28th Annual Christian Education Event:  Toward Excellence in Christian Education

ESM Follow Me and Do This, Eucharistic Disciples

Reviews provided by Heidi Clark, diocesan Christian Education coordinator

Godly Play
Godly Play is running in several of our congregations in full form, including Trinity/St. Charles, St. Alban’s/Fulton, St. Mark’s/St. Louis, and St. Barnabas’/Florissant.

The story telling techniques and manipulatives are being incorporated into other programs in congregations such as St. Martin’s/Ellisville, Grace Church/Kirkwood, and St. Paul’s/Carondelet, where they use it in a neighborhood youth center with secondary students.

This theologically sound and spiritually enriching program has brought new life and purpose into many of our parish education programs.

Godly Play Teacher Training will be held April 14th at Christ Church Cathedral.  Register by downloading this registration form.

Resources are available from your Diocesan Resource Center, and include books by the Rev. Jerome Berryman such as Godly Play, Teaching Godly Play, and Young Children and Worship .

For more information, go to www.godlyplay.org and www.godlyplay.com; or call Heidi Clark at (800) 717-1259 or (314) 231-1220, or e-mail her at heidic@missouri.anglican.org.

Journey to Adulthood
This fabulous program was designed by a congregation in North Carolina. We use this it for youths, ages 11-17 (junior– and senior-high) in approximately 12 congregations in our Diocese. Groups using it range in number of participants from four to 34.

It takes the youths through six years of spiritual reflection, work, study, service, fellowship, worship, pilgrimage, and play.

J2A focuses the youth in appropriate ways at all ages on the following areas:

Self
Society
Sexuality
Spirituality

For more information about this program, please check out their website at www.LeaderResources.org., or call Heidi Clark at (800) 717-1259 or (314) 231-1220, or e-mail her at heidic@missouri.anglican.org.

Adult Education
We continue to focus on Adult Education as a priority from the Diocesan Christian Education Office.

Please call the diocesan Christian Education office if you would like to know more about the various Adult Ed options that might make sense for your congregation. I have found that many people are interested in resources about Episcopal Identity, Stewardship, and Evangelism. There is also a demand for basic bible study resources. It's heartening.

New from the Identity Task Force
A new booklet about Episcopal Identity and Evangelism is now available! Designed to be used in a 5-week series, the study encourages adults in the Episcopal church to reflect on what is attractive, unique, and challenging about being a member of this peculiar and exciting church.

Sessions include short presentations, lots of discussion and practice, and corporate prayer. The study guide used the findings of the Identity Task force, listening carefully to what members of the focus groups all over the diocese identified as important to them. It was written primarily by task force member the Rev. Dan Handschy, with assistance from Jane Klieve, task force chair, and Heidi Clark, diocesan staff for Christian Education.

Safeguarding God's Children
New Training for Congregations, Parents, and People in Ministry.
The Church Pension Group has produced a new program designed to help us plan ministries in such a way as to prevent occurrences of child sexual abuse. The training for parents and congregation members includes a short video tape followed by discussion.

As a parent, my eyes were opened to the many risks, and the simple ways to avoid them, to better protect my child. I would recommend it for parent groups. The training for persons in ministry includes viewing the first tape, plus another, followed by discussion. It is offered throughout the diocese for volunteers and staff in our congregations.

While the content is troubling, this training really does increase your ability and confidence for safeguarding God's children. Diocesan trainers are myself, and Canon Dan Smith.

To schedule a training event for your parents, or to find a regional training for those in ministries in your congregation, contact Ann Tolch in the diocesan offices.

Resources
Summaries by Heidi Clark, diocesan education coordinator.

Awake My Soul! The Christian Educator and Liturgy
A terrific new resource, called Awake My Soul, developed by the Office for Children’s Ministries in the Episcopal Church Center, is now available. It is available from Episcopal Parish Services at (800) 903-5544. Copies are also in your Diocesan Resource Center for loan.

The Complete Guide to Using Living the Good News
New from Living the Good News, this great workbook includes helpful papers about the use of lectionary based curriculum, teacher training, the Church year, learning styles, and getting your programs organized. Available from LTGN at (800) 824-1813 or find them at www.livingthegoodnews.com

How to Have a Great Sunday School Sunday School Standards for All Age Groups
Another great Christian Education resource from Gospel Light. Everything from organizing your populations into classes, volunteer recruitment, including outreach, teaching methods, and so much more. Gospel Light is on the Web at www.gospellight.org or (800) 446-7735

Shape a Circle Ever Wider: Liturgical Inculturation in the United States
New from Liturgy Training Publications this book seeks to contribute to the conversation of liturgical reform through inculturation, including issues and areas like environment and art, verbal communication, music, and the liturgical calendar. From Liturgy Training Publications (800) 933-1800 or see them at www.ltp.org.

Ministry of Mothers Sharing: MOMS
Here is a dignified and honest conversation about the changes that women undergo throughout their role, as new moms and seasoned veterans. This program includes a very detailed and high quality book about developing a MOMS ministry in your congregation. Available from Resource Publications, Inc., (888) 273-7782, email at info@rpinet.com or see them at www.rpinet.com.

The Light Will Shine A Study for Advent
Another nice adult study from Kerygma. Participants explore the suggested scriptures for Advent through Epiphany gaining a fresh look at the liturgical shape of the season. Kerygma at (888) 648-8612, or email at explore@kerygma.com or see them at www.kerygma.com.

Spiritual Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines
From HarperSanFrancisco at www.harpercollins.com.

Let It Shine: Episcopalians Sharing the Good News.
“Let it Shine” is an intergenerational curriculum for Epiphany developed by the Diocese of California as part of its initiative on evangelism. You may preview the materials, and/or order your own copy from  LeaderResources  www.LeaderResources.org 240-482-8682

More Resources In Your Diocesan Resource Center
In Dialogue with Scripture: An Episcopal Guide to Studying the Bible
This terrific resource offers an Episcopal approach to Bible study that respects both the text and the life experiences people bring to their encounter with the text. Available from Episcopal Parish Services (800) 903-5544.

We Are HOW We Eat: Gathering at the Table
This interesting set of books, a reflection guide and table graces, comes to our Resource Center from Liturgy Training Publications. From LTP at (800) 933-1800, or fax (800) 933-7094; email them at orders@ltp.org; or on the web at www.ltp.org.

Encountering Christ in the Episcopal Church: A Youth and Intergenerational Faith Experience Leading to a Renewal and Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
By Charlotte & Ronald Molrine, this course is designed into 15 sessions covering the Bible, sacraments, the church, prayer, the Prayer Book, including a retreat designed for adults and youth regarding their commitment to Christ and the church. You can e-mail Morehouse at morehouse@morehousegroup.com and see their web site at www.morehousepublishing.com.

The Adult Journey Journey as Story
How does your story resonate with the Gospel story? How can you live the Gospel story in your own life? What are your gifts? What is your vocation? What do you have? What do you lack? From LeaderResources (800) 941-2218.

Here Am I, Lord, Send Me!
An Absalom Jones Intergenerational Curriculum. This collection of activities to learn about the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church was collected and published by the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. You may order one by calling the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania's Resource Center at (215) 387-7748. A sample copy is available in your Diocesan Resource Center.

Books For Study
Rhythms of the Inner Life
By Howard R. Macy, Ph.D. Using the Psalms, Dr. Macy examines seven different movements of the heart: longing, waiting, trembling, despairing, conversing, and celebrating. A sample copy is available in your Diocesan Resource Center. Available from Barclay Press at (80) 962-4014.

Affirmations
This series of four small books is designed to help individuals feel empowered in their varying roles in their lives. From Living The Good News USA: (800) 824-1813; outside the US at (717) 541-8130 or fax (717) 541-8128. A sample copy is available in your Diocesan Resource Center.

Videos
Questions of Faith
We now have two, six-part programs from this very popular series from Ecufilm. They cover topics like moral dilemmas, evil, prayer, sex and religion, being ‘good’, and others. A sample copy is available in your Diocesan Resource Center.

From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians
From PBSs Frontline series. This much acclaimed and highly recommended series is in your Resource Center. You may purchase a copy from PBS Video at (800) 424-7963, or see them at www.pbs.org.

With Burning Hearts Featuring Henri Nouwen.
“What does holy communion have to do with life?” Father Henri Nouwen examines this question with insight and compassion. Available from Orbis Books at (800) 258-5838. A sample copy is available in your Diocesan Resource Center.

Jesus: The New Way T
his video series for adults is hosted by Dr. N.T. Wright, an articulate and engaging New Testament scholar. A sample copy is available in your Diocesan Resource Center.