Christian Formation Resources

February 2023

Welcome to the Office of Christian Formation (Presbyterian Mission Agency, PCUSA) Resources and News. The newsletter will highlight formation resources for all ages, intergenerational ministries, the Matthew 25 focus areas, upcoming events, and more! This installment has new resource releases and opportunities to gather with other leaders. Pass this newsletter along to leaders that could benefit from this compilation of ministry tools.

Grace and Peace, Stephanie Fritz
Coordinator for Christian Formation

This new monthly Zoom is a time to connect, share, and learn with the Office of Christian Formation staff. Zoom gatherings will be offered at two different times and include thirty minutes on a specific topic and thirty minutes for asking questions and resource support. 

Join us Feb. 9, 1:00pm Eastern and Feb. 28, 8:00pm Eastern where our topic will be Intergenerational ministry.

Celebrate Mr. Rogers Day March 20 with your faith community! You can find worship resources including a hymn, activity ideas, intergenerational curriculum, coloring poster pages, and a resource roadmap at pcusa.org/mrogers  

 
Building a Neighborhood Together: An Intergenerational Peacemaking Project has been NEWLY UPDATED 

Walking in God’s Path of Peace: Intergenerational Worship Resource has been updated too

Care Partner Toolkit - A new resource with multiple Quicksheets and a Resource Roadmap created by our Collective Partners APCE and POAMN. Resources for care partners and for faith communities.

Why Presbyterians are Like That: Bible Study and Resource for Congregations - This resource originally created in partnership with UKirk has been adapted in this form for use in all adult settings.

Click on the button below for all the Quicksheets, Tool Kits, and Resources from the Office of Christian Formation and our partners.

Highlighted Resources 

Eradicating Systemic Poverty - Explore the poverty section of the Companion Guide to the Commitment to Peacemaking to focus a year of church-life on poverty.

Dismantling Structural Racism – Engage with “Trouble the Water: Conversations to Disrupt Racism and Dominance”. It is a free course and documentary series produced for communities and congregations to facilitate conversation and engagement around the issues of race and racism.

Building Congregational Vitality – Watch the Evangelism and Christian Formation Webinar Recording or link here to all the scattered church evangelism recordings.

 
Also Check out the new Matthew 25 app?

Partner News

From PYWA

We welcome Christy Williams as the Interim Organizational Administrator for the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association!

From APCE

Opening Doors To Discipleship has a new module under Educational Practices called Designing Lesson Plans

Curriculum Update from PPC 

New Follow Me, All-Ages Curriculum Units!

Browse these new units below, including a six-session practice for Lent. We have small-scale and large-scale packages, along with individual age groups, and a Congregational Guide for worship and fellowship. To help you and your committees figure out which component options your congregation needs, watch these informational videos on our YouTube channel.

1. Browse Love God, Neighbor, Enemy – perfect for Lent!
2. Browse Pray
3. Browse Do Justice

New Multiage Story Bible Curriculum Units!

Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum just released four new units. This curriculum series is intentionally multiage, making it a perfect educational option for churches of any size. Each unit has print and downloadable purchase options so you can find what’s best for your congregation. Learn more about the curriculum and whether it will work for your church.

4. Browse Jesus and Friends
5. Browse Joseph
6. Browse Naomi and Ruth
7. Browse The Body of Christ

PCUSA Featured Resources 

Just Talk Live - is returning as a faith and justice talk show. It is a collaboration between Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice, and the Young Adult Volunteer program.

“When did we see you” Resources – New Event Planning Guide from Youth and Triennium https://presbyterianyouthtriennium.org/event-planning/ and the new Intergenerational Resource  

LGBTQIA+ Resources new from Presbyterian Mission Agency 

Incorporating Hymns, Psalms, and Song Paraphrases in Adult Formation – A New Quicksheet from Presbyterian Association of Musicians. 

Elder and Deacon Training Resources

• NEW Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Ruling Elders and Deacons based on the Constitutional Questions  
• Leader Formation Resources

With Creation: A Native and Indigenous People Lenten Devotional from Unbound

Looking to connect more? Sign up for PCUSA e-newsletters here.

Faith Formation Leader Connection - Time to connect, learn, and share with the Office of Christian Formation Staff.

• Feb 9, 1:00pm Eastern and Feb. 28, 8:00pm Eastern (Topic: Intergenerational)
• March 9, 1:00pm Eastern and March 28, 8:00pm Eastern (Topic: Elder/Deacon Training)
• April 13, 1:00pm Eastern and 25, 8:00pm Eastern (Topic: Adult Resources)

Black Resistance Bible Study Series Wednesdays 5pm EST through March 15 

Mr. Rogers Day - (Presbyterian Planning Calendar Special Emphasis Day)– March 20.

A Year with Matthew Webinar – March 28, 1:00pm Eastern livestreamed on PCUSA Facebook and YouTube. This will help preachers, musicians, and other worship planners connect the biblical texts of lectionary Year A with the PC(USA)'s Matthew 25 vision.

One Great Hour of Sharing - February 2 – April 6 – Special Offering Resources for Lent