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--Click here to find suggestions for songs, litanies, prayers, and sermon prompts to plan a Fall 2007 Gather ’Round Sunday. Check back frequently for other resources and support for teachers, parents, and congregational leaders.
--Encourage new or returning teachers by hosting a time of welcome and orientation early in the quarter. Give each person a copy of the Gather ’Round Handbook, and use the various sections to help participants learn about faith formation, effective teaching methods, classroom management, and more. Click here for more ideas about calling and encouraging teachers.
--Do you have everything you need for Fall 2007? Don't forget Gather ’Round Classroom packs. Classroom packs include items to enhance learning for each age level. Click here for a list of Fall classroom pack contents.
--Does your outreach team know about Gather ’Round ’s special church-home resources?
Connect, the quarterly guide for parents and caregivers, involves adults in Gather ’Round faith learning. It is designed for groups, 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. Read the daily devotion here. The Fall 2007 Talkabout is an “Exodus map” that includes scripture, prayers, and discussion ideas connected to the weekly sessions on the theme “Becoming a People of God.” Encourage outreach and other leaders to work at promoting these innovative resources, and find ways to share them with visitors and newcomers.
--Beginning this fall, Gather ’Round Primary materials include more active options for children, and more ideas to meet the needs of readers and nonreaders. And there are even more Responding options in the teacher’s guides for children and youth. Alert teachers to look for and prepare to use these exciting changes.
--Double-check the age and ability levels of children in each grouping. Consider ordering extra student or teacher materials if you are not sure what level of materials will work best for certain children.
--Share helpful ideas and inspiration for teaching by distributing Roundabout, the quarterly newsletter for Gather ’Round leaders. Look for it in your Sunday school and church mailings, or find a PDF here. Photocopy and circulate 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).
