Resources for Congregations
Episcopal Relief & Development was one of several organizations at this year’s West Missouri Diocesan Convention and Ministry Fair. In addition to the support that Episcopal Relief & Development provides to people around the globe, they also provide resources for congregations in the area of children’s liturgy and curriculum resources, ministry planning calendars, bulletin and prayers of the people inserts, formation resources, and programmatic toolkits.
Here are a few highlighted resources to aid your congregation: The Ministry Planning Monthly-at-a Glance Calendar features: “Best Practices” for making the most of your calendar across all ministries and demographics; helpful notes and lists to remind you of what’s happening now; what’s next and what’s on the horizon; links to the lectionary, Venite Daily Office, Anglican Cycle of Prayer; and monthly links to Children’s Sermons, Lesson Plans and Current Event Responses. It is easily printable and user-friendly pages 8½” x 11″ size. This resource is provided at no charge to leaders across the church. The digital version provides links to all the resources mentioned and notes about the current month, the following month and ideas for planning ahead.
Episcopal Relief and Development provides many children focused resources including the Advent Toolkit for Families with Advent Prayer and Reflections, and instructions for DIY advent wreaths and creches. Another resource for children’s liturgy is the Abundant Life Garden Project, an interactive, Scripture-based children’s faith formation program developed to share the work of Episcopal Relief & Development with elementary school-aged students. There are also supplemental materials that help expand this program for multigenerational use in worship and for families at home. This flexible, free program invites children to explore the mission of Episcopal Relief & Development through six thematic lessons: Water, Seeds, Soil, Animals, Harvest and Celebration. The Abundant Life Garden Project® curriculum is perfect for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and online delivery. Other supplemental materials include a Facilitator’s Guide, printable fact cards and coloring sheets, the booklets “Stories from Our Faith” and “Stories from the Field,” home and hearth engagement sheets, liturgies (including a St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals) and much more.
Finally, there are various Faith Leader Toolkits available in support of each of Episcopal Relief & Development’s priority areas: Early Childhood Development, Women & Girls, Climate Resilience, and Disaster Response. Each toolkit contains resource materials for expanding awareness of Episcopal Relief & Development’s lifesaving work, and robust guides to engaging your community through study, worship and action.
Reach out to Gina Heise, Ministry Partner or Episcopal Relief & Development, if you’d like to learn more.
This article was submitted by Gina Heise, The Diocese of West Missouri’s Ministry Partner for Episcopal Relief & Development.
