A Message from the Diocesan Christian Education Coordinator

Gleanings from the Field: Resources in Abundance

Earlier this year, I spent a most enjoyable day at The Close with Connie Brady, long-time member of the Department for the Ministry of Christian Education. Fortified with several cups of tea and coffee, Connie and I pored over past issues of The Vineyard – nearly 25 years of history and Christian Education resources. Volume after volume, the authors’ names jumped off of the pages – Jack Hilyard, Kristin Ingram Johnson, Gretchen and Rusty Kimsey, Mark MacDonald, David Perry, Dorothy and Neff Powell, Arlin and Sigrid Rothauge, Katherine Jefferts-Schori, Margaret Sipple. Many well-known names in Christian Education and great leaders of our church have a connection to the Diocese of Oregon and to The Vineyard. What fun to read!

Not surprisingly, much of the information is still relevant – theological foundations, faith formation, seasonal celebrations complete with craft ideas and recipes – thoughts and ideas too good to be forgotten. This issue of The Vineyard begins with a topical index of past issues. We hope you will find it useful. If you have kept past issues of The Vineyard, the index will be a quick way to find specific topics. If you do not have back issues, you are welcome to contact Stephanie Wight at The Close and she will send a copy to you.

Stephanie also has compiled a comprehensive list of the curriculum resources for children, youth, and adults. The list is extensive containing familiar classics as well as the very latest. It includes both short-term resources and traditional year-round curriculum. Everything mentioned on this list is available through the Christian Education Resource Library. You are welcome to check it out or to schedule an appointment with Stephanie to spend some time browsing and comparing.

In addition, we invited current members of the Department of the Ministry of Christian Education to share reviews of some of the newer books in the resource library. Deacon Helen Richard of St. Martin, Lebanon, reviewed three Bible-story activity books, Anita Beck of St. Edward in Silverton reviewed three new craft-activity books, and Deacon Margaret Bernhard of Good Samaritan in Corvallis shares her thoughts about

Finally, I want to make you aware of the human resources that are here to serve you. As of October 1, there has been a slight change of staff in the Department of the Ministry of Christian Education. I am taking over the official duties as the Christian Education Coordinator for the diocese and I am happy to report that Stephanie Wight will continue as the Resource Coordinator in a volunteer capacity. We are fortunate that Stephanie continues to share her great love and knowledge of resources with us. She and I are both available to serve you in anyway that we can. Please let us know how we can be of help.

Blessings to you and your ministry,

Barbara Tensen Ross
Christian Education Coordinator
Diocese of Oregon