Faith Formation with Kids & Families
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| | Greetings from Nashville!
I'm the new leader of ministry with children, family faith formation, and intergenerational ministries at Discipleship Ministries. I'm developing an eight-week training series for the Certified Lay Minister specialization in Children's Faith Formation. Recently, I also became responible for marriage ministry, so I will highlight resources for that in the future.
I have worked here since 2014 in stewardship ministries. Before that, I served as a certified Christian educator and pastor at small and large churches. I was born in the Midwest, spent my childhood on the West Coast, and attended middle school through graduate school on the East Coast. My family has lived in Tennessee for six years, so I enjoy talking with people from everywhere.
In times of uncertainty we trust in God's unfailing love. Facing my desk is a copy of Frank O. Salisbury's inspiring portrait of John Wesley. I imagine Wesley's steady gaze urging me on, saying, "Just keep going. Do the next thing the Lord is calling you to do. Keep going on to perfection." Take this encouragement to heart!
As you and your team begin this new year of ministry, remember that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Best of all, the risen Christ is walking alongside us, guiding us continually by his Spirit. Let's share the peace of Christ with people of all ages.
May God bless you and your church in beautiful ways.
Rosanna
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Children's Messages & Family Devotions
Here is a new collaborative resource from the worship and faith formation teams. I write intergenerational resources for Children's Messages in worship or Family Devotions at home. Scott Hughes, Director of Adult Discipleship, writes Adult Resources for small groups or adult Sunday school. Weekly themes are based on the lectionary passages used in worship. In August the focus is on Ephesians: Build Up, Live, Give Thanks, and Move in Love. Go to the Worship page, the Faith Formation tab, and click on Intergenerational.For an overview of the complete series, click here.
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Christian Education Week
Each of us is called to look with Jesus' love at the people closest to us: our family and friends. Then as a church we can reach out to our neighbors and #SeeAllThePeople. I wrote this resource to help you plan your Christian Education Week / Sunday celebration. It includes plans for worship and a 75- to 90-minute Faith Formation Leaders' Workshop. The full resource is also available in Korean. |
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Transforming Christian Education Workshop
Next week at the School for Congregational Development in San Diego, I will teach a workshop on "Transforming Christian Education" with Scott Hughes. My focus will be on disciple-making in intentional intergenerational ministries. I will also reflect on my experiences of "flipping the classroom" by using MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) in church classes for adults and leading a local Renovaré book group with clergy. I look forward to meeting with people from the California - Pacific Annual Conference and throughout the connection. If you will be there, send me an email to meet up!
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| Featured Resource
An insightful new book called What in the World Is Wrong with Gisbert? is good for kids at the start of the school year. It's published by Flyaway Books, a sister imprint of Westminster John Knox Press. This story helps us to think more carefully about how our words can make other people feel. Use it as a conversation starter about teasing or bullying with kindergarten or elementary students.
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Let the Children Give
How are we teaching our children the joy of generosity? In this archived webinar, acclaimed Christian educator Delia Halverson shares ideas from her book Let the Children Give: Time, Talents, Love, and Money (Discipleship Resources). Explore ways in which adults, children, and families can learn together and share experiences of being faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us! |
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Feedback Corner: How Is God Working in Your Life?
Do you have a faith story that you want to share? Let us know! E-mail us and maybe it will appear here in the next edition. |
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| UMCdiscipleship.org | 1-615-340-7119 randerson@umcdiscipleship.org |
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