changes in your rituals to prevent falling into a rut.
Try the Special Event Approach
If your congregation is not able to commit to an ongoing midweek program every week, try the seasonal or special event approach. This may feel less overpowering to your participants and leaders. Create a program series for Advent or Lent, offer something during one month of the year, or sponsor a monthly lunch for a specific group. Consider special events like a congregation-wide talent show, a chili cook-off, a cookie or pie baking competition, or a special holiday program for Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Think about paralleling your program with events like the Olympics, a state fair, or a sporting event.
Complement – Don’t Compete
Planning and leading midweek programming can be frustrating. Sometimes you may feel like you are competing with the other priorities of church members. Leading programming with a competitive spirit can create a negative atmosphere, so, find ways to complement your participants’ other priorities.
Remain Positive
Above all else, remain positive, hopeful, and centered in Christ’s love. People respond best to optimistic, encouraging leadership, and they are yearning for meaningful, spiritual connections. Remember that we are called to “strive first for the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)
Michael Harper, associate for curriculum development for youth and young adults, Congregational Ministries Publishing
