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Listing format
Title: (Specific Edition)
Publisher: (Denomination)
Description: (Audience, duration and description)
Contents: (Themes, components of program)
Family Ministries
Catechumenal Process for Parents and Children, A
Diocese of Bethlehem (Episcopal)
Adults and children learning together, all ages.
“Catechesis” model for preparing children and their families for Baptism. Good learning program for all ages, even Confirmation preparation. 21 presentations: coordinator’s packet, music leaders packet, presenter (shepherd) packet.
Celebrate Family (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Divided by seasons, written to support learning in family setting. Notebook format. Sample includes: seasonal prayers, home rituals, learning activities, family enrichment, and service projects.
Celebrate Youth (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Four phase campaign to create a more youth friendly parish church. Aimed at parishioners, clergy and families. Materials include resource manual, posters, theme songs, clip art, and magazine "Celebrate Youth."
Evenings at the Hearth
Child and Family Institute (Protestant-liturgical)
For Pre teens and their parents. Notebook format. Monthly parish based meetings to strengthen communication skills through interactive exercises. Topics are based on practical issues of everyday life. Group prayer ritual concludes each session.
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Faith Full Families
Child and Family Institute (Protestant-liturgical)
For parents/adult companions and their children. Notebook format. Monthly family learning events celebrate the seasons of the church year and family values. Share liturgy, art, music, and discussion around the monthly theme. Good community building activities. Preparation prior to session is a must. Two cycles, year 1 and 2.
Families Learning Together Series
Standard Publishing Co. (Protestant)
Curriculum resources for family ministry. Four books in series, developed for weekly “family style” gatherings. Each book has 12-15 sessions. Book 1: Jesus Early Life, Book 2: Jesus Our Teacher, Book 3: Jesus Healer and Helper and Book 4: Jesus Last Week.
Family Week Resource
National Council of Churches (Protestant)
Study materials to celebrate the family through a parish wide event. Could be once a week for a month, a weekend retreat or a 5 day summer program. Provided via the internet at the National Council of Churches web-site (www.ncccusa.org) Materials are available for the past four years. 2005 Valuing Families: A Celebration of God’s Amazing Creativity and Diversity. 2004 Peacemaking Begins at Home: Discussion and Activities based on seven peacemaking statements. 2003 How we spend our time and how we get there. 2002 Jubilee People: Centered and Balanced, making ends meet.
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Family Works (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Aids the parish in developing and sustaining a family friendly ministry. Eleven intergenerational sessions and parenting workshops.
Fun Family Festivals
Standard Publishing Co. (Protestant)
24 super celebrations for family ministry. Designed to be presented monthly. Each month offers two themes from which to choose. Each event is firmly secured to scripture.
Topics include: hope, compassion, friendship, Christian love, spreading God’s word, trust, joy, courage, prayer, caring, forgiveness, cooperation, freedom, generosity, happiness, perseverance, stewardship, honor/respect, kindness, peacefulness, obedience, thankfulness, preparing for Jesus and Holiness.
Parent Child Storybook Teas
Child and Family Institute (Protestant)
A monthly opportunity for sharing the precious gift of time to be enjoyed with parent and child. The story invites the participants into the world of make believe and adventure. Within the story lies a secret message for the heart. Sessions include a craft that adds additional involvement and creativity. Offers a way for the community to nurture the parent and the child. Stories are chosen for their content and arise from the world of children’s literature.
Stepping Stones Family Ministries (Sample)
Faith Inkubators (ELCA)
Teaches parents to bless their children and recognize the promises parents make to God on their children's behalf. Parents return to the altar for eight services of blessing and commitment to commemorate important landmarks in that child's life. Combines parent education, small group formation and family ritual.
*The Resource Center has several books to support this material.
-Blessings and Rituals For the Journey of Life (Susan Langhauser)
-For Everything A Season: 75 Blessings for Daily Life (by the Nilsen Family)
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Home Study Resources
Didache Bible Series, The
CEC Inc. (Protestant)
Kindergarten 6th grade. Self directed Bible study "programmed learning" style. Ten books in the series, for primary and intermediate readers. Good for youth who prefer independent study.
Discover 4 Yourself: Children’s Bible Study (Sample*)
Harcourt/Harvest Books (Protestant)
Inductive Bible study for 9-12 year olds. Designed for home schoolers, family studies, midweek classes or church school. Individual workbook format. Titles include: Jesus in the Spotlight*, Jesus Awesome Power-Awesome Love, God, What’s Your Name? Lord Teach Me to Pray, Boy, Have I got Problems, Wrong Way Jonah, Abraham-Gods Brave Explorer and many more.
God is Calling Us
St. Anthony Messenger Press (Roman Catholic)
Parents and children studying together. Workbooks, reader books, and program coordinator helps. Reading and workbook program to be used at home with occasional group meetings facilitated at the parish. Two reading levels, early elementary and late elementary.
Units: Spirit with Us, Jesus Lives, Yahweh Calls.
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Listening to God's Word (Sample*)
Liturgy Training Publication (Roman Catholic)
Lectionary based. Designed to be used as ongoing lectionary study for the family at home. Sample includes "Year B"* Adult Journal, Student Journal, Reader and Activity books.
Seasons of Faith (Sample*)
Harcourt (Roman Catholic)
Parish coordinated, home based, parish education program. Year round 3 year cycle, 6 yearly parish wide events, meshes with lectionary. Includes a Parish Program Manual, Home Resource Book, and age level workbooks for the following: pre reader, primary, intermediate, Jr. High, High School, and Adult. “Year B”* available.
Talk Points
Youth and Family Institute (Protestant)
Series of booklets designed to be used by partners. Some series are for child and parent, others for parent and godparent, others for child and mentors. The booklets are two sided and are to be completed by both partners at the same time. Good conversation and recollections naturally flow while completing booklets.
Topics are: Birth and Baptism for Families, Milestone Trip, Preadolescent Trip, Adolescent Trip and Confirmation Journey.
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Intergenerational Education
Celebrating the Faith Together
Parish Life Press (Protestant)
Part of the Living Faith Series. Leader book and poster/resource folder. Intergenrational events for the Sunday Church School. Event titles are: Hand in Hand in Love (fall), Prepare Ye (Advent), All the World Tells the Story (Christmas), Symbols of Our Faith (Lent) Celebrate New Life (Easter), Many are One (Pentecost).
Generations of Faith (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Faith formation for individuals/families and the parish at large. Based on seasons of the church year. Intergenerational seasonal celebrations and feasts. There is a small group component, and home activities.
Generations of Faith Together: GIFT (Sample)
Faith Inkubators (ELCA)
All parish learning materials for year round use. Intergenerational, form intentional, surrogate faith families. Brings the wisdom of the elders together with the wonder of the child. A "one room school" experience for the whole parish.
Growing Together
Living the Good News (Episcopal)
Six Intergenerational Celebrations per volume. (2 volumes)
Fall and Winter (Volume one) Building a Parish Family, All Saints, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Spring and Summer (Volume two)
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Jubilee Celebrations Series
Brethren Press (Brethren)
3 books in series with 7 or 8 topics in each. Topics are arranged somewhat around seasons and holidays. Presented once a month in a parish wide celebration. Presumes a non-liturgical church setting. Would take a little adapting, suggests that the event could be presented as the Sunday worship service. Would work well for two hour, intergenerational stand alone events. Book 1: Celebrate “the Book”, Thanksgiving, the Nativity, Lent, Pentecost, Family, Peace and Sabbath. Book 2: Celebrate Passing on the Faith, Thanksgiving, Advent, Easter, Pentecost, the Family of God, Cultures and Christian Heritage. Book 3: Celebrating the New Church School Year, Thanksgiving, Epiphany, Seder, Pentecost, Unity and variety in Faith, Creation and Missions.
Sunday School Specials (4 volumes)
Group Pub. (Protestant)
Designed to be used for small combined age classes,
Summer Sundays, special celebrations. Has unique well planned “before and after” activities called “Time Stuffers”, built into the program for those children who arrive early or leave late. Each volume has 2 focus units with 3-6 sessions each. Each volume has 1 unit with 3 lessons for special occasions ie. Thanksgiving, Valentines day etc.
Super Sundays!
Seedlings (Episcopal)
Once a Month Parish Events, each event features a presentation, worship, celebration meal and party. Monthly themes all are about the church year. Session themes are: Introduction to the Church year, St. Francis, All Saints, Advent, Epiphany, Our Parish, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.
Year of Blessing: Celebrating Christian Life Through the Arts
Marylhurst Religious Arts Center (Roman Catholic)
Multidimensional approach for family and religious education programs. Designed to be used once a month to celebrate seasonal themes. Incorporates tradition sharing, music, and the arts.
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For the Small Church
All Saints Curriculum
All Saints Episcopal Church (Episcopal)
Preschool through high school. Lectionary based. Four age levels, with one manual for each level years A B C. Easy to teach, and once materials are purchased, they can be used over and over.
Lesson Plans for Small Congregations
Episcopal Church Center-Young Peoples Ministry (Episcopal)
Kindergarten adults. Lectionary based. Provided at no cost via web page. (Episcopalchurch.org/EMC) Lessons include seasonal background and introduction to each Sundays' readings.
Free and well written, what more could you ask?
One Room Sunday School
Abingdon Press (Methodist)
Age 3 middle school, all in the same room. Four year Bible study for children, Comes in a kit with materials for the teacher, reproducibles for students, posters, other enrichment materials and cassette song tape. Purchase materials quarterly.
Seedlings
Seedlings (Episcopal)
Preschool 6th grade. Episcopal Church lessons and Bible stories lessons illustrated with "Arch" books (or picture Bible). Material for a 4 year cycle. Includes materials to conduct an Instructed Eucharist. Easy to use.
Weaving God’s Promises
Weaving God’s Promises (Episcopal)
A curriculum for children’s Christian formation. Ages 3-11 learning together. Combines education worship and service. 3 year cycle. Year 1 Weaving our Faith-Our story from fall to redemption Year 2 Weaving Together the Family of God: How we Become God’s people. Year 3 How we are called by God to live as one body.
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Children's Faith Formation Programs
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Roman Catholic)
Kindergarten 6th grade. Atrium, “Montessori style” learning environment. Emphasizes spiritual development. Liturgical and Biblical stories. Requires specific, formal teacher training. Requires specialized classroom materials, once assembled, need only maintenance, new yearly materials are not necessary. Unique, yet similar to Godly Play. Teacher notebook is developed through the teacher training.
*The Resource Center has several books devoted to introducing the reader to the philosophy and style of this type of learning.
-Religious Potential of the Child (Sofia Cavalletti)
-Good Shepherd and the Child (Montanaro, Cavalletti, Coulter, Gobbi)
-The Spirit of the Child (David Hay and Rebecca Nye)
-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the Parish Setting (Tina Lillig)
-Listening to God with Children (Gianna Gobbi)
-Living Liturgy: Elementary Reflections (Sofia Cavalletti)
-History's Golden Thread: The History of Salvation (Sofia Cavalletti)
-The Mustard Seed: introductory video.
Godly Play
Godly Play (Episcopal)
Designed to be used with early childhood, yet adaptable through 5th grade. Learning center environment, experimental, spiritual development focus. Liturgical and Bible story emphasis. Formal teacher training prior to teaching strongly suggested. Requires intentional collection of specific equipment, but not necessary to purchase new materials afterwards. Unique, yet similar to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
*The Resource Center has several items devoted to this material.
-Godly Play (Jerome Berryman)
-Teaching Godly Play (Jerome Berryman)
-How to Lead Godly Play Lessons (J. Berryman)
-Presentations for Fall + video (J. Berryman)
-Presentations for Winter + video (J. Berryman)
-Presentations for Spring + video (J. Berryman)
PlayWays to God
Child and Family Institute (Protestant-liturgical)
Ages 3 7. A religion program for the youngest of the household of God. Designed to nurture the love of learning and the spirituality of the child through music, art, cooking, storytelling and practical life tasks. Montessori approach, with learning centers. Notebook format. Can be taught without special training but it is recommended. Requires materials created by the teacher for use in the class.
Young Children and Worship
Young Children and Worship (Protestant)
Very similar to Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Covers several bible stories not included in either of the other two programs. Formal leader training not required but it helps, specific materials must be acquired to implement the program.
*The Resource Center has several books devoted to introducing the reader to the philosophy and style of this style of teaching.
-Following Jesus: More About Young Children and Worship (Sonja Stewart)
-I Wonder: More Bible Stories for Children and Worship (Janet Schreuder)
-Young Children and Worship (Jerome Berryman/Sonja Stewart)
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Rotation “Workshop” Model
Anglican Learning Centres
Anglican Book Centre (Church of Canada)
For early readers through middle school. Self directed, independent study, thematic units. Each unit requires a kit, containing 12 information sheets, 4 worksheets, and 18 activity cards. A unit could take a month to complete. Each unit is purchased separately and is self contained. You may wish to use them in a retreat center format, to reinforce/supplement current curriculum, or summer church school.
Units: Baptism, The Church Building, The Eucharist, All Saints, What is the Bible?
Bible Venture Centers (Sample*)
Group (Protestant)
Explores each theme via Drama, Games, Art and Visually in a rotating, workshop format. Each session has formal corporate gathering and closing time. Each offering is designed to be offered for 4 weeks. A DVD is included with each book, the DVD includes scripts, handouts and other resource materials. Book/programs currently available (more in the works): Moses-Powered by God*, Creation-God’s Awesome Power, Jesus-Manger Miracle, Jesus- Death Destroyer, Paul-Shackled and Shipwrecked and Good Samaritan-Bullied and Befriended.
Celebration Centers (A-Z) Jesus is Alive!
Concordia Publishing House (Protestant)
Two volumes, 13 lessons each. Learning centers aimed at grades 3-5. Lots of ideas, each center has a link with scripture. Takes some time to set up a center but once done can be reused. Hands on activities with reproducible patterns for projects. One theme/lesson for each letter of the alphabet. Would lend itself in a day-school setting. Creative ideas in each setting.
Cornerstones (Sample)
Cornerstone Publishing (Protestant)
Multi-Intelligence Approach to Christian Education. Ages 5-12. 6 year program, comes on CD, many, many titles. Sample Unit “The Messiah: Jesse Tree” includes 11 learning stations. Each unit is designed to be presented over 3-4 weeks.
Firelight 1 & Firelight 2 (Sample)
Augsburg Fortress (ELCA)
Ages grouped 2 year olds-6th graders. Themes/units are presented in 3-4 week modules. There are a variety of “stations” the children are rotated through during each module. Stations include: games, music, art, drama, food, science, puppets, story and contemporary video. One module reflects denominational material “Most Certainly True” all other modules are appropriate for any Christian program.
The Potter's Workshops (Sample)
The Potter's Workshop (Protestant)
Kindergarten 6th grade. Workshop rotation Sunday School curriculum. 28 units are available in CD format. Each unit has 4 6 workshops to choose. Sample Units: New Testament, Seasons, Stewardship, The Church.
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VeggieConnections
Big Idea Inc. (Protestant)
Two levels, pre-school and elementary ages. Includes leader support and outreach materials. 52 lessons to be presented over a period of 3-4 weeks. The children explore the lesson by rotating through 6 (Veggie) sites. Topics explored: Jesus Ministry Stories, Paul’s Ministry, Stories about Joseph, Stories of Moses, Stories of David and Stories of the Apostles. Video clips from “Veggie Tales” are include for each unit.
Workshop Cycles (Sample*)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Multi-age. In rotational learning, children explore the same Bible story or concept for 4-6 weeks using different learning approaches each week. Lessons may include art, cooking, music, dance, drama, gardening, movies, computers, games or anything else you can imagine. Sample units available for review are: Miracles of Jesus* and This is My Body*. Other units available are: Moses Chronicle, What Makes My Church Special? Emmanuel, God With Us! Let There Be Light! The Good Shepherd, Esther, the Queen Who Saved Her People, Samuel, Boy Who Listened to God, A Voice Crying in the Wilderness and there are 5 more units in development.
Workshop Rotation: A New Model for Sunday School
Workshop Rotation (Protestant)
Elementary grades. Classes or groups rotate to new workshops each week for 4 5 weeks. Workshop teachers do not rotate, they repeat the lesson for a new group of children each week. During the 5 week period, only one Bible story is taught. Workshops can include art, drama, audio visual, computers, Bible games, puppets, and music. Emphasis on learning styles.
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Children's Weekly Handouts/Bulletins
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies
Pflaum (Roman Catholic)
Preschool 9th grade. Lectionary based. Five age related editions. 32 handouts for each cycle: A, B, and C. Subscription includes weekly parent/teacher guide. Supplemental materials include director's handbook/resource manual and music cassette.
Sunday
Treehaus Communications (Roman Catholic)
All ages. Lectionary based. Liturgy of the World planning guide and take home papers. Includes leader guide and training video. Can be used in addition to another curriculum or to use as part of children's worship.
Sunday Paper, The
The Sunday Paper (Episcopal)
Older children, competent readers. Illustrates readings for each Sunday of the 3 year cycle, years A, B, and C. All four lessons for the week are summarized in cartoon form on 8 1/2"x 13" (legal) paper. The Gospel lesson is given the most prominent attention with additional background information. Purchase masters and make as many copies as needed.
Sunday Paper Jr., The
The Sunday Paper (Episcopal)
For early readers. Lectionary based. Illustrated Gospel reading for each specific Sunday of the 3 year cycle, years A, B, and C. 8 1/2" x 13" (legal) sized format folded to form 4 sides. Gospel story presented on pages 1 2, children's response area on page 3, and notes to parents about the lesson or season on page 4. Purchase masters, and print copies as needed.
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Traditional Church School Model
All Things New
Morehouse Publishing (Episcopal)
Pre-school-grade 6. 4 age levels. Arranged quarterly. Themes for the seasons include: Fall: Genesis/Stories of Beginnings, Prayer, The Episcopal Church. Winter: Stories of God’s Kingdom, Baptism/Creed, The Lord’s Prayer. Spring: Stories of the Church, Holy Week/Easter, Eucharist. A good effort is made to involve parents and the congregation with activities. A Children’s prayer book is included with the materials. Good curriculum choice if you wish to choose a traditional setting and materials that have a Episcopal ethos.
Bible in Life
David C. Cook Ministries (Protestant)
Nursery school adult. Has some modifications specifically for Anglican/Episcopal use. Order quarterly. Closely graded (seven age groupings) Bible stories as basis for lesson. Lesson books and children's work sheets are supplied.
Carry-A-Story
Carry-A-Story (Episcopal)
Preschool middle school. Follows the seasons of the church year. Three notebooks, one for each of the lectionary year cycles. Each year has 14 units (two semesters each with an orientation unit, 3 story units, and 3 festival celebrations). Each unit focuses on one Bible story. The story is explored and developed over the month. The children experience one Story Sunday, one Creative Sunday, one Sharing Sunday, and a family Worship Sunday in each unit. Requires committed team of adults to fully implement.
Centerquest
The Educational Center (non-denominational)
Kindergarten adult. Unique. Jungian in philosophy. Six age groupings each with teacher manual and administration/training manual. Focus on spiritual development using contemporary literature.
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Episcopal Children's Curriculum
Morehouse Publishing (Episcopal)
Kindergarten 6th grade. Several age groupings, three year cycle, roughly follows the church year. Each level has a teacher book and optional poster pack, game/coloring sheet pack, take home papers and colorful take home cards. The younger children may also have reading books that correlate with the lessons. Each year has four themes: Old Testament, New Testament, Sacraments/Worship, and the Church. Good curriculum choice if you wish to choose a traditional setting and materials that have a completely Episcopalian ethos.
FaithWeaver Sunday School
Group (Protestant)
Infants through adults. All levels study the same Bible story each Sunday, although not lectionary based. Order quarterly. Eight age level groupings. Can be used for a midweek program or children's church. Resources are designed to connect the home/clergy/community. Materials include student books, take home papers, teacher training videos, director's manual, small group materials, and weekly on line teacher's tips.
Hands On Bible Curriculum (Sample)
Group (Protestant)
Toddlers through 6th grade (only two age groups available). Topically based Bible lessons. Can be used in an after school program in addition to Church school. The focus of the stories change every two years. Order quarterly. Each age level has teaching guide and CD containing scripts for drama and music. Each age level has a "learning lab," a collection of gizmos and visuals that enhance the hands on approach to this curriculum. Support materials include director manual, video overview, and video teacher training.
Journey of Faith Series
Resource Center (Episcopal)
Kindergarten 6th grade. Two, year long programs. Stories presented as though told by an eyewitness to the events in the Bible. Each course has three age levels and stories roughly follow the church year. Each year has notebook and title, and there are teacher training workshops for both programs. Year One-Mine Eyes Have Seen Thy Salvation Year Two-A Light to the Nations: Gods Gift to Us. Plus there is a teacher workshop notebook that contains materials for training teachers.
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Life Together
Augsburg Fortress Press (ELCA)
Kindergarten through adult. Lectionary based. Everyone studies the same story at the same time. There are four age groupings. Three years in curriculum cycle, three quarters per year with 13 lessons per quarter. There are teacher books, posters, activity sheets, planning guide, and a resource to integrate the materials into the home.
Living the Good News
Living the Good News (Episcopal)
Kindergarten through adult. Follows the lectionary on all age levels. Teaching booklets for each age level. Supplemental materials include newspaper/handouts through the Jr. High level, intergenerational celebration suggestions (Growing Together), additional in depth Bible study for adults and older teens. Order through Morehouse.
Mustard Seed Series
Mustard Seed Series (Protestant)
Kindergarten through High school. Three age groupings, two year cycle, includes preparation for confirmation unit for middle school youth. Teacher book and student books are available for each year. Materials are balanced between Old Testament, New Testament, and Secular Children's Literature. Middle school ages are offered confirmation material. There is a book available for parents as part of this curriculum or it may be purchased separately. “A Parent’s Guide to Prayer”, by Anita Keire.
Seasons of the Spirit
Logos Productions, Inc. (Protestant)
Preschool through adult. Revised Common Lectionary based. Closely graded, and has an optional level for the small church that is multi age (5 12). Curriculum includes notebooks full of materials for supervisors, planners, priests, as well as each of the grade levels. Materials attempt to integrate unit themes and parish worship. Emphasis on parish life/outreach/justice. There are weekly activities, outreach options, at home leaflets and art resources.
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Share the Joy
Living the Good News (Protestant)
Kindergarten 6th grade. Includes supplemental Episcopal booklets. Four age levels, two year long cycles. Each level contains a teacher book and student handouts. There are 20 core lessons per year, not counting the material contained in the Episcopal supplemental materials. Self contained, thematic. Roughly follows the seasons of the church year.
*Episcopal materials could be used as a 6 week mini course by itself independent of the rest of the materials.
Teal Curriculum
Life Farm Publishing, Inc. (Episcopal)
Pre readers through adult. Many smaller units, several are offered at each of five age levels. Can use in any order. Designed to teach ways of understanding faith within the context of the Episcopal Church. Several good supplemental units, a bit dated but valuable. Curriculum has some uniquely Episcopal based materials.
Walk With Me (Sample)
Faith Alive (Presbyterian)
Closely graded Kindergarten through grade 8. Leader manual and take homes for each level. Nine units per year. Special all age units for Christmas, Easter and Summer.
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For Young Children
Bible in Felt (Teacher's Manual)
Rose Publishing (Protestant)
156 lessons for a three year cycle. Each lesson is a scripted bible story. Very detailed instructions about background and figure selection. Designed to be used with flannel board figures.
The Jesus Story
Sadlier (Roman Catholic)
Ages 4-5. Thirty stories about the life of Jesus (New Testament). Teacher book and handouts. The handouts summarize the story and have a woodcut style picture to color. Easy to teach, an illuminated Bible story.
Lively Bible Lessons for Preschoolers
Group (Protestant)
13 lessons developed especially for young children to teach Bible Stories. Old and New Testament stores from creation to resurrection. Each lesson follows the same pattern: beginning with an introduction to the lesson, background material for the teacher, followed by opening, Bible story presentation, craft time, games and activities, theme related snack time, and closing. Easy to do.
Our Bible Story
Sadlier (Roman Catholic)
Ages 4-6. Thirty stories Jesus loved as a child (Old Testament). Teacher book and handouts. The handouts summarize the story and have a woodcut style picture to color. Easy to teach, an illuminated Bible story.
Pray & Play Bible
Group (Protestant)
Bible story and activity book. 14 favorite bible stories, bound in hard back. Has large colorful simple illustrations for each story, to show to children. With each story are three pages of activities, snack suggestions, games, crafts and songs. Easy to do, compact program all in one book. (there is a volume two of this series)
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Middle School/Jr. High Curriculum
Accent on You (Sample)
Pflaum (Roman Catholic)
A selection of mini courses, each 6 weeks in length. Each course has 6 student booklets and 6 teacher sheets. In the sample unit, "Sacraments" the booklets are titled: You Can't Merely "Say" Prayers, We Gather Together, Baptism- Prayer of Belonging, Confirmation- Accepting the Mission of the Lord, Penance- Celebrating God's Forgiveness and Seasons of Celebration.
Alpha Youth
David C. Cook Ministries (Protestant)
See complete description under “Alpha” listed in the “Adult Formation Programs” This material has a Youth manual Alpha Leaders as well as materials for younger youth (ages 11-14).
Custom Curriculum Series (Sample*)
David C. Cook Ministries (Protestant)
Sessions that change to fit your group. Series of themes each with 5 lessons. The unique part of this curriculum is that for each lesson there are several options that can be chosen (or not) that would help customize the lesson to meet specific group needs. Option categories include: small groups (less than 8 students), large groups (more than 20 students), fellowship and worship themes, extra fun (lively versions of the basic lesson), media, short meeting (for classes less than 30 minutes long), urban (has AfricanAmerican flavor), combined Jr. and High school class, mostly 6th graders, mostly boys, mostly girls, heard it all before (for the veteran church school students), little Bible background and extra challenge. Books for both jr. /middle school and high school. (see additional titles under high school listing) Topics: *Basic Training: things every Christian kid needs to know, *Which Way to God? What other religions believe, Would Jesus Really Do That? Can I Really Know Jesus? Does God Love You No Matter What? Do I Know What the Bible Says? Can I Really Relate? Theologically conservative. Read material before you use
Discover Series
Faith Alive Resources (Presbyterian)
Leader and Student books for each unit. Units can be used as short term, stand alone, studies or as a two- year long, series. Units are titled: Discover Your Gifts-Learn How to Use Them, Discover Your Church and Why You Need Each Other, Discover Your Faith and Learn How to Live It, Discover How to Grow Spiritually and Why It Matters. One unit deals with denominational material, can be easily adapted.
Discovering
St. Mary's Press (Roman Catholic)
Jr. High students. Composed of 13 units. Each unit has a teacher guide and student book. Supplemental materials include coordinator's manual/training manual and video.
Topics: Dealing with Tough Times, Understanding Myself, Exploring the Bible, Meeting Jesus, Praying, Learning to Communicate, Seeking Justice, Being Catholic, Growing Up Sexually, Making Decisions, Exploring the Story of Israel, Gathering to Celebrate, Celebrating the Eucharist.
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Episcopal Curriculum for Younger Youth
Morehouse Publishing (Episcopal)
Sixth-eighth grades. Short studies, each 3 months in length. Variety of topics, each with it's own student handout pages, teacher book and poster pack. Units can be chosen based on interest and presented in any desired order. Topics: Called By God, Called Through Faith, Christians Building Community, Covenant Ancestors, Episcopal Church Year, New Covenant Disciples, Sacraments of the Church, Witness in the World, Community Leaders, Called by Jesus, People of Promise, Spiritual Life.
FaithWays (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
6th 8th grades. Three year program, 6 seasonal based units per year. Program includes parent/youth workshops on justice and learning. Comes in three manuals and coordinator's manual.
Fast Lane Bible Studies (Sample*)
Faith and Life Press (Bretheren)
Several short courses that include: Peace Heroes*, God's Gift of Sex*, Unmasking the End Times, Praying the Lord's Prayer, Understanding Gangs, The Beatitudes, Awesome God, Celebrating Advent, Challenging Racism, Encountering Jesus, Friends Forever, Get Real, Living with Violence, Online with the Holy Spirit. Some units may not fit Episcopal ethos, yet others are extremely valuable, choose carefully.
Group's Active Bible Curriculum (Sample*)
Group (Protestant)
Short term units. Titles: Today's Faith Heroes*, Miracle of Easter*, Applying the Bible to Life, Becoming Responsible, Building Better Friendships, Can Christians Have Fun? A Fresh Look, Prayer, Telling Friends About Christ, Today's Music: Good or Bad, What is God's Purpose for Me? What's a Christian? Units are designed to stand alone and to be used in no particular order, some material may be a bit conservative for some taste. Be sure to read the material to determine harmonic points of view before using. Material is well written.
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Head to the Heart
Faith Inkubators (ELCA-some denominational material)
Youth confirmation/youth group/youth Sunday School combined. Each session follows this pattern: learning, service, play, learn, and huddle. Innovative, includes music, PowerPoint presentations, skits, crazy quizzes. Just plain chaotic, meaningful, playful, worship oriented. Read it to believe it! Episcopal materials could be substituted for Lutheran with a little creativity. The efforts would be well worth it.
Journey to Adulthood (Rite 13)
Leader Resources (Episcopal)
Rite-13, is the first of three modules in the “Journey to Adulthood” program. Uses a developmental and spiritual approach to leaving behind the childhood years. Focus on the womanhood and manhood of each young person. Involves a formal Rite of passage from childhood to adolescence (Rite 13). Based on psychological and sociological studies of the developmental needs of middle school youth. Order by purchasing a limited use permission to print.
* supplemental book available
-Details for the Journey: A Practical Companion for use with “The Journey to Adulthood” (Jean Walsh)
Jump Start
Ave Maria Press. (Roman Catholic)
180 lessons with icebreakers, projects and weekend activities for junior high students. How to organize a youth program. 3 year duration. Contains materials for monthly Sunday meetings and 4 seasonal gathering or retreats outside the church setting.
Real Life: Living My Faith Every Day
Benziger (Roman Catholic)
Includes facilitator's guide and student book for each of the following 6 8 week courses: Conscience, Church, Discipleship, Hurting and Healing, Popular Culture, Relationships, Sexuality, and Spirituality. Used most commonly in Catholic school religion programs.
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For High School Aged Youth
Alpha Youth
David C. Cook Church Ministries (Protestant)
See complete description under “Alpha” listed in the “Adult Formation Programs” This material has a Youth manual Alpha Leaders as well as materials for older youth (ages 15-18).
Conversations With Teens (Sample*)
Pflaum (Roman Catholic)
Catholic perspective. Series of short studies, can be used alone or in any combination. Designed to be used in 3 hour retreats, but can be adapted for units of 3 4 short individual classes. Materials come in individual booklets with teacher sheets. Titles: Forgiveness and Healing*, Serving Others, Dealing with Death, The Death Penalty, Dealing with Emotions, Respect for Others, Sexuality.
Disciple Ways (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Eight programs, with interactive and experimental presentations. Can be presented as consecutive units or individually. A sample unit is available for review.
Topics: Catholic Beliefs, Morality, Church, Justice, Identity and Mission, Prayer.
DOCC 16/20
Disciples of Christ in Community for Young Adults
School of Theology, Sewanee (Episcopal)
Two year course with eight presentation topics per year. Two to three weeks per topic. Emphasis on community building and living in a Christian context. Reasonably new program, developed by persons within the Episcopal Church who have a particular interest and expertise with youth.
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Episcopal Curriculum for Older Youth
Morehouse Publishing (Episcopal)
A series of topics, each taking about 3 months to present. Mix and match, units may be ordered and presented in any particular order. Each unit has a teacher book and optional poster pack. Titles: Diversity, Relationships, Spirituality, Violence, Peace and Justice, Difficult Decisions, Success and Failure, Treasuring Our Gifts, Who Are the People of God? What Am I Called to Be? What Do Others Believe? What is Evil?
Experiencing Christ Together (Sample*)
Zondervan (Protestant)
Six study guides with 6 sessions each. Designed to enable small groups to explore the life applications of Jesus’ teaching. Based on the 5 biblical purposes of a Christian Life as described in the Gosples. Help young people know they have been created by God for a reason. Study guide titles: Beginning in Jesus*, Connecting in Jesus, Grow in Jesus, Serving Like Jesus, Sharing Christ Jesus, Surrendering to Jesus. 36 small group sessions in all, 3 DVD’s available with supporting resource materials.
Generation Why: Finding Answers to the World's Tough Questions (Sample*)
Faith & Life Press (Brethren)
Booklets with separate teacher materials. Each unit is designed to be a 6 week study. Titles: Keeping the Garden- A Faith Response to God's Creation*, Fight Right! A Christian Approach to Conflict*, How to Read the Bible- Building Skills for Bible Study, Who is Jesus? You Can't Make Me Go to Church! Who's In-Who's Out, Apocalypse When? Bad News, Good News, Bold and the Dutiful, Close Encounters, Clueless and Called, Dating, Deal With It, Do Miracles Happen? Do the Right Thing, Does God Fight?
Group's Active Bible Curriculum (Samples)
Group (Protestant)
Short units to mix and match, use in any order. Material may be more conservative than your congregation. Well written, review the material before using. Titles: Jesus Death and Resurrection*, Angels- Demons, Miracles and Prayer, Christians in a Non Christian World, Dating Decisions, Dealing with Life's Pressures, Faith for Tough Times, Knowing God's Will, Making Good Decisions, Movies-Music-TV & Me, Revelation, Sex-A Christian Perspective, Who is Jesus? Some units may not fit an Anglican perspective, read before you use.
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Horizons: A Senior High Religion Program
St. Mary's Press (Roman Catholic)
Designed to be used as a four year program. Can be used as a religion class in parochial school. There are a number of units available for each year, each unit has a teacher book and student book. The program itself has teacher support notebook and video teacher training guide. Topics are arranged by academic year.
Year 1: Finding Your Style, Sexuality, Keeping a Journal, Parents/Teens, Praying All Ways, Growing in Wisdom. Year 2: Taking Charge, Deciding, Christian Meditation, Catholicism, Dating/Love, Called to the Gospel, The Church. Year 3: Justice, Being a Peacemaker, Death/Grief, Hope, Encountering Jesus, Paul, Challenges, Discipleship, Bible. Year 4: Stewardship, Relationships, Senior Year, Moving On, Young Adult Faith.
Hot Topics Youth Electives
David C. Cook Church Ministries (Protestant)
Three timely topics, each broken down into 4 sessions. Self Image, Drugs and Alcohol, More Tough Questions.
Insiders View of Jesus
Youth Specialties (Protestant)
Video based. 12 sessions, presented by the Christian comedy team of Ted & Lee (of Fish Eye’s fame) Experience the fears, insecurities and problems of disciples Andrew and Simon as they relate to Jesus. Aimed to help teams connect with their own struggles with the help of the gospels. (listed as, and housed with, videos)
Journey to Adulthood (J2A)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
J2A is the second part of formation process for young people. Designed to be used with 9th-10th grade. Young people prepare for, plan, and go on a pilgrimage. Experimental, liturgical, developmental. Need committed adults. The program is different, at first look, from other more familiar youth models of being either a church school class or a youth group. Large notebook format. Well worth the investment.
* supplemental book available
-Details for the Journey: A Practical Companion for use with “The Journey to Adulthood” (Jean Walsh)
Journey to Adulthood (YAC)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Young Adults in Church, the third stage of the Journey to Adulthood program. 11th 12th Graders Offers an opportunity to seek Confirmation.
* supplemental book available
-Details for the Journey: A Practical Companion for use with “The Journey to Adulthood” (Jean Walsh)
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Journey Series
Girls and Boys Town Press (Roman Catholic)
Originally designed for use with unchurched children living in group settings. Excellent kind and gentle introduction to Christianity. Each of the three modules has a leader book and a student reader. The Units are: Journey of Faith: Discovering God’s Purpose for My Life, Journey of Hope: Understanding God’s Presence in a Broken World, Journey of Love: Reflecting God’s Love in Relationships. Begins at ground zero, presumes no faith background. Sound theology.
New Beginnings for Youth
New Beginnings Int. Inc. (Episcopal)
A “search” or retreat type weekend event for young people. Evangelism/spirituality/encouragement.
Materials include operations manual, follow up manual and weekend schedule.
Serendipity Youth Bible Studies (Sample*)
Serendipity (Protestant)
Short courses, seven weeks in length. Choose those of most interest to the group. Materials are in student booklets, aided with a "Coaches" manual and Youth Crown Breakers Idea Book. Topics: Beginnings*, Challenge*, Confirmation*, Hot Issues*, Belonging, Choices, Hassles, Pressures, Up Close. “Serendipity” really knows how to do small group programs. Well done, choose topics according to the groups perceived needs.
Y-3 (Sample)
Faith Incubators (ELCA)
Youth Ministry as youth doing ministry instead of programs. Senior High extension of the Head-to-the-Heart program. Small group based, family centered. Involves: mandatory nightly parent/child “check-in”, Weekly breakfast/small group meeting, monthly youth planned/led communion, quarterly course researched by students and presented to parents, annually meet and share with another youth group. “Faith Incubators” has a unique plan to involve all persons of a church in learning and loving, they have programs from prebirth (prospective parents) through all phases of parenting, aimed at supporting the young person as well as the parent and the congregation.
Youth Talk (Sample*)
Augsburg Fortress (ELCA)
Comes with leader guide and student book for each unit. Each unit has five sessions, 45 60 minutes in length.
Topics include: Sexuality*, Voices and Messages, Relationships, Real Difficulties, Religion, Self Esteem.
Youth Works (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Comes in three huge binders with sufficient materials for 3 4 years. Each lesson has community building activities. Each unit has 22 lessons. Titles: Justice, Evangelism, Youth Leadership, Prayer Services, Youth Retreats.
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Youth and Young Adult Materials
Creative Bible Studies for Young Adults
Group (Protestant)
Studies for people aged 18-35. 20 individual studies including: Stress, God’s Will, Sexuality, Spiritual Growth, Success.
Disciple Ways
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
For older adolescents, to empower them to learn to live as Catholics in today’s world. Units titled: Belonging to the Church, Believing as Catholics, Living Catholic Values, Living Catholic Values in a Media Culture, Morality, Prayer and Identity and Mission. Within each unit there are four areas of development. Teaching the lesson, service, prayer/worship and family support and involvement.
DOCC 16/20
Disciples of Christ in the Community for Young Adults
School of Theology, Sewanee (Episcopal)
Two year course with eight presentation topics per year. Two to three weeks per topic. Emphasis on community building and living in a Christian context. Reasonably new program, developed by persons within the Episcopal Church who have a particular interest and expertise with youth.
Seekers (Sample)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
An innovative to life’s journey especially designed for young adults, ages 18-22. Program provides leaders with outlines for discussion and activities that support and guide young adults as they mature and search in Christian faith. Not doctrinal, Bible teaching or information giving, rather the whole group discover, wonder and reflect together on their lives as Christians. Adaptable for groups of 4 or more. Two years of program with 25 sessions each year and materials for two fall and two spring retreats.
Young Adult Works (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Comes in a binder with resources for: Developing Ministry, Evangelism and Outreach, Spiritual Formation and Catechesis, Prayers and Retreats, Justice, Service, Faith, Worship and Family.
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Adult Formation
Adult Journey, The
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
One year spiritual development course for adults and young adults. In the spirit of the Journey to Adulthood program.
Alpha Program, The
David C. Cook Church Ministries (Protestant)
Small group based. Leaders need some training. Uses video tapes and print materials to create a safe place to ask honest questions about faith, life and God. An introduction to Christianity. Materials required include: books "Telling Others", "Questions of Life", "Searching Issues”,"Why Jesus?". Introductory Video, Class presentation videos, Younger Youth manual (11 14 years old), Youth Manual (15 18 years old) and Youth Leader Manual.
Adult Foundational Curriculum (Sample*)
Presbyterian Publishing Group (Presbyterian-neutral)
Follows three year cycle. Year one: Basic Beliefs; Year two: The Bible Speaks; Year three: Our Ministry. Each unit requires a student book and leader guide. *Sample unit: The Bible Speaks, Old Testament Units 1 and 2 (Prophets).
DOCC (Disciples of Christ in the Community)
School of Theology, Swanee (Episcopal)
Study of living a Christ life. One year in length. Developed in an Episcopal seminary. Notebook with session outlines. Audio tapes for each of the 22 sessions. Trained leader is recommended. Often used prior to offering EFM. Good foundational study.
EFM (Education For Ministry)
School of Theology, Swanee (Episcopal)
Theological education by extension. Two year program. Mentor must be trained. Requires manual for students and manual for mentors. Requires commitment to attend and participate. Widely used within the Episcopal Church. Well regarded.
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Educational Center, The (Sample)
The Educational Center (Non-denominational)
Unique methodology and philosophy. Jungian in nature. Samples of programs include: Life Text: Preaching- life centered lectionary based preaching. Life Text: Study- individual or group, life centered, maieutic approach to Bible Study. Centerline: newsletters from the Educational Center. Bible Work Bench: small group or individual Bible study.
Emmaus: The Way of Faith
Church House Publishing (Anglican)
Designed to welcome people into the Christian faith and life of the church. Whole church evangelism. Three phases. Contact: for the parish, how to reach out. Nurture: 15 week course, the basics of Christian Life. Growth: 4 books that help deepen understanding of Christian Living and Discipleship. 1. Growing as a Christian 2. Christian Lifestyle 3. Knowing God 4. Your Kingdom Come.
InnerAction: Journey/Response (Samples*)
Franciscan Communications (Roman Catholic-neutral)
Six, 2 hour, sessions per unit. Weekly video presentation, each session has a Story Link (sharing), Life Link (integrating), and Faith Link (connecting). Each unit requires facilitator's guide, participant's book, and video. Units available: Gospel Attitudes*, Cultural Blessings*, Crossroads*, Family Bonds, Global Covenant, Graceful Addiction, Sexual Wholeness.
Kerygma Program: The Bible in Depth
Kerygma Program (Protestant)
Many faceted program. There is a core study, as well as many more brief continuing pieces. Requires trained leader, and Leader guide and Resource book.
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OACES: Opportunities for Adult Christian Education and Spirituality
Sewanee. University of the South (Episcopal)
Four Units. Practically Christian: Guide to practical Christian prayer, action, and reflection (6 units, 6 chapters each). Outward Signs: The congregation as Sacramental community (8 sessions) Helping congregations with worship outreach, education, and evangelism. Venture: Exploring the great ideas and images of Christian Faith, dealings with theology, church history, liturgies, and Holy Scripture (4 units, 6 sessions). The Seeker, involves discussion and activity guide for leaders in ministry with young adults, and retreat outlines (2 volumes).The Seventh Day: embracing Sabbath spirituality, practicing the rhythm of prayer, rest, and delight of daily life (6 sessions).
PRAXIS
PRAXIS (Protestant)
Inexpensive, brief units. Each student gets their own handouts, and a mentor guide is available. Units include: What is Spirituality?: For those entering the spiritual path (6 lessons). Christianity Today: More advanced, exploring faith in context of the modern world (6 lessons). Exploring the Christian Faith: Introduces the Christian faith to adult learners beginning the Journey. Good for inquirers' class (13 lessons).
Venture: Christian Beginnings (Sample*)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Explores the great ideas and images of the Christian faith. There are 4 series of classes and each series has a separate focus area. Classes: Christian Beginnings*, Reformation, Prophetic Voices of Freedom, One God, Many Faiths. Classes can be studied in any order. The common focuses of each class cycle are: Theology, Liturgics, Church History and Holy Scripture. A facilitator outline with reflection and discussion question if provided. The facilitator role can be rotated through all group members. Requires “extra-curriculum” reading assignments using current writings ie. “Loving the Questions”, “User Guide to the Book of Common Prayer” and the “Churches’ Teaching Series”.
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Adult/Youth Bible Study
Bethel Series, The
Adult Christian Education Foundation (Protestant)
Twenty lesson adult Bible study program. Designed to be used in groups. Presumes no previous study, non denominational. Provides a Bible overview.
Crossroad: Adult Christian Formation Program
The Crossroads Publishing Co. (Roman Catholic)
Designed for small groups. There are two tracts, Old and New Testament. Each tract contains eight, 90 minutes sessions. Uses a communal model of reflection drawn from experience to interpret the materials. Unit one requires book "How to Read the Old Testament," participant and facilitator guides. Unit two requires book "How to Read the New Testament," participant and facilitator guides.
Crossways International Bible Studies
Crossways International Inc. (Non-denominational)
Series of courses about the narrative and major theme of the Bible. Uses consistent, unique symbols throughout all courses. Course titles are as follows:
- Crossways! A survey course of the narrative and major themes of the Old and New Testaments. Requires study manual and leader manual, with optional 128 overhead color transparencies. Requires a trained leader. An "in depth" Bible study, with sixty units.
- The Divine Drama A study of the Christian faith in words and drama. Requires study manual and leader manual and three student workbooks, with optional 121 overhead color transparencies and questions. Requires trained leaders. A beginning Bible study, with thirty units.
- See Through the Scriptures An overview of scripture. Questions and narrative with 40 transparencies. Requires trained leaders. An introduction and overview of scripture.
- The Parables of Jesus Uses study manual and overhead projector to study the parables of Jesus, user friendly and engaging.
- The Bible's Big Story Our Story and the Biblical Time Line The Biblical narrative in chart form and companion book about the development of the Bible. User friendly.
Discovery Bible Studies (Sample*)
Discovery Bible Studies (Protestant)
Personal and/or group studies. Each book has 13 or 26 week studies. Titles: Books of Exodus & Deuteronomy*; Acts of the Apostles*; Book of Genesis*; John; Romans; Matthew.
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Paulist Bible Study Program (Sample)
Paulist Press (Roman Catholic)
Combines video presentation with Bible study. Four units, each 8 weeks in length. Requires workbooks, leader manual, video, and either "Reading the Old Testament" or "Reading the New Testament" books. *Sample unit includes two units of Old Testament and two units of New Testament studies.
Quick Studies for Youth
David C. Cook Church Ministries (Protestant)
Ready to use Bible studies for youth groups. Ten volumes. Each book of the Bible presented in these volumes has enough material for a 45 60 minute class. Lots of illustrated games, thought provokers, etc., to supplement a study or to stand on its own.
Titles: Genesis Deuteronomy, Joshua Esther, Job Song of Songs, Isaiah Malachai, Matthew and Mark, Luke and John, Acts and Romans, 1 Corinthians and Ephesians, Philippians, James Revelation.
Scripture from Scratch
St. Anthony Messenger Press (Roman Catholic)
A Popular Guide to Understanding the Bible. Handout or newsletter style, can be studied in groups or independently. Basic material for beginners, written to catch the attention in short bits. Can use one at a time or as a series.
Serendipity Bible for Groups
Serendipity House (Protestant)
New International version (also available in New Testament only) Aims to provide in one Bible everything needed for study. It is arranged with a column of questions right next to the appropriate Bible text. Questions for study are of three intensities. The first level is to prepare for study, the second encourages the student to dig further into scripture and the third poses questions to help the scripture to apply to individual life. Also included are maps and reference materials as well as 9 ready made courses of Bible study for beginners, 96 studies based on favorite Bible stories and finally favorite Bible stories from the life of Christ.
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Serendipity Bible Studies 101 (Sample*)
Serendipity House (Protestant)
Beginner Level. 7 13 week long courses that can be offered in any order. This publishing house has many years of experience in developing and running the small group model. Topics: Core Values, Stressed Out, Marriage, Jesus, Gifts and Calling*, Relationships, Assessment, Family, Wholeness, Beliefs.
Serendipity Bible Studies 201 (Sample*)
Serendipity House (Protestant)
Deeper level, no homework required. 10 26 week long studies. Topics: Wisdom*, Supernatural, Leadership, Performance, Challenges, Endurance, Freedom, Faithfulness, Integrity, Perseverance, Excellence, Teamwork, Discipleship, Gospel.
Serendipity Bible Studies 301 (Sample*)
Serendipity House (Protestant)
In depth, involves group homework assignments. 13 week long studies. Can use one study or all, in any order. An inductive Bible study. Topics: 1 John*, James, Ephesians, Miracles, Life of Christ, Parables, Philippians, Sermon on the Mount.
Serendipity "Search the Scriptures"
Serendipity House (Protestant)
Lectionary group program. Studies the Gospel for each Sunday of the Church year for the A B C year cycle. Comes with discussion guide and reproducible handouts. Uses the New Revised Common Lectionary for reference.
Lectionary Bible Study, The
Paraklete Press of California (Episcopal)
Three year course, issued in quarterly booklets. Each with 13 weekly lessons. For individual home study or group study. Requires minimum preparation for the leader.
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Specialty Curriculum
Catechism Materials
- Baptism: A New Life
Diocese of Minnesota (Episcopal)
Designed for the entire parish. 12 week study, with four major themes: A Special Belonging, A New Beginning, A Covenant, A New Response-Ability. The program concludes with a parish celebration.
- Catechism Curriculum
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Year long curriculum K-Adult based on Episcopal Catechism. Good for small churches seeking an integrated program, as a transition year between curriculums or for new church start-ups. There are 18 units. Human Nature, God the Father, the Old Covenant, 10 Commandments, Sin and Redemption, God the Son, The New Covenant, The Creeds, The Holy Spirit, The Holy Scriptures, The Church, The Ministry, Prayer and Worship, The Sacraments, Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Other Sacramental Rites, The Christian Hope.
- Discovery Series
Diocese of Texas (Episcopal)
Video based. Helps participants explore baptism, confirmation, spiritual gifts, discipleship and worship. Also provides an overview of faith, history and beliefs. 16 Segments 15 minutes each. 2 video tapes + facilitators guide + participants guides. (shelved with, and catalogued as video resource)
- Eucharist: Living the New Life
Diocese of Minnesota (Episcopal)
Intergenerational. Short course, designed for the entire parish. 12 weeks in length with four major themes: Gathering, Proclaiming, Offering, Celebrating. The program ends with a parish celebration.
- Faith Seeking Understanding
Episcopal Resource Center (Episcopal)
A Curriculum for Children Based on the Catechism from the Book of Common Prayer. 35 lessons grouped according to the church seasons, Advent/Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Easter. Two age groupings, primary and intermediate.
- Focus on the Prayer Book
Morehouse (Episcopal)
An adult study program for forming faith. Focus on the “Book of Common Prayer”. Workbook, small group format. Facilitators guide and 6 workbooks. Can be used one at a time or in a series. To be done as series would take a commitment of several months. Study titles: Phrases in Threes, Words in Threes, Great Words from the Book of Common Prayer, Great Phrases from the Book of Common Prayer, Wise Words, Alliteration in the Liturgy, Symbolic Language in the Liturgy. Unique introduction to the study of the literature of the prayer book.
- Holy Baptism
Diocese of Oregon (Episcopal)
Kindergarten through adulthood. All parish, divided into five age levels. Patterned after the "Living the Good News" Curriculum. Three sessions: We Belong to God’s Family, God’s Gift of Water, The Meaning of Baptism.
- Holy Eucharist
Diocese of Oregon (Episcopal)
Kindergarten through adulthood. All parish, designed in the same format as "Living the Good News Curriculum." Three sessions divided in five age level groups: Gathering to Hear God’s Word, Talking to God and Eating at God’s Table.
- Lift Up Your Hearts! Exploring the Eucharist
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Enrich liturgy by deepening your understanding of each aspect of the liturgy. 21 sessions 60-90 minutes each. Includes guided Eucharist.
- Living the Questions
Livingthequestions.com (Episcopal)
Twelve week DVD based program. 2 ½ hour sessions, involves shared meal, video, discussion and Bible study. Provides the “thinking” Christian, the person who is beginning to believe the church is hopeless, the inquiring mind a safe forum to ask the questions that previously were “uncool” to ask. Explore traditions and rote theologies. Does not give answers, gives a safe place to explore a re-visioning of Christianity. Shelved with and catalogued as video resources
- Via Media: Evangelism for the Episcopal Church
Every Voice Network (Episcopal) www.everyvoice.net/viamedia
Eight weeks long. Students learn in community setting about Christianity within the context of the Episcopal Church. Aims to present an inclusive Anglican approach to scripture, tradition and reason, and examines the role the church plays in society. Video materials and manual. Unit focus: An Anglican Way of Being Christian, The Abundance of God’s Creation, God in Jesus, God the Holy Spirit, The Bible, Sin and Christian Hope. The program concludes with a retreat. (materials shelved and catalogued with video resources)
- * see individual listing under William Stroop’s offerings
An Inquirer’s Course for those Interested in Joining the
Episcopal Church
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Adult Education Via the Internet
- Offering Thanks to William Stroop
St. George’s Roseburg Or. (Episcopal)
Current classes are offered at the church and on line. Past classes are available to download. (www.williamgstroop.com) A brief description of available classes are as follows: What Do Christians Really Believe? An introduction to Systematic Theology (7 sessions) Evangelism: Lessons from the Early Church (3 sessions) The Holy Eucharist and the Daily Office (1 session) The Agony in the Garden and Terror of Crucifixion (1 session) The Gospel of Mark (7 sessions) Who is Jesus the Christ? A Study of Early Gnostic and Orthodox Christianity (5 sessions) The Best of Times-The End of Times, the Revelation to John (7 sessions) *An Inquirer’s Course for those Interested in Joining the Episcopal Church (10 sessions) The Biology and Spirituality of Human Sexuality (10 sessions) Shelved together in two notebooks.
- Lessons for Grace
Rev. Rowan Greer (Episcopal)
Christian Education Classes Offered over the Internet by the Rev. Rowan Greer of St. Peters Episcopal Church. Topics include: Anglican Lives, Christian Socialism, The Anglican Communion and Reform & Renewal. The unit on Reform and Renewal is particularly rich in information. Self paced. Shelved together in one notebook.
- St. John in the Wilderness
St. John in the Wilderness Adult Education (Episcopal)
Adult education and formation classes offered over the internet. Topics include: Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Introduction to Christology, Jesus Resurrection: then-now, Genesis, Ten Commandments, Living as an Episcopalian, Romans, Survey of Church History, Creed, Esther, Gospel of Luke, Physics and Faith.
Shelved together in one notebook
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Stewardship
- Choices: A Stewardship Study for Teens
Evangel Press (Protestant)
6 13 weeks in duration. Includes a teacher book and student handouts. Good thorough information about money management, responsibility, and stewardship.
- Come Aboard the Stewardship
Church Center (Episcopal)
Stewardship focus for children. 4 units plus leader book and poster. Topics: God Gives us Blessings, God Gives us a Job to Do, Giving is Serving the Lord, We Thank God.
- Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart
Living the Good News (Episcopal)
Stewardship resource for children and their families. 4 sessions with 4 age groupings. Materials include children’s papers, family guide and leader guide.
- Kids Money and Stuff
ELCA (Lutheran)
Full day or overnight retreat format. Leader notebook, student booklet and video “Madame Blueberry” (Veggietales) Learn the difference between needs and wants. Not having needs met is hard on individual wellbeing, what does “stuff” do for/to us? We are to partner with God to make sure everyone has enough. By program’s end each student will create a plan for personal giving.
- Lenten Stewardship Curriculum
Diocese of California (Episcopal)
Focuses on the theology of stewardship. Designed to be used for the 5 weeks of lent, could be used anytime. Combines reflection with hands on activity. User friendly, interesting Topics include: The Anointing at Bethany, The Last Supper, Foot Washing, Peter’s Denial, Carrying the Cross. activities. Concludes with corporate “Stations of the Cross”
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Beyond Beliefs (Sample)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Designed to help participants learn basic skills in analyzing the values and beliefs that give rise to their behaviors and the behaviors of others. Looks at the church’s core values and assesses social issues in light of them. Assumptions are: the core value of the church is reconciliation, social problems are the results of brokenness, all Christians are called to be ministers of reconciliation. Leader guide for eight sessions, can be expanded by examining additional issues. Could be used on Sunday mornings, evenings, or weekend retreat.
Children’s Charter: A Study Guide for Congregations
Episcopal Church Center (Episcopal)
A method for the adults in a congregation to grasp an understanding of the implications of the "Children's Charter." 3 4 sessions, each 30 minutes in length.
Confirming Disciples (Sample)
Center for Ministry Development (Roman Catholic)
Liturgical parish initiation program, involves parents, sponsors, leaders, students and the entire congregation. Excellent material but specifically Roman Catholic. Could serve as a model for an Episcopal parish program, but would take some adapting. Presumes required 2 hour lesson sessions, retreat, rehearsal, confirmation and follow up post confirmation reunion. Themes for the 4 lesson/programs are: God’s loving call, Joined to Christ, Acts of the Disciples Today and Living Sacrament.
Do the Right Thing (Sample)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Goal to help participants to learn to make ethical decisions and apply them to life situations. Participants will come away with a better understanding of what they consider right and wrong. Will have a religious or ethical basis for decision and can explain decisions. Use a case study method. 50-90 minute sessions, can spend up to 4 sessions on a particular topic. Unlimited number of topics to explore.
God & Country Series
P.R.A.Y. (Non denominational)
Meets requirements for badges/certificates of the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4 H religion awards. Need not be affiliated with these organizations to participate. Material does not refer to these organizations. Each level must be completed within the recommended age range. Material is well written and sensitive to the variety of family configurations a child may experience (single parent, foster parent, or traditional families).Levels: God and Me (1st 3rd Grade), God and Family (4th 5th Grade), God and Church (6th 8th Grade ), God and Life (9th 12th Grade).
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Hear What the Spirit is Saying
Diocese of El Camino Real (Episcopal)
8 sessions about the Holy Spirit and growth. Combines drama and activity with bible study. Well organized and written. Session topics include: What is the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit present in your life? How have you met God in church? How does the church block your path to God? Do you see what the Spirit sees? Is the Spirit moving upon the earth? Hear what the Spirit is saying.
In the Spirit of the Circle
Episcopal Church Center (Episcopal)
Poster based intergenerational curriculum. For people of all cultures, looking for a vision of the Christian fatih. Each of the 32 sessions includes a story for either a Native American tradition or one based on a Church season.
LifeCycles (Sample)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Builds small groups around learning, leadership development and ministry support. Both congregational and personal. There are 4 cycles of six units each. Each unit has 6 sessions. Great as a introduction to, or follow up on, EFM
Love One Another (Sample)
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Listening in the Faith Community. Teaches tools to learn how to be open to the complexity of every issue. Listening for God in each other and with each other. Does not presume a quick fix, must be willing to be involved with self reflection and self disclosure. There a required orientation session prior to the formation of small groups. Use a process of using a “microscope method” to analyze situations. (this method was adapted from EFM)
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Serendipity: Beginnings
Serendipity House (Protestant)
For adults. Seven sessions about how to begin a small group. People learn to tell their own stories and get acquainted. No leader training necessary. Serendipity House specializes in small group ministries.
Serendipity: Felt Need Series
Serendipity House (Protestant)
Short studies grouped around life issues, to be conducted in a small group model. Serendipity House specializes in small group ministries. Topics: 12 Steps, Dealing with Grief and Loss, Divorce Recovery, Parenting Adolescents, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, Marriage Enrichment, Blended Families.
Treasure Magazine (CSMO)
Episcopal Church Center (Episcopal)
Evolved from the "Lenten mite box" ingathering of our youth. A special mission field is emphasized in each issue of this magazine. Parishes may wish to raise funds for the featured mission project or theme. Each issue has a study guide and can be used for a short term focused study with children. Materials are very low cost and engagingly written. Can be used for Lenten study or summer church school programs. Topics: Ministries to the Deaf, Kids for Peace and Kids for Peace 2, The Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Hungary/Romania and Albania, Indonesia, Japan, Jerusalem, Mexico, U.N. Rights of the Child, Lands of the Bible (Jerusalem and the Middle East), South Africa and Indonesia, West Africa and Brazil.
To Call a Bishop
Diocese of Oregon (Episcopal)
A Congregational Study, all ages. About the diocesan process of searching for and selection of a new bishop as it was done in the Diocese of Oregon.7 sections. Offers suggestions about flexible ways these sessions can be offered. Sessions are: Introduction, (process and history of the diocese) signs and symbols of the office of the Bishop, In Celebration! (an introduction of the candidates and the selection process), A gathering of Bishops, (bishop lore and history) What happens next? (plans for transition and installation) Where in the World in the Episcopal Church? (how the Episcopal church functions within the Anglican Communion)
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Whose Child is This?
Diocese of El Camino Real (Episcopal)
Designed as Lenten study 5-6 weeks. Can be used at any time. Issues around the place of children in the church. Topics include: Recollecting Our Own Place (remembering the child within), Word and Action (noticing what we do and what we say about children), God’s Word and Our Actions (making a place for children), We Will With God’s Help (following the prophetic child, Where Do We Go From Here? (Looking at the Children’s Charter).
Who Says So? The Authority of Scripture
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
5 sessions 90 minutes each. Leads participants to encounter with scripture as the source of authority for the Church and our lives. Presents the authority through history with Anglican perspective.
"You Create" Curriculum Guides
CSS Publishing (Protestant)
How To Develop Your Own Curriculum. Offers lesson formats and suggestions for three years worth of materials. Based on Old and New Testament stories.
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Spanish Language Curriculum
Amigos de Jesus
Claratian Publications (Roman Catholic)
Inter-age and completely bilingual (Spanish and English). Lectionary based. Three pages per Sunday, one for the teacher, one for children of reading age, and one for the parents at home. Easy to teach.
Curriculum De Educacion Cristiana
Diocese of Los Angeles (Episcopal)
Spanish only. Lectionary based. Three age groups from young children to teen, three cycles.
El Periodico Dominical (The Sunday Paper)
The Sunday Paper (Episcopal)
Handout/newspaper style. Lectionary based. One handout per Sunday, years A, B, and C. Cartoon style, illustrating all three scriptures for each Sunday. For moderate readers through high school. Available from the Diocesan Offices.
El Sexo: Una Perspectiva Cristiana
Group (Protestant)
Adolecentes yjovenes. Programos Biblicas Activos. For youth, written in Spanish. A Christian perspective on sex.
La Familia De Dios (The Family of God)
Seedlings Inc. (Episcopal)
For kindergarten 6th grade. Spanish only. Drawn from the Seedlings Curriculum. Eight lessons on Sacraments, five lessons on the Episcopal Church, seven lessons Celebrating the Church Year, and six lessons on Our United Family of God.
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Las Drogas y Las Bebidas Alcoholicas
Group (Protestant)
Adolecentes y jovenes. Programos Biblico Activos.
In spanish, for youth, biblical studies around the topics of drugs and alcohol use.
Las Peliculas, La Musica, La Television y Yo
Group (Protestant)
Adolecentes y jovenes. Programos Biblico Activos
In spanish for youth, biblical studies around the topics of music and television and their effect on youth.
Lecciones Biblicas Especiales
Group (Protestant)
Designed to be used for small combined age classes,
Summer Sundays, special celebrations. Has unique well planned “before and after” activities called “Time Stuffers”, built into the program for those children who arrive early or leave late. Each volume has 2 focus units with 3-6 sessions each. Each volume has 1 unit with 3 lessons for special occasions ie. Thanksgiving, Valentines day etc.
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VBS/Summer Programs
All About Paul
Christian Ed. Resources (Protestant)
5 or 10 sessions 4 age groupings Kindergarten-12. Leader book, student handouts and learning center project cards. Four years worth of material. Year one: Journeys with Paul Year two: From Saul to Paul Year three: Gathering the Churches Year four: The Gospel According to us.
Aslan Is on the Move
LeaderResources (Episcopal)
Designed to be used in conjunction with the animated “the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”. All ages, can be used as a parish wide event. Program can be done in three formats: Long (five 2 ½-hour sessions), Short (five 1-hour sessions) and Weekend (Friday night-Sunday night)
Becoming God’s Peacemakers
Faith and Life Press. (Mennonite)
Originally designed as a 5 day Vacation Bible School, can be adapted to many settings including a parish wide event. The children are grouped into “villages” and will explore the peacemaking themes through the eyes of the village they have been assigned. Daily themes are: Celebrate and Care for Creation, Love and Live with our Neighbors, Love and Live with All People, Ask and Offer Forgiveness and Prepare for and Practice Peacemaking. Each village will explore their countries: People, Land and Culture. Differences and Similarities, Fun with Foods and Games. Meet the Mission Workers and Celebrate God’s Family. The village settings represent the following countries: Bolivia, China, Haiti, India, Israel and the West Bank, Japan, Soviet Republics, Zaire. A huge amount of support materials (games, music, stories etc.) are also included
Bible Times B.C.
Living the Good News Inc. (Episcopal)
Highlights from Hebrew Scriptures and Holidays. Booklets for 3-6 year olds and booklets for 7-ll year olds, includes program for youth.
Co-Workers in Creation: First Steps in Ecology
Educational Ministries (Protestant)
A creative approach to introducing school aged children to the wonders of God’s world and their responsibility as caretakers of it. Designed as 5-day Vacation Church School program.
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Family Ties
Woodlake Books (Protestant)
The Adventures of Abraham and Sarah and their Descendants. 5 sessions 3 age levels. Focus on Genesis 12-50. Gods Promise to Abraham and Sarah, Rebeka Joins the Family, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and His Brothers, Joseph Reunited with Family
Festival of Faith: Celebrating the Gifts of God
Educational Ministries Inc. (Protestant)
5-day VBS invites children to learn the story of Christian faith through the seasons of the church year. Discusses the global nature of the church. Young people are grouped in cross graded “embassies” each Embassy represents a separate nation of the world. The embassies discover the background, culture and customs of their countries, especially those that relate to the church and its seasonal religious festivals.
God’s Paintbrush Celebration Kit
Jewish Lights Pub. (Jewish)
Based on the book by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, “God’s Paintbrush. 5 sessions uses other Sasso books: “In God’s Name” & “God in Between”. Themes for the 5 sessions: What is God Like?, Seeing, Hearing and Speaking, Touching and Doing. Children activity sheets for each session.
Hear the Children: A Treasure Magazine VBS
Episcopal Church Center (Episcopal)
4 elementary school age groups. Rotation model. Each unit can be explored in the following workshops: music, art, creative writing, science, movement, games and storytelling. The areas of mission focus are: Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Jerusalem and West Africa.
Heart for Missions, A
Smyth & Helwys (Baptist)
Focus on missionary work. Includes t-shirts, toy medical kits, CDs and posters as well as group leader books, and other support material. Helps children learn from biblical examples of missions, helps to see needs in own communities. Uses health care metaphor to learn about community. Setting- medical school, the children are interns, the teachers are doctors. Activity centers are x-ray-Bible, Pt and Dietician-recreation and snacks, ENT-music, Lab work-craft and projects. Children make “rounds” to the centers. Preschoolers have separate program based on the same themes.
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I Am Somebody God Loves
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