Thriving faith communities come in all shapes, sizes and locations: small clapboard churches in rural areas bursting with children; cathedrals in inner cities justly serving their neighbors; red brick buildings with young adults seeking meaning; churches transforming lives day by day.

Discover best practices for Christian education week

After months of combined classes, suspended church school and temporary approaches to ministry, fall brings the opportunity for renewal and excitement in congregational life. Children are heading back to school and are anxious to meet new teachers and see old friends. Youth are moving through milestones and transitions. Adults are ready for routines and the support of their faith community. It is time to welcome the faithful and seekers back to church.

Christian education week, complete with a grand celebration Sunday, is a tradition in the church even when no changes were made for the summer. The Sunday when church school and ongoing ministries resume has many names: Rally Day, Launch Sunday, Homecoming Sunday. Some churches choose a theme for the year and the first Sunday in the fall schedule becomes theme Sunday.

The Presbyterian Planning Calendar identifies the beginning of Christian education week as the first Sunday after Labor Day — this year, September 13, 2009. Best practices for the weeks before and during a Christian education emphasis can include personal invitations to all members and regular attendees, a canvass of neighborhoods near the church to install door hangers or fliers about the festivities, an open house and all-church picnic and a commissioning service for teachers and leaders.

Christian Education Week is an important time in the life of the church. Create a special worship service by selecting liturgies, hymns or prayers from these sample services.

• Voices of the Community Litany
• Opening Doors to Discipleship Litany and Prayers

Other denominations offer tools and ideas for celebrating Christian education week. Link to ecumenical partners through the Faith and Wisdom Web site. In particular take note of the wealth of Christian education tools and resources available through the Presbyterian Church in Canada' s The Vine.

Share best practices

Do you have an example of best practice in faith formation that you would be willing to share on this Web site? Please submit your ideas through Educational Ministries.

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