Reach out to families

This summer, help busy families grow in faith by giving them a Gather ’Round Talkabout and a copy of Connect (the parent/caregiver guide) to use at home or on vacation. Offer a “Summertime Blessing” during worship to introduce families to the summer Gather ’Round theme “Letters to the Early Churches.” Show everyone the Talkabout—a series of colorful postcards with brief Scripture readings, discussion ideas and prayers—some of which are designed to be mailed to others. Pray that through using the Talkabout postcards families will encourage one another and their friends to grow in love for God through Jesus Christ, just as Paul encouraged the early churches through his letters.

Roundabout

is the quarterly newsletter providing teaching tips and current information for teachers and leaders of Gather ’Round Sunday school curriculum. Be sure your teachers, pastors and Christian formation workers have access to this helpful education resource. Find a pdf at www.gatherround.org/roundabout.html. Also sign up to receive the e-newsletter Roundabout Online at www.gatherround.org/eupdates.html.

Mennonite VBS 2009 a “Top Pick”

In an evaluation of 19 different curriculums, Catch the Spirit! Join God’s Work in the World! was selected as a “Top Pick” by the Center for Ministry of Teaching, Virginia Theological Seminary. Catch the Spirit! was cited for its “upbeat and nonjudgmental tone and strong message of evangelism.” The focus on worship and the original music by Mennonite composer Bryan Moyer Suderman were cited as particular strengths. Catch the Spirit! uses stories from the book of Acts to help children age 4 through grade 8 learn how the Holy Spirit works in their lives, in the church and with God’s people throughout the world. Find more information and read the Center’s complete evaluation at www.mpn.net/vbs.

Downloadable curriculum options for youth and adults

Find these downloadable curriculum options for youth and adults at www.mpn.net/downloads.

Selected Second Mile peace studies: The Shadow of War, Peace Begins at Home, more.
Selected Good Ground Bible studies for adults (out-of-print titles only)
Gather ’Round quarterly youth leader’s guide—offers systematic Bible study for youth
One on One: Practical Ideas for Adults Mentoring Youth—includes an introductory section covering basics of effective mentoring and 12 reproducible share sheets to guide conversations with youth. Topics include: Alcohol, Community, Growing Up, Life Goals, Living with Parents, Motivation, Peacemaking, Peer Pressure, Possessions, Self-Esteem, Truth-Telling and Vocation.