Christian educators and PC(USA) church leaders across the nation are excited about Growing in Grace & Gratitude, the new Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denominational children’s curriculum beginning fall 2015. At introductory workshops, they are getting a firsthand look at how the curriculum will help transform the lives of children and those who love them, shaped by grace and gratitude.

Each session of Growing in Grace & Gratitude shares a Bible story that reveals God’s grace for us. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, prayer, and singing, children and their leaders will celebrate the meaning of this grace in their lives as they encounter a living God. Closing activities extend an invitation to discipleship, inspiring children to live as an expression of God’s grace.

The feedback from workshop attendees is affirming:

“The life application concept is huge! We ask, ‘So what?’ each week.”
“[The curriculum is] written well and simply for leaders of all experience levels to use.”
“I like that the activities are simple and use readily available, inexpensive materials. I like the limited preparation required.”

The curriculum is also receiving praise for its Children with Disabilities and Special Needs Support Map that helps support an environment that allows children of all abilities to experience God’s grace. It helps leaders become familiar with developmental terms and descriptions and provides ideas for enabling all children to participate in activities. A Visual Schedule helps children move through the session by providing clear expectations.

“I love that you have added instructions and ideas for adapting [the session for] kids of different abilities. So, so needed!”
“I like that it accommodates different kinds of learners.”
“Inclusion of visual cues and tips for differently able children is great—and important.”

Growing in Grace & Gratitude is rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian identity, where God’s grace and our gratitude are the heartbeat of our faith, life, and worship. Available in English and Spanish (Crecemos en gracia y gratitude), the curriculum extends an invitation to discipleship that inspires children to learn and practice hospitality, generosity, and love, and it reaches beyond Sunday morning, encouraging children to live their lives as an expression of God’s grace.

Introductory workshops are still taking place, including ones at the 2015 Church-wide Gathering of Presbyterian Women this week and at Big Tent 2015 in July. Visit growinggracegratitude.org for upcoming dates and locations.

Preorder the curriculum for your church at pcusastore.com. Choose the 9-month plan for the best value. Call (800) 533-4371 for help in deciding which format is right for your church setting.

Growing in Grace & Gratitude is published by Congregational Ministries Publishing, the denominational curriculum publisher of the PC(USA). Its mission is to bring glory to God by inspiring, equipping, and connecting Presbyterians of all ages with faithful, affordable, educational resources that further commitments to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.