RESOURCE REVIEWS
by The Rev. Deacon Margaret Bernhard

Best of Blessings: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, edited by Ginny Arthur is the second in a series that offers programs used in parishes of various sizes for groups of various ages. The first book in the series covered Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Nine seasnal units are presented with suggestions for planning and adapting the programs offered.

Each unit contains biblical background with an overall background at the beginning of the book to help the facilitator understand the seasons covered A statement of focus and purpose begin each unit, followed by a brief theological and biblical discussion. Then a review of the planning done by each church group with preparation activities, and a list of materials needed follows.

A plan for timing of the event and presentation is made. One attribute that makes these programs different is the list of adaptations that follow each item. These adaptations allow larger and smaller groups to take advantage of the core programs.

Programs include: the making of Advent wreaths, the making of the Jesse Tree, two birthday parties for Jesus, an Epiphany program and then a suggestion for an on-going program throughout the seasons. The ideas are not remarkably original, but the detail for planning is very helpful. A facilitator will benefit from using this material although a strong art and crafts person will be needed to translate some ideas into reality. For example there are many ideas for symbols for the Jesse Tree, but no templates to help the artistically challenged.

There is an extensive list of resources included at the end of the book.

This is a resource for those who like to plan ahead and have the creativity and flexibility to adapt a given plan for the needs of their own parish.

HOLIDAYS, HOLY DAYS, AND OTHER BIG DAYS FOR YOUTH

Holidays and Holy Days, by Todd Outcalt, contains 100 object talks, activities, games, skits and devotions for teenagers. The activities are offered to be used on Holy Days as well as holidays such as April Fool’s Day, Groundhog Day, graduation, etc.

The activities are presented on a page with theme, Scripture, and preparation, all presented in brief sentences. "Preparation" means materials needed only. The activities are listed by type and include suggestions for discussion, worship, or activity.

Some of the discussion topics presume a high level of trust within the group. Others presume background knowledge that is not given here. Open-ended questions are appropriate at this age, but some guidance as to appropriate directions for discussion might be welcome. The format precludes detailed instructions. Trying to keep everything to a page works for some of the activities and not for others.

This book might serve as a secondary resource for a youth leader. There is filler material for meetings and short (in time) suggestions that might help to reinforce the primary focus of the meeting.

 LEARNING ABOUT THE LITURGICAL SEASONS

Learning about the Liturgical Seasons: Catechesis for Children and Their Families, by Dorothy Kosinski Carola is a series of lessons about the liturgical seasons for use with children in grades 4-6. It is written for a Roman Catholic population, but has much information that is helpful for Episcopal youth and their families. Its main purpose is as a resource for families who wish to be more active in their children’s spiritual formation. It can be used for other groups and classes, but the concept of a home-based program is refreshing and reinforcing. An hour of Sunday School can go by so quickly and here is a way for families to reinforce and enrich awareness of seasonal changes at home.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part contains handouts for each season. These handouts may be copied and include background information and some activity, either questions to be answered or a template to be filled. The second half of the book is lesson plans that help the leader. There is an effort made to tie the lessons to what is happening in the parish worship service. What does the season look like (different colors and symbols), what does the season sound like (different songs or music styles)? These can engage young people who might be too young to appreciate the text changes for the seasons.

There are suggestions about when and where to find additional materials. As a clergy person I appreciated the advice that Maundy Thursday afternoon was not the time to ask parish clergy for detailed information about the Triduum. There are also ways mentioned to apply the liturgy to our lives, an idea that frequently goes begging.

A caution about some Catholic terminology as well as a warning that this is not a quick and easy way to do family time. The leader needs to prepare materials, background information, and expectations for the time together. However, there would appear to be rewards in increasing meaningful family time together as well as deepening an awareness of the Church year, which may lead to greater participation in the celebration of the liturgy.

Deacon Peg Bernhard serves at Church of the Good Samaritan in Corvallis where a portion of her ministry is devoted to the administration of the Christian Education program.  She is also a member of the Ministry of Christian Education of the Diocese of Oregon.