Christian Formation

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.

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth - Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA

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"

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 for teachers to use. Age graded: Junior High

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

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. A neat way to get the most out of this very famous book, now a movie!

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

Sample lesson plans for students in each grade of Middle School; introductory material may be found in the Mustard Seed Preview Kit in the Elementary Education Curriculum page (click here).

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:

Sacraments/Bible/Prayer – 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 a section for weekly class lessons.

Sacraments/Bible/Prayer – Teaching the Bible

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

A variety of creative ways to get students into the Bible

The following item(s) are located at St John’s, Midland:

I Know Where I’m Going-but will my cash keep up? Parts 1&2 – Annie E Casey Foundation, Baltimore MD, 2002

Caregiver’s Handbook for use with I Know Where I’m Going

Designed to help teens learn to use money responsibly; could be used in conjunction with Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart (see Stewardship)

The following item(s) are located in each convocation

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 6^th grade); J2A covers the second 2 years; the four year program acts as a "rite of passage" and culminates in the possibility of Confirmation followed by 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 a CD so users can download what is needed. There are coordinators in each Convocation to assist with implementation of 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/

Curriculum Resources for Senior High

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

Clear Curriculum – Randall House Publications, Nashville TN

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth - Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA

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

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

Youth Retreat on learning more about ourselves and relating to others; 5 sessions; may be taught as a 5 week course.

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

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

For more information: www.spiritseasons.com

(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 a discussion of what sacraments are and how we use them, before looking at each individual sacrament in some depth.

See also:

A/E Church – World Religions

Great Religions of the World - 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.

Peace and Justice – Non-violence/Peace Making

If only today you knew…the things that make for peace – Institute for Peace and Justice, St Louis MO; 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

Sacraments/Bible/Prayer – 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.

Youth/Journey to Adulthood - Pilgrimage

Many Signs and Wonders – Cathy Caimano, Younger Adult and Higher Education Ministries, ECUSA

This study of the book of Acts is not directly related to the Pilgrimage, but encourages the students to do the growing and changing that will serve them well on pilgrimage; six lessons with discussion and questions. 2 copies

The following item(s) are located in each convocation:

Journey to Adulthood – LeaderResources, Washington DC

YAC component is for 10^th or 11^th through 12^th grades; primarily run by students with adults as facilitators; some lessons now available with more promised by summer 03, but main program is designed by students; available in each convocation on CD

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

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

If you are a member of the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, you may contact directly the listed church,

or, for items found at the Diocesan Center, Saginaw, contact Marnie Bash as listed above.