Christian educators gather online to discuss curricula in presbyteries, churches and homes
Are we innkeepers? Are we family? Are we guardians?”
Presbyterian educators recently intoned these questions in the opening of a virtual session addressing the changing modalities of Christian formation and support networks within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
“Are we interpreters? Are we tour guides? Are we first responders?” The litany of metaphors foreshadowed a frank discussion of the many types of people and programs in charge of formation in today’s worshiping communities.
On Wednesday, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation and the Office of Christian Formation of the Presbyterian Mission Agency hosted an event for Christian educators around the country. For 20 years, the event has been marketed to educators within the network of Presbyterians Organized in Nurture and Teaching (POINT) and focused on all the curricula and books published by Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. This year, the training was shortened from three hours to 90 minutes and focused only on new publications.
The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation debuted its Spanish and Korean resources first, noting the intentional expansion of curriculum for children, adults and ordered ministry. The Rev. Marissa Galván-Valle, Spanish Resource Editor, introduced liturgical aids, “Ayudas litúrgicas,” based on the weekly lectionary written by Spanish-speaking pastors and leaders. “They’re very concise and precise,” she said, noting the aids are also bilingual and accessible to English-speaking congregations. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation also offers free Spanish-language Christian education resources packaged in sets of one to four sessions. Topics focus on the Bible or on Christian practices like visiting the sick.
Original source can be found here.
