Curriculum Guide
Choosing a Curriculum
There is no one curriculum that meets the needs of every parish. When choosing a curriculum consider: the size of the parish, the resources available, and the goals desired. The following sites outline most available curricula for children, youth and adults which are compatible with Episcopal theology.
Curriculum Center at Building Faith, the blog of Christian formation specialist Sharon Pearson of Church Publishing
Building Faith has a wealth of ideas and resources.
Recommended Curricula
Godly Play a biblical based, story-telling approach to children’s formation widely used in the Diocese of Bethlehem
Weaving God’s Promises a thematic Episcopal curriculum for pre-school through middle school. Downloadable.
Journey to Adulthood (J2A) a complete youth ministry program for spiritual formation for 6th -12th graders.
Lesson Plans that Work free downloadable lectionary based lessons for children, youth and adults.
Eucharist
Holy Communion: Teaching and Learning
A Child’s Guide to the Holy Eucharist
Let Us Pray A Little Kid’s Guide to the Eucharist
What We Do in Church An activity book
This Bread and This Cup a curriculum with Leader’s guide and Child’s guide
Teaching Resources
Animated Bible Stories
Nest Entertainment
Veggie Tales
Bible studies, small group topics for adults, teens, children
Forward Movement, pamphlets, books and study guides in the Episcopal Tradition
The Thoughtful Christian, maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, an ecumenical site with writers from a variety of denominational affiliations.
Study Bibles For Children
The Spark Story Bible geared for children age 2 through early readers
Children’s Illustrated Bible one of the best loved children’s bibles in story form.
Children’s Everyday Bible has a bible story for every day of the year. Wonderful family devotional.
The Spark Bible NRSV comes in both paper and hard bound editions, has sidebars and appendixes, and works grade 3 through middle school.
Study Bibles For Youth and Adults
For older youth and adults, NRSV translations with the Apocrypha.
The Life with God Bible devotional bible with expert commentary
The Access Bible includes sidebars, maps and other study aids
The New Oxford Annotated Bible the premier study bible used by scholars and students
Pew or gift Bible includes maps, but no notes or study aids
The Pocket Bible Guide an excellent, easy to use resource from LeaderResources
Education for Ministry (EfM)
EfM Overview
Do you have questions about your faith? Most people do, and most find it challenging to get answers. Education for Ministry (EfM) was developed by the School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, to provide a mechanism for people to work through those questions. This four-year course of study provides the framework for the group to connect faith to their daily lives through reading and discussion.
Meeting once a week in small groups with people from your neighborhood, led by mentors trained to facilitate the experience, you will begin to think theologically, reflect faithfully, and speak civilly when confronted by beliefs and principles in opposition to your own. And that’s something we can all appreciate in today’s world.
By being an EfM participant, you will learn how to articulate your faith. You will learn how to shape your faith into action. You will become involved in ministries in your community and you will make a difference.
Since its inception in 1975, more than 100,000 people have participated in this vital program. EfM groups meet regionally in nearly every diocese of The Episcopal Church, in six provinces of the Anglican Communion, and some in virtual classrooms with participants from across the globe. We would love to have you join us!
Contact
Cathy Bailey, Diocesan EfM Coordinator
Resources
Seasonal Resources
The Church Year
Curriculum and Resources for the Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Living
Society of St. John the Evangelist: online meditations with downloadable resources for educators, in conjunction with the Anglican Communion Office
Episcopal Relief & Development: Advent Toolkit
Church Publishing Incorporated: Advent Presence by Melford “Bud” Holland
“Soul Proclamations: Singing the Magnificat with Mary,” meditations by Ray Suarez, the Very Rev. Kate Moorehead, the Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal and others.
For Children and Families
Build Your Own Bethlehem activity book
Liturgy Training Publications: Fling Wide the Doors, 3D Advent Calendar with activities
Candle Press: Advent Downloadable Resource
Church Publishing Incorporated: What We Do in Advent activity book
Adult Resources
Welcome to the Church Year: An Introduction, Vicky K. Black
The Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education, Sharon Ely Pearson & Robyn Szoke, Editors
A Gracious Rain: A Devotional Commentary on the Prayers of the Church Year, Richard Schmidt
Christian Education Resources
Saints, Signs, and Symbols, Hilarie and James Cornwell
Children’s Activities for the Christian Year, Delia Halverson
Rings, Kings and Butterflies: Lessons on Christian Symbols, Harriet VanderMeer
Sunday Children’s Bulletins, Gretchen Pritchard, The Sunday Paper: www.the-sunday-paper.com
Stevenson School for Ministry
The Stevenson School for Ministry believes that discernment is deeply important for spiritual growth. Through discernment, we explore the range of vocations (diakonia, priesthood, lay ministry) in which we as the Body of Christ can engage. Discernment helps us learn to articulate the places where God is active in our lives through a process of listening, reflecting, and responding in circles of community. And, actively engaging in discernment helps us to identify our gifts for ministry while discovering new learning opportunities to serve God and our neighbor. Online courses are available. View current course offerings.