I'm looking for a brochure/pamphlet that will equip first time or young married parents on how to begin educating their young toddlers (eg. payer before/after meals, devotions after mealtime, bible story before bedtime, prayer before bedtime, prayer in car before school day, importance of Sunday School attendance). you get the picture. We would like to utilize this by handing it out when we visit moms with newborn babies and give them a children's Bible. For some of us, this is 2nd nature, but for many they are not aware how to begin some even simple exercises. Any ideas or anything the denomination has to offer? or other denominations?
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Hi Albert,
Check out the Homegrown book from Faith Alive. It touches on all sorts of topics on parenting. http://www.faithaliveresources.org/Products/151370/home-grown-handbook-for-christian-parenting.aspx
There are also videos and a study guides available for groups of parents that want to form a small group of new parents together.
Derek
Derek:
Thanks! you're editor at Faith Alive, correct?
(1) Does Home Grown specifically have a chapter that deals specifically with these concerns with practical ideas to encourage action on the part of parents?
(2) And does the Denomination print any handy pamphlets to pass on to the "non-reader" book crowd of parents...that we can insert in the children's Bibles we give out?
Albert,
Yep, I do work for Faith Alive. Home Grown deals with all the topics you mentioned and more. It's actually set up in a question and answer format---perfect for busy parents and those who aren't interested in reading a chapter book. It allows them to skim through topics and check out different questions as they need to.
Some of the questions (there are 111 of them) that are answered are "How soon should I start talking to my child about God?", "How do I pray with my child?", "What's the big deal about baptism?", "How do I explain death to my child?", and "When can we do devotions if we don't eat together?" The answers are practical, helpful and shared with humor.
If you'd like to see a sample of the author's writing style, see the "Home Grown Faith" article in the August issue of The Banner. There is also a sample on the product page.
As far as a pamphlet-type resource, there isn't anything that I know of that we offer. An excellent idea though!
Derek
Derek:
I'll just reiterate what I repled to Jolanda, below...I'm director of youth ministry but overseeing hospitality by designed default. (equipping parents, families etc makes my job easier too, eh?) We're already handing out the Sarah Loyd-Jones Bible (great resource) and want to include an equipping pamphlet/brochure to be inserted into it for these new parents - church or unchurched bkgrds. I think the Home Grown Book will be a great resource for me to use as a framework for a pamphlet I will write, design, print myself. Maybe, if I'm satisfied with it's results I can send it your way to see if you think it is worthy for your arsenal of resources, as well.....thank you for responding personally....you were VERY helpful...
Hi Albert, I also work for Faith Alive. I was just talking with Carol Slager, the director of congregational life and education at Modesto CRC, she said they ordered 30 copies of Homegrown so that could put one in each parent's box at church. They used the book as part of a parent’s class during Sunday school, but they wanted to make sure everyone had a copy, even if they didn't attend. I thought that was a cool idea!
I'm a new mom and I'm accumulating lots of books to help me along, but the nice thing about this one is that you don't have to read it straight through. You can skim the questions and just read the page or two that are relevant at the moment. It’s good, practical stuff with lots of ideas. I think it would work for what you’ve mentioned, especially if the person visiting would include a little note in the cover that mentions a question or two they find most helpful. Sounds like you’re doing a great job reaching out to young families. We need lots of support! It’s a whole new adventure, and a big learning curve!!
Jolanda:
Thanks for your add'l, positive & helpful comments; I'm director of youth ministry built overseeing hospitality by designed default. (equipping parents, families etc makes my job easier too, eh?) We're already handing out the Sarah Loyd-Jones Bible (great resource) and want to include an equipping pamphlet/brochure to be inserted into it for these new parents - church or unchurched bkgrds. I think the Home Grown Book will be a great resource for me to use as a framework for a pamphlet I will write, design, print myself. Maybe, if I'm satisfied with it's results I can send it your way to see if you think it is worthy for your arsenal of resources, as well.....
Good plan, Albert! I'm sorry that we don't already have a pamphlet to offer--I'd love to see the one you write when you're finished. The Jesus Storybook Bible is a great resource. Sounds like your church is very serious about supporting families--that's wonderful!
OK, well keep in touch....I'm finishing up a ministry directory, I've been working on first....so it will probbly be another few weeks yet....
Thanks J. for the directional shove :>) ....I've made contact with Mickie and awaiting a response.....
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