Episcopal Courses & Classes
This is a free download created and written by members of the Episcopal Church.
Non-Episcopal Courses & Classes
Episcopal/Anglican Books, Videos & Study Guides
Non-Episcopal Books, Videos & Study Guides
Multi-Generational
This is a free download created and written by members of the Episcopal Church.
Supplementary Resources
Seasonal & with the Lectionary
a free on-line lectionary based curriculum. You can use it as your main curriculum, or look at it for additional information and activities.
has a support site that's free to all, with many downloadable resources.
focuses on the lectionary readings for each Sunday of the year, with numerous links related to each of the texts for sermon ideas, music, prayers, exegesis and a wealth more (taken from www.buildfaith.org).
a free online resources that connects this week's lectionary to reflection questions and ideas for the weekly worship service.
a free online resources that offers ideas and suggestions for worship with children. It is lectionary based.
Prayer & Spirituality
Group Building Activities (Games)
These are especially useful for "youth group" but can be used and adapted for any age. While games and activities can be seen as purely fun, these and everything else you use tells your group a little bit about you. Are you competitive? Respectful? Can they trust the leaders and other members?
The following are some resources.
Recommended! This is the best source for group building games, activities & group initiatives.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Vacation Bible School (the common name for the summer children's formation program) can take many forms.
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a one is a week-long program
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a once a week activity throughout the summer
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a week-end long program.
Please remember that summer is a time that many families are "church shopping" so you don't want to end all formation and other programs for that season. Church does not stop in the summer, but it can be a fun time to change things around (and have a bit more freedom to try new things).
* Please remember that all adults working at VBS must be certified in Safeguarding God's Children and must have a background check*
When deciding on a curriculum, remember that the new or splashy program may not be the best for your congregation. Look through the programs to make sure they connect with your theology and work with the vision and mission of your congregation
VBS is an opportunity to give something to your community - evangelize and show God's love. Questions to think about...
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What do you have to offer that other churches don't (music, food, spiritually sound curriculum, teaching spriritual practices)? Whatever it is, use that to your advantage.
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How can you invite children in the community to come to VBS?
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How will you make the children in your commity feel welcomed and want to come back on Sunday morning?
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How can you use the talents of many member of your parish (organizing, baking, painting banners, story telling, arts & crafts)?
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How can you do this with very little money, so you don't need to charge the children of the community?
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What's the one thing that you want each of the children to know when VBS is done?
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How can you continue the welcoming community of VBS into your Sunday morning worship?
VBS program recommendations
The following are curricula that are being used in our Diocese and/or have been recommended.
Baptism & Confirmation
Baptism
The following are webpages or resource lists
Confirmation
Curricula for Confirmation
Class outlines
Curriculum choices
One size does not fit all for any group. This is especially true for Confirmation, as people are coming from a variety of backgrounds & levels of experience in the church. As this is an adult rite, we suggest that all churches have a variety of ages in one class, versus different classes for youth and adults. Combining the class gives a greater validity to the rite for the 16 and 17 year olds being confirmed. It also adds to the conversations, as you are hearing from so many different voices.
The following are curricula that are being used in our Diocese and/or have been recommended.
Recommended
Offers a “Teens Guide to the Episcopal Church” through learning the basics: Scripture,
church history, sacraments, prayer and ministry. Also available is an online leader’s guide
An everything-you-need-to-know guide to the Episcopal Church, providing adult readers
with an understanding of worship, theology, church structure, and sacraments. Online
leader’s guide (free downloadable)
