The Centre for Excellence in Christian Education

2011-12-28T09:06:00.001-08:00

Imitating Christ’s HumilityIf then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

World Day of Prayer and Action for Children

2011-12-10T05:41:00.001-08:00

Loving God,

your Son told his disciples
to become like little children.
Lead us to work for the welfare
and protection of all young people.
May we respect their dignity
that they may flourish in life,
following the example of the same
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Focus on children

2011-11-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

This year the focus of the World Day of Prayer is on childrenYou may find this information of interest to your children or youth

http://www.dayofprayerandaction.org/

web sites on Character from Catholic Boards in Ontario

2011-11-14T06:00:00.001-08:00

Here are a list of helpful websites from Catholic District School Boards in Ontario I think that they are very useful - check them out and let me know what you think
catherine

http://rccdsb.edu.on.ca/religiouseducation/character-development/
Renfrew County has some excellent ideas that can be adapted to church school

From Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board I found a great Social Justice poster!I like this poster on Social Justice as it is Christ Centred! Sometimes I think that we focus too much on the works and neglect to make the Christ connection - it doesn't hurt to keep the connection alive What di you think?

http://schools.alcdsb.on.ca/social_justice/Site Pictures/footprintswebposter.jpg

another great site for you

2011-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

www.books.bc.ca; www.goodminds.com

Recommendation of books from Literacy Numeracy Secretariat
And Still the Turtle Watched, Sheila Macqill-Callahan
Everyone Needs a Rock, Bird Baylor
Fearless Warriors, Drew Hayden Taylor
Ice Dreams, Drew Hayden Taylor
Treaty Promises, Indian Reality: Life on a Reserve,
Harold LeRat Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, Simms Taback
Keepers of the Earth, Keepers of Life (series), Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac
Knots on a Counting Rope, Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Ribbon Rescue, Robert Munsch
SkySisters, Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Something for Nothing, Kelly Early
The Fox, Ron Brooks
The Moccasins, Earl Einarson
The OK Book, Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The Table Where Rich People Sit, Bird Baylor
The Warriors, Joseph Bruchac
Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden
Red Parka Mary, Peter Eyvindson
Morning on the Lake, Jan Bourdeau
WabooseNanabosho Stories, compiled by Emerson Coatsworth and David CoatsworthAuthors: Lenore Keeshig-Tobias and David Bouchard

On-line websites for Making the Christ Connection Resources

2011-11-04T14:19:00.001-07:00

Check these out!
Teaching Character Education through Picture Books-has many character traits and topics
Bannockburn Elementary School- character education program book list

Hamilton City Schools District- book list for character educationhttp://www.lanepl.org/educators/booklistk.htm

Jordan, Utah School District- six character traits and role models (mostly American)http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/majestic/pdf/CharacterBooklist.pdf

US Department of Education-books that can support character developmenthttp://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/citizen/partx2.html

On-line Bibliographies:

2011-11-04T14:09:00.001-07:00

Check out the following websites for more resources on Making the Christ Connection

Union Presbyterian Seminary-Children’s literature: a resource for ministryhttp://storypath.wordpress.com/category/lectionary-links/#!/page/1

Josephson Institute Center for Youth Ethics - uses six pillars: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenshiphttp://charactercounts.org/resources/booklist.php

Homeschool Share- provides story books that connect to Bible stories and character traitshttp://www.homeschoolshare.com/bible_and_character_study.php

PICTURE THIS! Using Picture Books To Introduce or Teach Skills- links story books with character education. Also includes bullying, math, science, multiculturalism…http://www.augusta.k12.va.us/66879034105238/lib/66879034105238/picture_this_picture_book_concepts.pdf

Central Rappahannock Regional Library - Library in Virginia that provides a list of storybooks for teaching character education
http://childrensbooks.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=childrensbooks&cdn=parenting&tm=7&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.answerpoint.org/teachers_place/character_education.asp

Union Presbyterian Seminary-Children’s literature: a resource for ministryhttp://storypath.wordpress.com/category/lectionary-links/#!/page/1

New LInk to Help Make the Christ Connection

2011-11-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

The following link follows the lectionary and also lists secular children's books relating to the Gospel values of the church year.Try it - it will help you help your children make the Christ Connection!http://storypath.wordpress.com/category/lectionary-links/#!/page/1

About this blog ...

2011-11-01T16:03:00.001-07:00

This blog is simply about bright ideas and innovative resources for children's ministry! Gain the inspiration you need to enhance your children's ministry by browsing through posts on curriculum reviews, children's ministry conferences, inspiring books, creative resources, fundraising and budgeting

Making it Easier to Serve Children's Ministry Conference

2011-10-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to register for this conference. Be sure you do not miss this opportunity.the flooding link takes you to the registration site!https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFNxTDhHZEJsT0JOXy14bXF4TlRNMHc6MQ#gid=0

SIgn up for this workshop at the Making it Easier to Serve Conference!

2011-10-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Having A Blast With Children's Ministry ... The Word of God is life-changing, but if you're audience is asleep, who will hear it? Kid's church leaders have the best job in the world because we not only get to share the love of Christ, but we get to have a blast doing it! In this class we will talk about all the creative, exciting and wacky ways we can celebrate Jesus. We will talk about how to bring stories and lessons alive to children on any budget. We will discuss the wonderful array of tools at our disposal from puppets to green-sceen videos and even dabble with Time Machines! It's my dedication that the leaders should be having as much fun teaching as the children are learning! Presenter, Kevin NevilleClick on site below to register!https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFNxTDhHZEJsT0JOXy14bXF4TlRNMHc6MQ#gid=0

COME! Now is the time to register for the Children's Ministry Conference.

2011-10-12T11:30:00.001-07:00

Making it Easy to Serve registrations are now being accepted.Click the following link to select your workshop preferenceshttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFNxTDhHZEJsT0JOXy14bXF4TlRNMHc6MQ#gid=0

Making it Easy to Serve - Conference Info for registration

2011-09-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Making it Easy to ServeChildren’s Ministry ConferenceSaturday November 5, 2011. St Johns York Mills Anglican Church, 19 Don Ridge Drive TorontoSponsored by the Centre for Excellence in Christian Education (CECE)Workshop Selection – there will be an opportunity for you to participate in three workshops. The panel discussion will be presented as a plenary at the end for everyone --- 1. Learn How to Make VBS exciting and welcoming! Join us in presenting God’s Word in fun ways, where your students will learn about the gospel, God’s good news. Students will want to come and hear God’s Word, to learn more about our wonderful Lord. Learn how to build excitement within your church and how to plan tell your friends and neighbours so they can join you on your adventure? Come and explore and share in simple ways to create a fabulous VBS in your town/city. (fun snacks incl.)Presenter: Kerrie Fulton --- 2. Taking Care of our Children We will look at the many aspects that go into creating a safe, fun, learning environment for our children as they take part in various programs of Children’s Ministry be it Messy Church, Vacation Bible Camp or Sunday School. We will look at screening, privacy and behavioural issues as well as ministering to children with special needs all while keeping the children we work with safe and healthy. This will be a workshop that will help volunteers and staff at all levels understand and implement safe practices protecting both the young people and the volunteers themselves.Presenter: Laura Walton --- 3. Church Speak: communicating with church leadership to make children’s ministry a priorityLet me guess. Your art supplies are a box of broken donated pieces of crayon from a grandmother, your Sunday School room (if you have a room) doubles as storage for the Men’s Breakfast, your budget has not increased in years and, when you present to vestry everyone looks at their watch. Let’s talk about how to get children’s ministry up on the priority list of your parish.Presenter: The Rev. Dawn Leger --- 4. Building A TeamAre you working alone to meet the needs of children in your church? How can you encourage and inspire others to join you? Find out how to start to build a team in Children’s Ministry in your church. Come and learn what will help you to draw people alongside you.Presenter: Janet Earle --- 5. Six Kids, Sixty Kids, Kids Who Climb On RocksThis workshop will explore an innovative way to approach Sunday School using a Workshop Rotation Model of teaching. Workshop Rotation can be used in parishes with six children or six hundred children. Workshop Rotation is especially useful for parishes with "single digit" Sunday School programs (fewer then ten children), communities where volunteers are difficult to recruit, where attendance is infrequent, and for those with limited time and space to devote to children's programming. Workshop Rotation plays on the gifts and abilities of volunteers and respects the different learning styles of children. Come see if Workshop Rotation is the right fit to strengthen or kick-start your Sunday School program.Presenter: Jessica Pratezina --- 6. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Choosing Curriculum Resources for Children’s Ministries How do you choose good curriculum resources for your congregation? There are a multitude of choices available, ranging from free internet offerings through traditional resources to high-tech, multi-media options. In this practical workshop, we will identify some important considerations when choosing faithful, affordable, and effective resources for your children’s ministries. Participants will be challenged to think about their vision for children’s ministries, and to describe their congregation’s context and expectations. Then, using actual examples from various sources, participants will learn how to evaluate curriculum resources for their congregational context. Presenter: Jackie Nunns --- 7. Making the Connection to Christ-centred Character, at church, home and school...This session presents a particular teaching method that focuses on building children's ability to make connections between the Two Great Commandments, Fruits of the Spirit and stories that children encounter in every day life. Come and learn about this easy to use strategy, which can be incorporated into any existing Church School program and how it uplifts spiritual formation through story telling.Presenters: Jessica Pratezina, Wanda Costinak, The Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating --- Panel DiscussionShould we integrate children into the corporate worship of the church once a month, or should they stay in for the beginning of the service every week, or should Sunday School children always remain separate from the service? Should the children come in for communion once a month, every week, never? Should we integrate worship music into our children's ministry? If so, should we use contemporary worship music or hymns? Is there one right answer? Children's ministry is more of an art than a science. Every child is an individual therefore every ministry must tailor their worship to the individuals that they are working with. This panel discussion will give us the opportunity to discuss a small number of the infinite variety of options available to us as we engage our children in worship. Our hope is that as we all share our ideas and experiences, we will be inspired to find new ways to integrate our children into congregational worship, and new ways to integrate worship into our children's ministry. Panel Moderator: Jenn Scuse ---

2011-09-27T11:57:00.001-07:00

Making it Easy to Serve - a conference for those who Minister to Children - Saturday November 5th ! This is a grass roots initiative. Please go on line to register at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFNxTDhHZEJsT0JOXy14bXF4TlRNMHc6MQ#gid=0

Catherine recommends this site

2011-08-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

http://kidsofintegrity.com/

A helpful site

2011-08-30T05:29:00.001-07:00

Kerrie Recommends
http://childrensministryideas.ca/

Children's Ministry Conference - Making it Easier to Serve - Nov 5th at CECE

2011-08-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun at St. Paul's

2011-08-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

At St. Paul’s Bloor Street we have been having fun this summer exploring some of Jesus’ parables with our children. We love the relaxed summer pace and combine Bible teaching with art activities lead by Linda Deramaix, an arts educator from our community. The kids love the hands on activities and creating something cool. For the parable of the sower the children created a little container with different types of soil (rocky, weedy, hard and good soil) with seeds sprinkled on top.

Many families are away in the summer but we welcome others as visitors and are so glad when they have a great experience in Children’s Ministry. In August we move on to ‘God’s Family in Action’ based on the book of Acts. Our goal is to make sure children matter every Sunday all year. Popcorn for snack – what could be better?

Children's Ministry Conference - November 5th 2011 - Update!!!

2011-07-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Our planning meeting today went very well. The committee consists of passionate children's ministers we are so blessed to have!!!
A sneak preview of some of the sessions being planned -
Learn How to Make VBS exciting and welcoming!
Building a Children’s Ministry Team getting, keeping and appreciating volunteers and their gifts and talents
Making Screening Work
More information and registration forms will be out soon
Cost is $25 per person which includes a lunch
Child care will be provided!
Stay tuned!!!

making the Christ connection - research project begins

2011-07-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

A small group of church school leaders are interested in working with me in beginning a research study to explore how church school leaders can help their students make the Christ connection in bible stories as well as in secular stories. A case study will involve teachers using a specific strategy that can increase knowledge and awareness of spiritual formation in children, youth and adults. This strategy is able to be used in any curriculum the parish currently uses. If your parish might be interested please contact me.

Mtg with Sheila @ PWRDF!

2011-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Great meeting with Sheila from PWRDF! We discussed the We Day initiative and implications for our church community! More to come!
PWRDF to have a display table at the CECE Children's Ministry conference Nov 5th!

response to 'Youth ministry needs to be part of mainstream' article by Judy Steers

2011-06-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

I agree with Judy Steers’ comment in the Anglican Journal June 2011 that ‘When it comes to youth ministry, it may be time for the Anglican Church of Canada to wake up and smell the coffee.' Youth ministry may be perceived as an extra in the church community but take heart, it is also addressed in many Ontario schools through the Character Development initiative and supported by the Free the Children/We Day organization (http://weday.freethechildren.com/about/). Although the church may see youth ministry as ‘ a nice thing to do’ We Day inspires youth to make a difference in the world by taking on local and international missions. It becomes a school commitment. This involves a lot of youth – our youth, now learning leadership skills in discipleship through the secular world. Oh sorry, they are not learning about discipleship. They are learning to make a positive difference in their local communities and the world at large - also perceived as a ‘nice ting to do.’ There is no Christ in the We Day mission work – unless we are talking about a Catholic school. This initiative grows out of the school community. It looks as though, thanks to the We Day organization, that this kind of mission work is thriving in the schools. Students who attended the one day event (last year it drew over 20,000 youth to the Air Canada Centre) are encouraged and inspired to a make a difference and learn about leadership skills and given the opportunity to work on a local and/or international project. The impact is considerable. Two years ago at the We Day event, the Honourble David Only, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, spoke at the We Day event and challenged the youth to take back to their faith communities what they were learning. I think it is time that the faith communities, our faith community, became aware and recognized the efforts of the schools and We Day and to help our students see these activities ‘to make a difference in the world’ as discipleship – what we are called to do as followers of Christ.
Steers is correct in saying that ‘churches don’t need to hire professionals to set up and run youth initiatives’ this is already being done. I encourage church youth leaders to take advantage of the existing grassroots connections and networks already out there in the schools our youth attend.
Anglican Youth Ministers have the opportunity to learn more about how We Day re-energizes and inspires our youth. We Day is prepared to offer support to our Youth Ministers to learn more about how they train their leaders in the schools as well as share their many resources (much of which are free). As Steers says we are not alone, ‘there's support, there are people out there doing similar things.’

characters in education . . .

2011-06-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

I met a former colleague on the street today. We talked about our teaching experiences. I was glad to hear him say that the kids today seem better than they were earlier in our careers. They are more motivated and involved in positive things. I was so glad to hear this ...maybe the character development initiative in schools is making a difference for kids - we live in hope!

TREY ANTHONY August 13, 2011

2011-06-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

TREY ANTHONY August 13, 2011
Trey Anthony is a Canadian comedian & playwright known for creating and starring in Da Kink in My Hair, based on her theatre play of the same name.
Koerner Hall
in the Telus Centre for Performing Arts
273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
August 13, 2011 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
See Shane Claiborne and get both lectures for $25.00
Shane Claiborne
August 12, 2011 9:00 am. – 12:00 pm
FOR TICKETS CONTACT: MELODIE MUI
MMUI@UNITED-CHURCH.CA
416.231.7680, EXT. 4142

Shane Claiborne August 13, 2011

2011-06-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

Shane Claiborne writes and travels extensively speaking about peacemaking, social justice, and Jesus.
Trey Anthony appearing . . .
August 13, 2011 9:00 am. – 12:00 pm
Koerner Hall in the Telus Centre for Performing Arts
273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
FOR TICKETS CONTACT: MELODIE MUI MMUI@UNITED-CHURCH.CA
416.231.7680, EXT. 4142

Shane Claiborne August 13, 2011

2011-06-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

More news from our friends in the United Church of Canada and upcoming webinar

2011-06-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Friends –
I’m writing to remind you about the second Walking with Children in Faith webinar with Dr. David Jensen on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
This webinar will focus more on the spiritual nurture of parents and grandparents. Some questions Dr. Jensen will respond to include:
1) How is play related to parenting? How is play Christian?
2) As parents work and play with their children, how should parents understand their responsibilities toward their own children in relation to their wider responsibilities in the world? Does parenting ever conflict with our labours for justice in the world?
3) How can parents and grandparents mark changes in their relationships with children?
Participants may register ahead of time, by going to this link: http://blogs.united-church.ca/edge/transforming-ed/webinars/. At the time of the webinar, you will use this link: http://momentum.adobeconnect.com/dj/. To view the webinar, simply sign-in as a Guest, using your own name, and click on “Enter.” There is no need for a password, account, etc. It’s not absolutely necessary to register ahead, but it helps us know who many people to expect.
Some tips for those of you who have not often participated in webinars or have had some technical difficulties in the past:
+ Use a “wired” rather than “wireless” connection
+ Close down other programs on your desktop
+ Use a high speed rather than dial-up connection
+ If this is your first time participating in a webinar, please visit this link before the webinar to ensure your computer is running the necessary version of Flash, and that the Adobe Connect add-on software has been installed:
https://admin.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm.
When you are participating in the webinar, you will see some different areas on the screen. Some of these may include:
- Video: this is where the speaker(s) will be shown talking and discussing the topic of the webinar.
- Materials: you may see a PowerPoint presentation, video files, Word documents, or other items here which will be used by the speaker(s).
- Chat: you can type in this area and when you click the “conversation cloud: your comments will be seen by everyone taking part in the webinar. If you have a question in the middle of the presentation and don’t want to forget it, go ahead and type it in and then click the cloud when we begin taking questions.
- Q&A: you can send questions to the speaker(s) or the host of the webinar which will only be seen by them.
- Polls: you can answer polls when they are brought up on the screen, relating to the speaker and their topic.
- Files: download materials, handouts, presentations, and other items relevant to the webinar and topic .
- Attendees: Names of the other people participating in the webinar with you.
Finally, if you would like to watch again or share the webinar with Rebecca Nye, it is available at: http://momentum.adobeconnect.com/p9ig9pb7kta/. I find the recording to be quite clear, so if you have problems viewing or hearing it, it may be due to your available connection or bandwidth.
Looking forward to our time together,
Amy
Amy Crawford
Program Minister Children and Youth
The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor Street West, Ste. 300
Toronto , ON M8X 2Y4
416.231.7680 ext. 4186
416.231.3103 (fax)
acrawfor@united-church.ca
www.united-church.ca; http://www.rendez-vous2011.org/

Another Walking with Children in Faith webinar on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

2011-06-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

This webinar will focus more on the spiritual nurture of parents and grandparents. Participants may register ahead of time, by going to this link: http://blogs.united-church.ca/edge/transforming-ed/webinars/. At the time of the webinar, use this link to view: http://momentum.adobeconnect.com/dj/. To view the webinar, simply enter as a Guest, use your own name to sign in and click on “Enter.” It’s not absolutely necessary to register ahead, but it helps us know who many people to expect.

Colossians 3:12-17

2011-05-31T05:36:00.001-07:00

12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord* has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ* dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.* 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Keeping Christ Centred

2011-05-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Refreshing . . .
The last couple of months have been pretty intense but in the midst of the stress and chaos of life there were periods of refreshment. Such a one was my experience at the Wycliffe Refresh Conference in May. I had been excited about attending this conference because one theologian who has influenced my study and discipleship was the keynote – Dallas Willard. I first 'discovered' Dallas Willard when I was researching character development in the school system and its implications for the church. Prof. Willard's name was top of the list of references. His writings encouraged me to pursue how character development implemented in our schools might be, needs to be, uplifted to Christ-centered character and discipleship. God calls us to discipleship (“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18–20). That is to model and teach the precepts of the Scriptures – teach about the Two Great Commandments, about prayer, doctrine, Christian living and worship. This is our main mission and call – it is up to the Holy Spirit to bring people to an intimate relationship with the Lord through God’s grace.
Prof. Willard reaffirms that it is our knowledge of and faith in Christ that leads us to discipleship. Willard encourages us to do all we do in our daily living taking on the character of Christ - this is what compelled me to study his work. When I was looking at how the character development mandate of the Ministry of Education in Ontario was being implemented in the secular schools I wondered how our children and youth would make the Christ connection in all the good works they were encouraged to be involved.
Willard emphasizes that faith and knowledge are intertwined - spiritual formation and discipleship are to be nurtured within the Christian context - at church and at home. Knowing Christ and making Him known is an interactive experience that involves more than just reading about Jesus. It involves living the life he would have us lead - being Christ Centred in all our thinking, feeling and doing - that is what constitutes good character for Christians.
For Christians the measure of good character is the character revealed to us in Christ Jesus. It is revealed in the Two Great Commandments – to love God with all our heart, mind, strength – our whole being, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We reveal this to the world through discipleship. This means devoting all our efforts to doing what is good for God, to have our hearts set on what is important to God not to us personally. I think we often fail in this – I feel that I do. Prof. Willard reminds us that Christians are not perfect – just forgiven! Thanks be to God!
Willard says that the character, power and personal guidance of Jesus will lead us into life as it should be in all areas of human existence. This is what cannot be taught in the secular school system as they strive to teach character development for good citizenship. Where Character Development in our schools might lead to good citizenship, Christian discipleship leads us to citizenship in God’s Kingdom - this is where the church can help our children and youth make the Christ connection when they learn about character development in the schools. Discipleship and character stand together intertwined and Willard says – putting Christ first and foremost.

Col 3:12-17

2011-05-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord* has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ* dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.* And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

United Church of Canada Children’s Symposium and Network for Ministry Development

2011-05-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

The United Church of Canada Children’s Symposium and Network for Ministry Development present the second in a series of webinars on the theme of Walking with Children in Faith.

Join us Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. EDT for a presentation by Dr. David Jensen. Dr. Jensen is a Professor of Constructive Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin , Texas . He is the author of “Graced Vulnerability: A Theology of Childhood.”

This webinar will be aimed at supporting parents and grandparents as they walk with children in faith. Dr. Jensen will address topics of work and play, hospitality, blessing, and letting go.

Please use the following link to sign up for the webinar:
http://blogs.united-church.ca/edge/transforming-ed/webinars/

The webinar will be found at:
http://momentum.adobeconnect.com/dj/

Click this link for more information about Dr. Jensen:
http://www.austinseminary.edu/page.cfm?p=14&viewdirid=13

Children's Ministry Conference Saturday November 5th!

2011-05-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

Webinar on Children's Spirituality reminder

2011-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone
Please join us at 1:00pm (Eastern) tomorrow, May 10 for the webinar with Rebecca Nye on Children’s Spirituality:

http://momentum.adobeconnect.com/rn/

To test your connection prior to the webinar to you may wish to connect to:
https://admin.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Alleluia!

2011-04-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Worshiping With Children: Year A - Easter Sunday (April 24,2011)

2011-04-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Worshiping With Children: Year A - Easter Sunday (April 24,2011): " Good News! He Is Alive! Alleluia! The “good news” of Easter is somewhat different for children and for adults. For most ..."

Rebecca Nye webinar

2011-04-15T08:18:00.001-07:00

Please use the following link to register for the Rebecca Nye webinar:

http://blogs.united-church.ca/edge/rebeccanye/

Thank you!

Making the Christ Connection in Children's Literature and in Life

2011-04-14T11:52:00.001-07:00

Today's meeting with Jessica Pratezina, Cheryl Thornton (STORYVALUES story teller) and Heather Kuipers (of Ella Minnow Children's Book Store) was exciting and productive. We talked about CECE - its formation and goals. We also talked bout CECE's forthcoming conference!!!
One area that was raised was how we in the church might raise awareness of our children and their families about how to make the Christ connection in stories and in our lives.
We expect that preacher will lift up the Scriptures and demonstrate how the Christ message is relevant to us today. Making the Christ connection in our readings and daily lives is a bit of a reversal to this. It is about keeping Christ centred and making connections to Christ in the stories we share with children on a day to day basis - the stories from the secular world as well as helping them to realize how to connect their daily lives to Christ and the message of the Gospels.
We look forward to future opportunities to discuss this further after Easter.

Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters

2011-04-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

The United Church Network for Ministry Development and Children’s Symposium
present a

live webinar with Dr. Rebecca Nye

Tuesday, May 10
1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern

Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters

To be part of the webinar, go to this meeting room:
http://momentum.na4.acrobat.com/rn/

Dr. Nye is a child psychologist, researcher, lecturer and author in the field of children’s spirituality. She is currently a Lecturer for Cambridge Theological Federation and an
Associate Lecturer for Open University.

Dr. Nye will discuss why she thinks children have some kind of innate spirituality and what children's spirituality needs to thrive, as well as questions posed by listeners.

There is no fee for this event. Participants will be asked to help us evaluate its success and the possible development of a series of webinars about walking with children in faith.

Dr. Nye’s books include The Spirit of the Child with David Hay,
Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters,
“Spirituality” in Through the Eyes of a Child (ed. Peter Privett and Anne Richards)

Mtg of Children's Ministers

2011-04-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today CECE met with a group of children's ministers from across the Toronto Diocese. It was a small (9) but mighty team.
You may recognise some of the members.
The discussion was vibrant and motivating. Gradually we are moving to wards planning a conference for children's ministers to be held on Saturday November 5th at St John's York Mills Anglican Church - where CECE is housed.
Stay tuned to this blog site for more info re the coming conference!

Playing Through Easter

2011-04-07T12:53:00.001-07:00

Friday is a special day for me because this is when my weekly "volunteers" pay a visit to the church office. Nathan (9) James (7) and Emily (4) D'Silva and, of course, their elegant and lovely mother, Andrea, spend about an hour a week, checking markers, writing birthday cards, tidying up and, in general, being adorable.

James has just begun to read to himself and was recently cuddled up in bed with a children's picture Bible. A few weeks ago, he came to the section about Jesus death. The story captivated him. So much so that he rose early the next morning, went to the basement and began constructing a cross out of 2 by 4's.

Hearing the frustrated banging, his older brother, Nathan, went to see what was up. "This isn't working!" said James, as he pounded away with a hammer.

"That's because you're trying to hammer in a screw," remarked Nathan. Things progressed more smoothly after this and it wasn't long before James had constructed his very own processional cross and immediately began to work on his very own Good Friday ceremony.

I'm always fascinated to see the way children play to figure out the world around them. I once saw two little girls come into a children's bookstore, carrying baby dolls. They immediately went over to a bench, sat down, and both began to "breast feed" their dolls. Their caregivers explained that both their mothers had recently had babies. The girls were obviously sorting out and processing this new phase in their life through their play.

Given even very basic toys, children will instinctively play, creating worlds that mimic their own homes, with characters who are going through similar experiences as they are. I once saw a little girl use legos to act out the Nativity story, and then promptly give baby Jesus a "time out." We can guess what may have happened to her recently.

While there is an obvious "cute factor" to the stories I've just told, something serious is also revealed in these "plays." Something I, and I believe many adults, can envy in children. It's particularly highlighted in the story of the D'Silva children and the cross. That is, the ability to loose oneself in ritual, in the acting out of a story. To enjoy ceremony and even pomp.

Even day to day, structure and ritual keep us safe and make us feel secure. This is especially true of children, who thrive on ritual and routine. The first thing you will notice about any children's mental health institution worth it's salt is that day to day living is extremely rigid. Children in crisis need this security desperately.

Similarly, the Christian calendar provides us with a structure to guide our lives. Times for pause, self examination, rejoicing, mourning, fasting and feasting. All leading up to the grandest day of all, Resurrection Sunday.

I'm asked every year why I don't host an Easter egg hunt at Little Trinity. I realize many think I'm over analyzing the dangers of hunting for chocolate in the park. I really have nothing against Easter Egg hunts in general, but I do have a problem with having them in church. In my opinion, the "art of playing" is so important to the experience of children, it would do them a disservice to mix metaphors. To play through the grand, high, epic story of the Resurrection in church and then mix it with the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs muddies the experience. I believe it's confusing to children.

Easter is the highest day of the Christian year. Everything else is a prelude to this day, when our Lord, who was dead, is made alive again. I have always wished we lived in a Christian culture that reflected this. I've always found it puzzling that Christmas seems to trump Easter in terms of excitement and anticipation, both in our Christian culture and in our secular one. I would love to experience an Easter, and in fact, all the time leading up to Ascension, that was full of shouting and singing and dancing and sharing and feasting and laughing. Something to give the wider community (and perhaps even the Easter Bunny) pause.
"Look at those crazy Christians and their lavish party!" So we could have to opportunity to tell them, "We are celebrating our Lord and Brother, who was dead and is alive again!"

That is truly something worth celebrating!

--
Jessica Pratezina
Children and Family Ministries Coordinator
Little Trinity Anglican Church

Tips for talking with kids about Holy Week

2011-04-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Betsy Moss in collaboration with Catherine Keating, Ed. D.

Children of all ages have complicated questions about Holy Week. Below are suggestions for responding to their questions and short descriptions of some of the events of Holy Week. I encourage you to think through these questions and about how you might respond. You may find reading scripture will help you better explain what happened and why. Recommendations for children’s Bibles and other resources are listed at the end of this essay. This is a wonderful opportunity to share with your children what you know about God’s love, to teach your children about Jesus, and to pray with them.

What happened on Palm Sunday? Why is it important?

Palm Sunday is the day we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem exactly one week before His Resurrection. Jesus fulfilled a prediction/prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) by riding into the city on a donkey. As he approached the city, a huge crowd gathered and shouted out praise to God for all the amazing acts they had seen Jesus perform. They called, “Hosanna! Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” (Matthew 21:1-11)

What happened on Maundy Thursday? Why is it important?

Jesus knew his time on earth was going to end, so he gathered his followers to share their last meal together. It was the first supper of Passover, a week-long Jewish festival when the Israelites celebrate God delivering them from slavery under the Pharaoh in Egypt (Exodus 12:14). We call this meal with Jesus and his disciples the Last Supper.

Two important things happened during the meal. First, Jesus washed and dried his disciples’ feet with a towel. He did this because He wanted to show them what it means to be made clean and holy by Him. He also showed them that are all equals in God’s eyes. (John 13: 4–17) Then, during the meal, Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, and shared them with His disciples. He taught them that sharing in this meal represented God’s forgiveness and love for the entire world. (Matthew 26: 26-29, Luke 22:19-20)

At Church of The Messiah we follow the example of Jesus and his disciples on Maundy Thursday by sharing a meal and washing one another’s feet. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” Jesus asked us to repeat the Last Supper in memory of Him, and we do this every Sunday in the Eucharist (also called Communion).

Why do we call it Good Friday?

It is easy to forget that we need to explain the paradox of Holy Week – how strange it is to call the day Jesus died GOOD Friday. What happened on that Friday is only good because we know what happened on Easter Sunday: Jesus came alive again! In the church service on Easter Sunday and on every Sunday, we remember what happened on the first Easter Sunday. It is not happening right now, and we are not re-enacting it.

Why did Jesus die?

Children may have questions about death itself. You can reassure them that most people die when they are much older than their parents, and that very few children die nowadays. All living things die at some point. You may want to use the example of plants and the seasons as a way to illustrate this for young children.
Some children may have experienced the loss of a loved one or a pet. The Apostle Paul and the author of Revelation make it clear that all things are made new in the final expression of God’s power. That means even deceased pets have a share in God’s kingdom. It also means that the Resurrection is more than the resurrection of individuals, but whole societies—the whole world. (I Corinthians 15)

Why was Jesus killed?

Focus on the human actions and motivations for the events in the story, rather than trying to give a complex theological response.

His friends betrayed Him, the religious authorities were bullies who liked being in control and didn’t want to loose their power, and the Roman governor didn't want to get involved in a religious conflict.

The short response, “Jesus died for our sins” will be lost on children who are still struggling to grasp the details of the story. This question may lead to many other questions about historical details, like Who killed Jesus? What did He do? Why didn’t someone stop them?

Why did people kill Him if He was so good?

The focus in this question is on who killed Jesus and on his provocative ministry. Emphasize the controversial aspects of Jesus’ life and explain how His own actions had a part in bringing about His arrest and death. His teaching in the temple was a serious threat to the religious authorities, which is why they arrested Him in the first place. They were jealous of Him and afraid He would change things and take over all they had and knew. He was also accused of leading a political rebellion, which is why Pilate had the sign “King of the Jews” nailed to his cross.
Jesus turned the world upside down. He taught people to love their enemies and to give their money to the poor. He invited everyone to be a part of God’s kingdom, not the popular or powerful people. Many people in Jesus’ lifetime did not understand who He was. He did miracles and healed people, which amazed some people. But, some thought Jesus was wrong to befriend the poor, the sick, and people who were different. And others thought He was wrong to heal on the Sabbath because they did not work on the Sabbath and thought of the healing as work.

Who killed Jesus?

The simplest answer is “His enemies” who were afraid and jealous of Him taking over what they had. This response helps make sense of what happened. Avoid using terms like “the Jews,” because we must not answer this question in a way that teaches anti-Semitism. It is much better to emphasize that people who lived long ago killed Him.

Did we kill Jesus?

Some children may have heard this idea in a sermon or other teaching. We are all like Peter, Judas, or the other disciples who betrayed Jesus. We are all involved in personal and societal patterns that are very similar to those Jesus opposed.
Why didn’t God stop them from killing Jesus? How could God let Jesus be killed? How can we be safe in the palm of God’s hand?

God did not want people to kill Jesus. God loves Jesus and He loves us too. Avoid saying God intended Jesus to die. What sort of loving father intends his son to be killed? Jesus was fully human and He chose not to abandon the undertaking of the Incarnation—God becoming fully human. When God became human He committed to going along with whatever consequences might arise in response to His love. Jesus bore the consequences of having come into the world. God wanted to make disciples of Jesus. He did not want people to kill Him.

There are some things that mommies and daddies may not want to happen to their children, but they happen anyway, like falling when learning how to ride a bike. God took care of Jesus; he did not desert Him. Jesus’ whole body was healed and made alive again because God wouldn’t let death be the last word. Just like God raised Jesus from the dead, He is also going to raise us from the dead. Nothing—not even death—can take us away from God. God always cares for us, no matter what happens to us or what we do. (Romans 8: 37-39)

Guidance on talking about the Resurrection

This is the pinnacle of Christian joy—our biggest celebration even more that that of Christmas! We spend the six weeks of Lent in preparation for Easter, and we live in Easter-tide for fifty days after Easter. There are many ways of celebrating Easter at home with candles, fresh flowers, and egg decorating. The complex celebration finds its fullest expression in the church.

It may be tempting to focus only on the Resurrection and avoid the grief of the Crucifixion. That is how many of us deal with pain, by diverting our attention away from it and focusing on happy memories and promises. But, remember that avoiding the grief of the Cross means we miss the power of the Resurrection.
How did God do that—raise Jesus from the dead in a new way?

The truth is, we just don’t know. Jesus’ Resurrection was an amazing miracle that cannot be explained. It really did happen and His disciples really did see and touch Him. There were many witnesses who saw Jesus and testified that He was alive.

Was Jesus a zombie?

Unlike zombies who have bodies that continue to decay, the Resurrected Jesus was fully and completely alive in body, mind, and spirit. He was in no way still dead.

Resurrection—total healing

Just as God heals us when we get sick, he has the power to heal the most serious illnesses. This is a theological interpretation of the healing process. He can even heal us of death. Jesus’ miraculous healing of people’s bodies (especially in the Gospel of Mark) anticipates his Resurrection. Many of the instances of Jesus healing involved someone being “raised up.”

Resurrection—God didn’t let Jesus stay dead.

And so He wouldn’t let us stay dead either! God has the power to undo the worst things that happen to us. And the worst thing we can do to ourselves or someone else is not beyond the reach of God’s love, power, and forgiveness. (Romans 8:38-39, 10:9-10)

Resources:

Children’s Bibles such as The Jesus Storybook Bible (Zonderkids)
Online Bibles: http://bible.oremus.org/ (NRSV translation) and http://www.biblegateway.com (many translations such as NIV and The Message)
http://thecece.blogspot.com: CECE (Centre for Excellence in Christian Education), see especially the essay “Children, Death and Good Friday,” by Jessica Pratezina
http://www.faith-at-home.com: website created by Barb Laufersweiler, an Episcopal layperson, who shows her thoughts on faith formation, sacramental Christianity, and more
http://www.fathermatthewpresents.com and http://www.youtube.com/user/FatherMatthew “Father Matthew Presents” videos by Rev. Matthew Moritz (Episcopal priest)—from Sacraments to puppets!

Messy Church at St Phillip's!

2011-03-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

St. Phillip’s Messy Church
Saturday March 26, 2011
The Rev Al Budzin tells how Messy Church began at St. Phillip’s.
It began with the vital church planting conference at St Paul’s Bloor St. in 2008.
In trying to find fresh and new ideas on how to ‘do’ Sunday school and uplift the main traditional service to do something better for the children Rev Al attended the Workshop on Messy Church. He was hooked!
Learning about Messy Church excited the parish leaders. They invited Jenny Andison to speak about Fresh Expressions and church.
This lit a fire and in Oct 2009 St. Phillip’s had their first Messy Church in the parish hall on the last Saturday of the month – that is when they do it.
Mieka Nicholson and Greg Nicholson are the children’s ministers who prepare and lead the sessions. What a powerful and energetic team!
Messy Church begins with children going to tables as they arrive to colour and get comfortable – many parents and grandparents attend with their children. The children then sing songs gathered together around ‘the table’.
Fr Al has as much fun as the children joining in the songs, games and activities!
Everyone gets ‘messy’ and has fun at Messy Church! Fred Sheffield, parishioner, has no children involved in Messy Church but likes to come along to support the program. It is a wonderful opportunity for young families to get to know each other as well as enjoy the Messy Church experience together.
After a story and discussion time the children and adults share in refreshments. The snacks and refreshments are donated members of the community.
The Father Al is always present to end the session with a ‘child friendly’ celebration of the Eucharist.

Our God is an awesome God!!!!

To help you prepare for Easter Jessica has shared this article. Your responses are welcome.

2011-03-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Children, Death and Good Friday
Jessica Pratezina

I've had the privilege these last few weeks of spending time with a family who recently experienced the still birth of their son. The family already has two small children, ages 3 and 6. The six year old told me how he felt his heart was "breaking into a million pieces" when he found out his brother died. Through the grace of God, the family and children are coping remarkably well. However, a situation like this brings the reality of death particularly close to home.

Whether parenting or working with children, stress is always put on being "age appropriate". This can be a difficult thing to do; to broach sensitive and frightening topics in a way that maintains the seriousness and integrity of the subject matter, but in a way that doesn't scare the child on one hand, or dip into false sentimentality on the other.

Particularly with death we seem to prefer to sugar coat our explanations to children, even going so far as to distort our Christian beliefs to make them "kid-friendly". People may, with the best of intentions, say things like "God needed another angel in heaven, so he took your brother," or "Your mother was just too good for this Earth, so God took her to heaven." These may sound silly (and in truth, they are) but I've heard them from well meaning Christians.

Good Friday is especially tricky for families with small children. There is no real way to side step the issue of Jesus death. The Cross is simply the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Jesus wasn't just a nice man going around doing nice things (though many of our children's picture books would like to make us think this), Jesus is the God who died. And not a particularly easy death either, one that doesn't translate well into children's stories.

I think to talk intelligently and age-appropriately about death, we need to get back to what we really believe as Christians. We know and believe that every living thing dies. Even very small children know this. Plants die, animals die and people die. We also have a deep sense that this is profoundly backward. There is something unnatural about death. It's something that just shouldn't be. God created Man to live forever on Earth. And when God sets out to do something, I wouldn't recommend getting in His way. But that's exactly what Death did. And that's why it had to be defeated. When we talk about death to anyone, especially children, we need to keep in mind the whole picture.

I remember when Gordon, my youngest sibling, was about three, he learned that my grandfather died quite tragically as a young man. He must have been processing this as he went to my father one afternoon and said to him, "Daddy, your daddy died, didn't he?" My father said, yes, he had. "Don't worry," Gordon told him, "God will make him alive again!" Really, that's all a child, or anyone for that matter, needs to know. This isn't to negate the reality of grief and mourning, however. We don't "grieve like those who have no hope" (Thess. 4), true but we still grieve. Jesus, after all, wept for Lazarus, his friend who he would shortly resurrect. (John 11)

Like the six year old boy who's brother was still-born, death is a reality for all of us, even the very young. There is no such thing as a topic that is off-limits. If a child is asking about it, they are ready to talk about it, and there is nothing so big or frightening that it can't be talked about simply. Remember that saying "I'll tell you when you're older" is effectively to say "Go find out from your friends." I also don't believe that it's beneficial to sit a child down one day and "explain" death to them. Children don't need to go to a seminar on death, or sexuality or any of the "difficult" subjects of life. What they need are parents who live out the Christian truths on these matters, teaching them diligently to their children, talking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6). This kind of "on the way" teaching is ultimately the kind that matters.

There is also the practical issue of having children at Good Friday services. Good Friday is not an "easy" day, and I'm sure it would do a disservice if it was. Parents will have to decide individually what is right for their child. Christ's death is told very simply and plainly in the Gospels. The writers never try to work the reader up into emotional frenzies when discussing the Passion (unlike certain Hollywood directors) and we should never, ever do that to a child. "Even though Jesus didn't do anything wrong, he was killed. But three days later, God made him alive again."

It's the same when we talk with children about death in general. Be simple and real. Avoid saying things like "Grandma died because she got sick." Does that mean that all sick people die? "Grandma died because she was old." Does that mean that only old people die? And don't forget to address the question behind the question. If a child asks, "Will you die someday?" they are expressing the fear that the parent may die and leave them all alone. Reassure them that there are many people who love and care for them. People die because that's what living things do. It makes us angry and sad, and that's alright. But even on Good Friday, let's not forget about Resurrection Sunday, when the stone is rolled back and and our lives come to their ultimate beginning.

More fun for us at Godly Play Workshop

2011-02-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Six parishes were represented by 16 participants at today's session.

Godly Play Workshop February 19, 2011

2011-02-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well attended session today. Thank you Amy Crawford and Andrew Sheldon for your leadership.
We had a core group of returning participants as well as several new participants.
A fun time with Godly Play today!

Little T

2011-02-15T12:30:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful visit t little Trinity today!!! Lots of things to share - the photos are just a sampling of the visit - I loved the shepherd dress up centre and the window being used as a chart - not sure if you would be able to read the message on the window but it shows they focus the children on the stories. I think you might be able to see the characters at the bottom and what a view of the church!
Thank you Jessica!

Help needed in connecting with those who minister to children.

2011-02-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

I am going through through the Diocesan website trying to find parishes that have children's ministry and/or church school. This is not an easy task! Help me connect with parishes with Sunday/church school and/or church school leaders!!!

Godly Play Workshop at CECE

2011-02-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

Godly Play workshop on Feb 19th is pretty full now - if you have not yet registered please do so soon!

What's happening in children's ministry?

2011-02-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Janet Earle from St. Paul's for these sites.
Check out what is happening in children's ministry - interesting conferences and resources.

http://www.whatisorange.org/orangeconference/

http://www.childrensministry.com/kidmin-conference

http://www.elementalcm.com/2010/05/17/what-matters-now-in-childrens-ministry/

Music with Liz begins and ends the day at St Paul's Bloor Street

2011-02-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

storing materials for church school

2011-02-06T12:49:00.001-08:00

Here is a great way to store materials for use in church school - makes use and transfer of materials a lot easier.

visiting church schools

2011-02-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

It has been a very exciting and positive time for me while visiting various parishes in the Toronto Diocese to network with those who minister to our children. This very dedicated group of mostly volunteers have a passion for children and God's ministry and we are blessed as a communion to have them. I have learned that church school leaders and teachers would like to have a place to go to for additional training in how to perfect their skills in teaching our young ones. There is also a desire for a place to share successes and discuss options - a place to network and support each other. We have many talented and dedicated teachers in this ministry who are prepared to share and support others. This is what the CECE would like to help make happen.
If you would be open to having someone from CECE visit your parish to make connections and talk about how to build up the community of church school ministry please respond to this blog.

Poverty Is No Game Workshop

2011-01-25T12:01:00.001-08:00

Everyone who has played it agrees: "Poverty Is No Game" is a powerful exercise for understanding what it is really like to live in poverty. This board game puts participants into the shoes of a person who struggles to meet their basic expenses, and it includes a debriefing about the issues involved. This is a great way to deepen you awareness of poverty issues. Why not organize a "Poverty Is No Game" event at your parish? Social Justice and Advocacy Committee member the Rev. Kyn Barker will lead you through this process.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 15!!!

8:30 Registration and refreshments, workshop 9:00 - 11:00, 11:00 - 12:00 reflections.

This event is being hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Christian Education (CECE), which is housed at
St. John's, York Mills
19 Don Ridge Dr
Toronto, ON M2P 1H3.

If you would like to send a team or just a representative from your parish you may register here through this site

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dDI1VnBOeDNSd1FlQ1lSb1I5Z19SdXc6MQ#gid=0

What's Happening in Children's Ministry?

2011-01-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

What's Happening in Children's Ministry?
The Centre for Excellence in Christian Education (CECE) is interested in what you and your parish are doing for Children's Ministry in the Diocese of Toronto .
The information you provide will assist us in deciding which materials to purchase for the resource centre and what workshops would be the most helpful to those participating in Children’s Ministry.
Your time and attention in completing this survey is greatly appreciated.
Help us help YOU!
We look forward to your response! Here's the site to access the survey.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHMtVE9VUFpPa2ZMLUxaVXRDMjR4Znc6MQ#gid=0

Please submit your survey to CECE by Monday February 14th

2011-01-23T14:14:00.001-08:00

Save Satuday March 26th to attend a workshop introducing Poverty is No Game
More details coming soon!

2011-01-23T13:00:00.003-08:00

Wonderful visit to St Mattew the Apostle Oriole - Godly Play room in development!
Photos coming soon . . .

Lenten Stories Godly Play Workshop - February 19th

2011-01-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

Have you registered for the Lenten Stories Godly Play workshop to be held at CECE on February 19th from 8:30 to 3:00?
The cost is $25.00 and that includes a lunch.
You can register by mailing your payment to CECE and emailing your name and name of your parish to the Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating at
ckeating@stjohnsyorkmills.com
See you there!

2011-01-13T05:56:00.001-08:00

Have you checked out the Diocesan website on Children’s Ministries to get more information about various curricula?
Here is the link …
http://www.toronto.anglican.ca/index.asp?navid=530

2011-01-12T11:35:00.001-08:00

CECE is interested in what is happening across the Toronto Diocese in relation to children's and youth ministry. We hope to glean more information on how CECE might be able to support you in your parish.
We appreciate the help of the Archibishop's Youth Ministry Team as well as those parishes that have invited us to visit and talk with them.
There will be another session on Godly Play on Saturday February 19th with a focus on stories for Advent - please refer to the CECE blog for more information to come.
If you would like to have an opportunity to share your ideas CECE might support your ministry with children and youth please respond to this message.
Thank you,
CECE Team

2011-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We have been busy at CECE taking inventory and catologuing material resources with more to be done.
This month we are pleased to have the help of Liz Gilbert, a parishioner from Church of the Messiah, who has librarian skills and knowledge to assist us in progressing with the set up of the CECE.
The Godly Play workshops held last month were well received by those who attended. There is to be one more on February 19th that will focus on stories for Advent - more info to follow.

Please note the appeal below from the Rev'd Dawn Leger from Holy Trinity Aurora asking for input re programs or curricula for children or youth in the church:

Do you write your own youth and kids programs?
I am into two months of writing a program for our kids and youth groups to parallel our preaching series, Shedding Some Light. I’m borrowing (with credit) from a few sources, but mostly sitting at my desk contemplating my computer screen.
Do you regularly write your own program? Would you be interested in exchanging some ideas, having a sounding board, being a sounding board, and collaborating a bit? I would love to hear from you. You can email me at dawnleger@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

2010-12-17T20:35:00.001-08:00

Lenten Godly Play Workshop at CECE!

There will be a Godly Play workshop on Saturday February 19th at the CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CECE – education wing, 2nd floor of St John York Mills Anglican Church.
This Lent/Easter session will present more stories such as The Faces of Easter and The Mystery of Easter. The plan is to spend the day really immersed in stories.
We look forward to this exciting session with Amy Crawford, thank you Amy!
If you are interested in attending this workshop please contact the Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating at the following email address providing your name, phone number and parish and names of others in your parish interested in joining the session no later than February 9th 2011 at:
ckeating@stjohnsyorkmills.com
The cost for the Lenten session is $25.00. This will include a light lunch. A cheque may be made out to the Centre for Excellence in Christian Education, CECE, and sent to the attention of the Rev. Dr. Catherine Keating, CECE, 19 Don Ridge Drive Toronto ON M2P 1H3.

Thank you for spending your Saturday helping to increase your Godly Play resources

2010-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Arlene and Margaret part of the team from St Matthew Oriole

Our leader hard at work

2010-11-21T18:15:00.001-08:00

Amy Crawford helps make work fun!

Godly Play Make and Take - work is play for us as well as our children!

2010-11-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Jan Gardner Williams from SJYM and Esther Senathirajah from St Matthew Oriole hard at work - or play . . .

2010-11-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Pastor Tim hard at work preparing Godly Play materials
Pastor Tim has implemented Godly Play already and is keen to continue
We look forward to hearing from him on how the sessions are progressing!

Make and Take session for Advent Stories

2010-11-21T17:54:00.000-08:00

What a fun and successful Saturday we had on November 20th making support materials for Advent Godly Play stories.
Four parishes now have the materials required to tell Godly Play stories over the next month.
The group became closer and the camaraderie was contagious.
Thank you again Amy Crawford for your guidance and support!
Next session tis planned for Saturday Ferurary 19th to support stories for Lent - More info to come in the new year.
Wishing you a blessed Advent and a most Holy Christmas
CECE

Dare 2 Share - a resource website for Youth Ministers

2010-11-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

We came across this website and thought it would be of interest to you.
Here is what they have to say about themselves

About Dare 2 Share

Dare 2 Share is a church assisting ministry that provides resources for youth leaders and equips teens to relationally and relentlessly reach their generation for Christ. Over 1,400 of these resources are provided completely FREE!
D2S also conducts nationwide youth evangelism training conferences. The events are structured for students in junior high and high school, ranging from 12 to 18 years old. Regardless of gender or denomination, D2S teaches from a Christian perspective. D2S is based in Denver, Colorado and has impacted the lives of more than 300,000 teens since 1991.

To find this website click the following link

Introduction to Godly Play

2010-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at Godly Play !!!

What's happening in children's and youth ministry!!!

2010-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of finding out what is happening in children's and youth ministry so that we at CECE can be a better support to parishes.

Please share with us any ideas or materials that you would like us to consider for the CECE.

CECE Library In Development

2010-11-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

CECE is in the process of going through materials and resources that support ministry to children and youth. We have a plethora of items. Presently we have catalogued some of the books and you now can have access to that information!

If you would like to know what is available for loan from CECEC here is how to do it.

As you can see we presently have about 80 entries.

You may browse the collection and decide what might be of support for you.

We welcome your input regarding purchase of future resources through the CECE blog.

Godly Play Workshop at CECE

2010-11-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 20th at 9 AM - a 'Make and Take' session to support Godly Play Advent stories!

2010-01-09T16:15:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year !!!

The Christ Centred Character Team has met during this time to discuss the next steps in the development of the Centre for Excellence in Christian Education – CECE (formerly the Anglican Resource Centre - ARC). The group did receive the Area Ministry grant, for which we applied. This seed money will help us in reaching our goal to create a centre where those who minister to our children and youth can congregate and share successes. We are grateful to God and to the Diocese for the funding provided by the grant.

We welcomed Jenny Salisbury, Youth Minister from St. Clement’s, to the CECE group. We discussed many ideas and are in the process of looking for a librarian to hire and help organize our resources and materials, catalogue the books and set up the resource centre We have already had other parishes borrow from the Godly Play materials. If you would like to know more about CECE and how you can assist in building this resource for Christian educators please contact me through the church or at ckeating@stjohnsyorkmills.com.

Video Update on our Progress...

2009-12-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

The ARC is now the CECE!

2009-12-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

What's in a name? A lot, apparently! Due to input we've received from various folks we've decided to the change the name of our resource centre from "The Anglican Resource Centre" to "The Centre for Excellence in Christian Education." The concern was that the former name implied that we are an official programme of the national church, which we aren't. We're sorry if this caused any confusion, we were mostly just emulating the example of other such resource centres. Also, we like the "ARC" acronym!

-t

Next Meeting: Tues Dec. 8 at 4:30

2009-12-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of our group is December 8th at 4:30 at the CECE (Centre for Excellence in Christian Education) at St. John's York Mills. All those interested in helping us to build this resource are welcome to attend!

-t

2009-11-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you.--John 14:27
Praying for peace in Christ, peace in our hearts and peace in the world

Virtue for October: Gratitude

2009-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of how the Toronto Catholic District School Board is teaching the virtue of Gratitude:

Thanksgiving Message
from the Director of Education, Toronto Catholic District School Board

It is appropriate that the virtue we embrace for the month of October is gratitude. This month we are reminded to focus on the many things in our lives for which we are grateful.

In our personal lives it may be the precious gifts of our families and friends and the support and love that we share. In our professional lives it may be the support of our colleagues and the challenges of our jobs that inspire us and give us a sense of accomplishment.

As Canadian citizens, we are grateful that we live in a peaceful and democratic society where opportunities abound, individual freedom is valued and diversity is encouraged and respected. (source)

2009-09-01T10:25:00.001-07:00

September – the month of respect, hospitality …

As we await the opening of the school year and also prepare to welcome our parishioners back to church after the summer months, we are reminded that schools in the Toronto District School Board will be focusing on the character attribute respect for the month of September. They will encourage their students from Kindergarten to grade 12 to treat each other with courtesy and consideration.

In the Toronto Catholic District School Board they will focus on the Christian virtue of hospitality and being welcoming of one another. This too is kindergarten to grade 12.
You are encouraged to discuss what is happening regarding character education in the schools with the children and youth in your parish. You may investigate how a particular character attribute might relate to living a Christian life – a reminder that it is not only about good works but the faith that drives the good works.
‘I by my works will show you my faith … For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.’
James 2:18, 26

The Anglican Resource Centre (ARC) has a number of resources to help Christian educators and leaders uplift character as seen in the secular world to the level as it would be understood in the Christian community.

Your feedback to this blog is welcome. You are also welcome to visit the ARC as we begin to set up at St John York Mills Anglican Church in Toronto, second floor, education wing.
Please email us if you would like to visit the ARC so that we can arrange for someone to be there to greet you.

In Christ,
The ARC/CCC Team

Please check out the following links to find out more about character education in the schools and how the church can respond and let us know what you think:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/character.html
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=9997&menuid=6685&pageid=5824 http://tcdsb.org/virtue%20of%20the%20month/virtue.htm http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/departments/program/character_education.pdf
http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/page.cfm?id=ICM200701
http://www.ycdsb.ca/departments/InstructionalServices/ReligiousEd/equity.htm
http://www.ourlanguageourstory.org/virtues_themes.html

Calling all Lawyers...

2009-08-25T08:14:00.001-07:00

As the Anglican Resource Centre has begun organizing ourselves we realize that we need to establish ourselves as a registered non-profit corporation. This will facilitate fund-raising as well as ensure that the ARC remains mostly independent from any one parish. We are wondering whether there are any lawyers out there willing to volunteer their time to help us become incorporated...

-t

Meeting tomorrow: 4pm at SJYM

2009-08-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

The ARC group is meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at St. John's, York Mills at 4pm. This is a chance for us all to reconnect from our summer wanderings, take stock, and make plans!

Note that Tay received a donation of eight boxes of Christian Ed. resources and a promise for a bunch more. Our little library is starting to grow...

-t

Meeting with Principal of St. John of the Cross Catholic School

2009-07-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday June 30th Tay Moss and Catherine Keating visited Mary Ann O'Mahony, Principal of St. John of the Cross Catholic School in Mississauga. Since all publicly funded schools in Ontario are integrating Character Education we were interested in how this might impact or align with the local parishes.

Mary Ann told us how she works to incorporate what is happening in the schools with the church calendar and children's liturgy. She described a training program for Church School teachers and invited us to attend the next one in the fall.

We are looking forward to finding out more about what this in-service looks like and how it might be beneficial to us in the Anglican community.

-t

Peel District School Board Researches Character

2009-06-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Peel District School Board is in the process of determining which character attributes to use to structure their character development curriculum. They are doing this with a survey in which they list 14 character attributes and ask participants to choose the six that are most important to be taught in school. It strikes me that character ought be based on more than just popular opinion about desirable attributes, but rather grounded in a comprehensive vision of human life and social well-being based on something like psychology, ethics, or (God help us) theology. This is part of the point of the Christ Centred Character Project that spawned the ARC!

-t

The First Books...

2009-05-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here we are taking a look at the haul from the Diocese. The excitement of actually getting these boxes into the rooms for our Resource Centre made us a little gitty.

-t

Video Update from Friday's Meeting

2009-05-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a short video in which some members of the ARC team reflect on the day's meeting at St. John's, York Mills.

-t

Moving Day...

2009-04-30T12:51:00.001-07:00

Today several of us went down the Diocesan H.Q. to get about nine boxes full of books and other materials for the ARC shelves. These were formerly part of a resource centre that once existed and then they were part of the Diocesan Youth Ministry person's collection. Now they will once again be accessible. Tomorrow the ARC group will meet at St. John's York Mills to move these boxes into the room we will be using for the ARC. It is starting to feel very real now!

-t

Wanted: A Theological White Paper on Character Development

2009-04-15T10:58:00.001-07:00

It seems as though one of the most important things the church can offer educators in the school system interested in character are some well thought out reflections on what character is, precisely. One of the reasons that the definitions and schema of character (or virtue) differs between school boards is that "character" is actually a rather vague term. It has become a catchall for all kinds of attributes which might be valued in our society, but not necessarily every society. Given the long tradition of moral theology in Anglicanism, it seems as though we ought be able to offer a valuable perspective on what constitutes virtue or good character. We have come across one short essay discussing this, but I wonder if anyone is aware of other thinkers who have written about this?

-t

Next Meeting Scheduled - May 1st

2009-04-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Next meeting for the CCC (Christ-Centred Character) Group is Friday, May 1st, at 2 pm. We are meeting at St. John's, York Mills. Anyone is open to join us as we talk about the future of the ARC and related projects!

-t

Valuable Roles of the ARC

2009-03-26T08:51:00.001-07:00

As a youth pastor, there are three invaluable roles that the ARC will help to address for my needs:

1) Materials, resources and curriculum.
Sifting through the available materials and finding that which is appropriate for the specific task is a time consuming and often very costly task. Very often I resort to simply writing my own because I don't have time to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that already exists. Particularly difficult is finding materials that address teaching from an Anglican perspective. Maintaining a collection in a centralized location allows for many time and cost saving advantages.

As well comes the added advantage of,

2) Dedicated (Sacred) Space.
As a Church we believe in dedicated space. Not because dedicated space is necessary to perform any function, but because it is beneficial. By dedicating space to a role, we understand how our natures work. We understand that action shapes both being and thought, which is then a boon to the specific task. Separate yourself to pray, and you find yourself focusing more on prayer. Separate yourself to meditate, and there are fewer distractions to the meditation. Suddenly, the space itself starts to feed in and support the function.

And of course, when the space is dedicated to the task, you receive,

3) Communal support.
Space to meet, space to learn, and space to encourage, the ARC is a place for the mutual support and encouragement of each other's ministries. One ministry leader meeting with another and offering suggestions and feedback from their own experience. The social support helps build itself into the very fabric of the Church.

A place of learning, a place of gathering, and a place of support. We're all very excited about the progression of this vision.

Welcome to The Anglican Resource Centre, Toronto

2009-03-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

A group of lay people and clergy in the Diocese of Toronto have committed themselves to promoting Christian Education and formation for all ages. One effort to spring from this group is the creation of a Diocesan "Anglican Resource Centre" (The "ARC") that will serve as both a library of resources as well as a centre of community.

This blog is a place to track the development of that initiative. Welcome!

-t