Christian Formation

 

SEAL 1-2Diocese of Eastern Michigan

Ministries Resource Center Directory (A Lending Library)

Subject: Christian Formation

Topic: Youth Education (Jr and Sr High)

 

 

Curriculum Resources for Middle School/Jr High

 

                           The following items are located at the Diocesan Center, Saginaw:

Ministries Resource Center Home

Anglican/Episcopal Church

Christian Formation

Congregational/ Leadership Development

Ecumenism/Evangelism

Music and Worship

Peace & Justice Ministries

Bible/Prayer/Sacraments

Stewardship/Mission and Outreach

Youth

 

 

An Introduction to Godly Play Theory

Children in Worship

Vacation Bible School

 

 

Curriculum:

Preschool

Elementary Education

Youth

Adult Formation

Adult Resources     

All Ages 

 

 

Diocese of Eastern Michigan Home

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth - Center for Ministry for Teaching, VTS; No cost

See: http://www.vts.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=122315&rc=1

A series of 12 modules: the younger youth curriculum focuses on people, themes, and church "basics". Each module has 9 lessons and have available a leader's guide, poster pack, and student leaflet. Available for preview:  "Sacraments of the Church", with poster pack; "Witnesses in the World"

 

Journey to Adulthood - Leader Resources; Washington DC

A 4 year program, broken into 2 parts: Rite 13 and J2A; both sections focus on Self, Society, Sexuality, and Spirituality of students; Rite 13 starts at about 11 years (or 6th grade); J2A covers the second 2 years; the four year program acts as a "rite of passage" and culminates in the possibility of Confirmation following a pilgrimage at the end of J2A. It is a combined education and "youth group" resource; the diocese owns a license and it is available to all congregations; currently the curriculum is on-line so users can download what is needed. There are coordinators in each Convocation to assist with this program.

Contacts: Blue Water, Christy Allen, Grace, Port Huron; Flint River, Kris Forsyth, St Christopher’s, Grand Blanc; Northern, Rev David Vickers, Transfiguration, Indian River; Saginaw Valley, Marnie Bash, St John’s, Midland or http://www.leaderresources.com/ 

 

LWW Discovery Guide – Bethel Lutheran Church/Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis MN; 2005

[Located in El Ed Curriculum]

This is a study guide for use with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by older elementary and middle school students. There is one “lesson” to go with each chapter of the book which includes “dig deeper”, “road map”, “vocab” and “fun fact” as well as a page for the student to journal on a specific question; the “dig deeper” section includes scripture references.

 

Mustard Seed Sample, Grades 7-9 – LeaderResources, Washington DC

[Located in El Ed Curriculum]

Sample lesson plans for students in each grade of Middle School

 

 

Annually renewed curriculum-samples on file (located in 3 ring binders):

Clear Curriculum – Randall House Publications, Nashville TN

This resource is designed to have the entire family studying the same Scriptural materials from infants and toddlers through adulthood; it is closely age graded. The teacher guides include a brief reflection for the teacher and very detailed instructions for teaching each class. Patterns and other resources are included in a separate teacher pack. Also included is an activity book for the students. This curriculum resource has available all the “bells and whistles” and so can be a bit expensive. 

 

Living the Good News – Living the Good News/Morehouse Publishing Harrisburg PA (updated annually)

An Episcopal Lectionary based curriculum; seasonal leader’s guide includes lessons with background information and meditations on the weekly readings, the story to tell, activities, and closing prayer. Easy to use. Age graded: Junior High

 

Seasons of the Spirit - Logos Publications, Inver Grove Heights MN (updated annually)

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, seasonal guides offer teachers background information on scripture, stories and activities for class, worship and outreach opportunities, includes beautiful art work as well as musical suggestions for class; Closely graded: 12-14 years, 15-18 years; Available for review: Fall 02 (Late Pentecost)

For more information:  www.spiritseasons.com

 

Witness – Augsburg Fortress

A closely-graded curriculum for students from 2 years through 8th grade. It is based on Bible stories, about 1/3 from the Old Testament and the rest from the New. Works in a 2 year cycle.

 

 

See also:

Adult Curriculum – Bible Studies

The Bible and Devotional Life - by Steve Clapp, Wesley Kolbe Publishing

42 daily studies for youth with reflection questions for each day; also includes weekly class lessons.

 

Sacraments/Bible/Prayer – About the Bible

The Bible Alive - Stanley Birnbaum, Winston Press; San Francisco CA

A variety of creative ways to get students into the Bible

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curriculum Resources for Senior High

 

The following items are located at the Diocesan Center, Saginaw:

God Doesn't Make Junk - Robert G. Davidson, Educational Ministries

Youth Retreat on learning more about ourselves and relating to others; 5 sessions

 

Connecting Your Heart to Others’ – Doug Fields and Brett Eastman, Youth Specialties; 2003

A 6 session study for small groups of youth to discuss fellowship and being friends w/one another; includes the group study, worship, and suggestions for readings to do during the week between meetings.

 

New: My Faith, My Life – Jenifer Gamber, Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA, 2006

This is an excellent introduction to the Episcopal Church for teens. The information is fairly straightforward on Baptism and Confirmation, Bible, History, Faith, Worship, Sacraments, Spirituality, and the organization of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, but it is presented in a way accessible to youth and there is a website for follow-up on any given topic. It is a good book to use with a youth group, a Confirmation group, or as background information for leaders.  

 

Holy Superheroes! - Greg Garrett, Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville KY; 2008

Comic books and comic book characters in the movie are resurgent (3 big comic book movies are due to be released in the summer of ’08) and Garrett, a comic book fan and seminary trained professor of literature, has written this book to show how these comic book characters have a spiritual underpinning. He uses Superman, the original “good guy”, as a basis for comparison with other cartoon characters and how they all develop in their values and understandings. He outlines how characters have become much more complex in the course of 50-60 years of development and shows what depth can be found in the world of comics, graphic novels, and comic book films. The book concludes with a list of 25 comics and graphic novels to use for discussion and suggests possible themes for each.

 

Journey to Adulthood – LeaderResources, Washington DC

YAC component is for 10th or 11th through 12th grades; primarily run by students with adults as facilitators; Contacts: Blue Water, Christy Allen, Grace, Port Huron; Flint River, Kris Forsyth, St Christopher’s, Grand Blanc; Northern, Rev David Vickers, Transfiguration, Indian River; Saginaw Valley, Marnie Bash, St John’s, Midland or http://www.leaderresources.com/ 

 

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth - Center for Ministry for Teaching, VTS; No cost

See: http://www.vts.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=122315&rc=1

A series of 12 modules, focusing on issues important to older youth Leadership teams of youth and adults present the lessons. Each module includes the leader guide and a poster pack

 

(Video) A Cry for Help – Paraclete Video Productions; Brewster MA; 2001

The subtitle is “How to help a friend who is depressed or suicidal”, and this video talks about the reasons behind such behavior as well as how a friend can help. It uses many teens talking about these problems-some who have been there and some who are friends-and helps the youth learn what to look for in a friend who may need their help. 22 min.

 

(Video) When a Loved One Dies – Paraclete Video Productions; Brewster MA; 2001

This video is designed to help those who have lost a loved one and help them realize how much of what they are feeling is normal as well as how to face the future and learn to cope. 30 min.

 

Great Religions of the World - Sr. Loretta Postua, St Mary's Press; Winona WI

A presentation of the major religions of the world, divided by the region in which they began, and introduced by a discussion of the key elements of religion. Student book contains many color illustrations; teaching manual includes background information and activities.

 

The Christian Tradition – Smith and Bodin, eds, Argus Communications, Allen TX, 1978

Source book w/a collection of readings and glossary, Teacher Guide, and Copy Masters

The Jewish Tradition – Smith and Bodin, eds, Argus Communication, Allen TX, 1978

Source book w/a collection of readings and glossary, Teacher Guide, and Copy Masters

 

(Audio cassette) Peer Pressure – Spectrum, David C. Cook Publishing Co, Chicago IL

A music based curriculum with discussion questions, activities, and Bible studies

 

The Hebrew Scriptures - St Mary's Press, Winona WI

A study of why the Old Testament is important to us, followed by discussion of the various parts of the Hebrew Scriptures (including the Apocrypha) Student guide and Teaching manual.

 

Celebrating Sacraments – Joseph Stoutzenberger, St Mary’s Press, Winona WI; 1993

This is an excellent explanation of sacraments as a whole and the specific sacraments; designed for Roman Catholic High Schools, it is nevertheless a good introduction for any group. Begins with what sacraments are and how we use them, before looking at each individual sacrament in some depth.

 

Teen Text – Download: www.educationalcenter.org

This is an on-line lectionary based study for youth that ties the Scripture reading to their lives; offers questions for the students to consider throughout the week; costs $26/year

 

Faithtalk – Youth and Family Institute

   Faithtalk is a set of cards designed to help youth and their families or youth leaders talk on a variety of topics.  The 4 topics for youth are Memories, Etchings (reflecting on experiences), Values, and Actions. Included with the card pack are a set of directions for the way to use these cards in a group and also suggestions for a variety of ways to use the cards with different groups and settings. The cards come in their own colorful carrying pouch.

 

 

Annually renewed curriculum-samples on file (located in 3 ring binders):

Clear Curriculum – Randall House Publications, Nashville TN

This resource is designed to have the entire family studying the same Scriptural materials from infants and toddlers through adulthood; it is closely age graded. The teacher guides include a brief reflection for the teacher and very detailed instructions for teaching each class. Patterns and other resources are included in a separate teacher pack. Also included is an activity book for the students. This curriculum resource has available all the “bells and whistles” and so can be a bit expensive. 

 

Living the Good News – Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA (updated annually)

An Episcopal Lectionary based curriculum; seasonal leader’s guide includes lessons with background information and meditations on the weekly readings, the story to tell, activities, and closing prayer. Easy to use; age graded: Senior High

 

Seasons of the Spirit - Logos Publications, Inver Grove Heights MN (updated annually)

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, seasonal guides offer teachers background information on scripture, stories and activities for class, worship and outreach opportunities, includes beautiful art work as well as musical suggestions for class; Closely graded: 12-14 years, 15-18 years; Available for review: Fall 02 (Late Pentecost) For more information:  www.spiritseasons.com

 

 

See also:

Peace and Justice – Non-violence/Peace Making

If only today you knew…the things that make for peace – Institute for Peace and Justice; 2002

This is a resource for high school students that includes “peacemaking activities in response to violence, terrorism and war”; it has several lessons as well as a variety of activities and references; the resource was created with Pax Christi USA, a peacemaking organization of the Roman Catholic Church

 

Adult Curriculum – Bible Studies

The Bible and Devotional Life - Steve Clapp, Wesley Kolbe Publishing

A set of 42 daily meditations with reflection questions for each day; also includes 6 weekly class sessions.

 

Sacraments/Bible/Prayer - Confirmation Materials

I Will With God’s Help – Mary Lee Wile, Living the Good News, Denver CO; 2000

A six-twelve session Confirmation course for youth and/or adults; it takes a look at each of the baptismal promises in preparation for Confirmation and offers a solid reflection on our Episcopal heritage and belief. It may be taught by either lay or clergy and includes a good introduction explaining current thinking on Confirmation. The Leader’s Guide includes an extensive bibliography; also Youth and Adult Journals.

 

Confirm not Conformwww.morehouseeducation.org

This is a new program developed in an Oakland CA church to help youth explore their understandings of faith and of the Episcopal Church; it is a year-long program which involves the entire congregation and also offers an adult component. The program is licensed based on church size and renewed annually. Available for preview are an introductory packet with lesson 1, both on paper and on CD.

 

Keeping the Promise - by Andrew D Parker, Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA

Designed as a mentoring program, 9 sections, student and mentor meet regularly with some meetings of full group of participants, includes Mentor's and Student's books

 

 

 

 

Pilgrimage Resources

 

The following resource is available in each Convocation; see below for contact:

Pilgrimage Manuel - LeaderResources, Washington DC; 2000

An update of the original curriculum; all the information for planning your pilgrimage in one place

Locations: BW-Christy Allen; FR-Kris Forsyth; N-Rev. David Vickers; SV-Marnie Bash

 

 

The following items are located at the Diocesan Center, Saginaw:

Pilgrim's London - Robert H Baylis, Lion Publishing; 1990

A dictionary style reference to places around London with the secular and spiritual history

 

American Pilgrimage – Mark Ogilbee & Jana Riess, Paraclete Press, Brewster MA; 2006

The authors look at several sites in the US as possible sites for pilgrimage; probably not too many are familiar to us, and some might not seem likes places of pilgrimage, but all offer possibilities and ideas. The book also discusses-to some extent-“why” people go on pilgrimage. The appendix includes ways to contact the various places mentioned.

 

Places of Secret Prayer, Pilgrimage in Alabama – William M. King, privately published; 2004

While on sabbatical, King first gathered suggestions from fellow clergy and then visited 12 places around his state where prayer and spirituality were part of their history; most were churches, but he also included a mosque and the place where Jonathan Daniels was killed-the site of yearly pilgrimages by many people. The book also contains a CD with w adult education classes, one on pilgrimage generally and one on the 12 places he visited; there is also a list of “practical steps for making a pilgrimage”. It might be fun to see what he has done and try it in our own state!

 

 

The following items are located at St John’s, Midland:

Cathedral Meditations - Rev. Joan Bristow, SPCK, Great Britain; 1998

A series of descriptions of and meditations about many of the English cathedrals

 

Pilgrims in the Kingdom – Deborah and David Douglas, Upper Room Books, Nashville TN; 2004

The Douglas’s made several short trips to places of pilgrimage in Great Britain; they went to “kneel where prayer has been valid”. There is a brief meditation on each spot visited, and at the back of the book are detailed notes to help others travel to these places.

 

The Road to Canterbury – Shirley du Boulay, Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA; 2003

Describes an actual pilgrimage from Winchester to Canterbury; the author expresses thoughts and feelings along the way and reflects much on the meaning of pilgrimage

 

On Pilgrimage - Douglas C. Vest, Cowley Press, Boston MA; 1998

A discussion of the "whys" and "hows" of making pilgrimages; includes a good check-list at the end.

 

 

For more information or to borrow a particular item, contact Marnie Bash,

Coordinator, Ministries Resource Center: mpbash@ameritech.net or 989-839-9364.