|
After almost a year of concentrated effort, Congregational
Ministries Publishing introduces the only curriculum available,
specifically created to meet the needs of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.). We Believe: God’s Word for God’s People,
was written by Presbyterians for Presbyterians to help members
of all ages develop a common understanding of Reformed theology
and how we as Presbyterians understand the Word of God and apply
that understanding in our daily lives . . . For life-long Presbyterians,
We Believe continues the process of building common ground,
weaving together the cords that are the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.). For those who have come to the Church from other traditions
the curriculum serves as a basis for understanding who we are
and what Presbyterians believe.
Every facet of We Believe begins with the Bible and relates
to the message of Jesus Christ. The curriculum encourages biblical
literacy at all age levels. We tell the stories in an age appropriate
fashion, and in a variety of ways to allow for different learning
styles. For example, preschoolers learning the story of King
David become participants in the story by providing sound effects
and responses to the leader’s reading. Younger elementary
students may be asked to create a poster using symbols related
to David as an entry into discussion of the meaning behind the
symbols. While Older elementary students learn and apply the
concept of genealogy.
One of the underlying precepts of We Believe is that it is
user-friendly. Every consideration was given to developing a
format that was simple to order and easy to use. You said you
wanted a return to the quarterly format . . . We Believe is
quarterly, with a self-contained Leader’s Book that has
everything a teacher needs to know. Planning is easier thanks
to the inclusion in each lesson plan of biblical, historical
and theological content; Something to Remember, a key Scripture
verse or line from our confessions or catechisms and a brief
statement of the Main Idea or focus of the session. Also included
is a list of supplies and materials organized by section. The
last minute substitute can feel comfortable that they have all
of the information required at their finger tips.
In answer to other feedback we received, the Children’s
and Younger Youth curricula do follow the church year. Younger
elementary students, for example, will begin the Winter quarter
this year learning about the house of David in Isaiah 11; learn
about Joseph in Matthew, Chapter 1; Mary, and God’s plan
for a Messiah in the first chapter of Luke; and the birth of
Jesus as told in Luke, Chapter 2. The quarter follows the life
of Jesus through the story of his meeting with Zacchaeus in
Luke 19.
|
