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During the summer quarter, Gather ’Round offers materials for Preschool, Multiage, and Parent/Caregiver. Junior Youth teachers and students use Multiage materials. This summer’s theme is “The Parables of Jesus.” Click here for Ten Ways to Use Gather ’Round this Summer. (PDF)
Summer’s Talkabout is a deck of 78 colorful “Parable Cards” to play at home or in the car in conjunction with the summer material on the parables of Jesus. Many of the cards offer a question, suggestion, or prayer corresponding to a particular parable. Some of the cards are “Any Day Cards,” and apply to any of the parables. The cards may be used during the summer quarter and beyond.
Summer “Parables Packets” for Families! If your congregation doesn’t have Sunday school during the summer, consider giving families a “Parables Packet.” Packets would include: summer Talkabout (the Parable Cards), Connect (the Parent/Caregiver guide), Together (the Multiage student book), and My Bible Storybook (the Preschool student book). Attach a letter, encouraging parents to take time to enjoy learning about the Parables of Jesus together with their children this summer.
Does your pastor know about Gather ’Round’s special church-home resources? Connect, the quarterly study guide for parents and caregivers involves adults in Gather ’Round faith learning. It is designed for group study, but is also a valuable resource for individual use. In addition to weekly Bible study sessions, Connect offers daily devotions for parents on the weekly Bible themes. Click here to read the daily devotion. The Talkabout is a take-home item that gives families a way to bring up the weekly Gather ’Round themes in conversation and simple activities. Encourage congregational leaders to work at promoting these innovative resources. Order copies for each parent, and extras for visitors or outreach.
Coming for Fall: Beginning with Fall 2007, Gather ’Round Primary materials will include more active options for children, and more ideas to meet the needs of readers and nonreaders. Ongoing enhancements to Gather ’Round materials are planned, in response to suggestions from users.
What about 5-year-olds? Even if 5-year-olds are enrolled in kindergarten, Gather ’Round Preschool materials may be more appropriate for them. Before placing your fall order, talk with your Preschool and Primary teachers about adjusting class groupings or materials to best fit your children. For added flexibility, consider ordering extras in both levels.
Roundabout is a quarterly newsletter for Gather ’Round leaders. Click here for the latest issue of Roundabout. Photocopy and distribute Roundabout each quarter to help teachers, pastors, parents, and church leaders stay informed about Gather ’Round.
Check the Gather ’Round handbook for a complete overview of the Gather ’Round curriculum plan, as well as articles and tips about many aspects of Christian education. The handbook is recommended for all church leaders, Christian educators, and pastors. Order extra copies, and share them broadly.
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Gather ’Round is a Bible-based curriculum nurturing children, youth, and adults in becoming followers of Jesus as people who know and love God, interpret God’s word, belong to God’s gathered community, and share God’s good news. It is a joint project of Brethren Press (Church of the Brethren) and Mennonite Publishing Network (Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada).
