July/August issue highlights from Pam
Welcome to our July/August issue, which is jam-packed with fresh ways to explore faith with children and young people.
In our weekly materials we’ll focus on the Old Testament lectionary passages, bringing to life the stories of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel and Leah, and Joseph and his brothers. To accompany the series we’ve created a Family Tree poster - From Abraham to Joseph. Print subscribers will receive a copy with their magazine. It’s a visual reminder of the characters who help form the backdrop to the New Testament. We also have a new drama, ‘I will not let you go’, that delves into Jacob’s struggles with God. Plus theologian Tamara Knudson writes about the importance of Rebekah in Looking past female stereotypes.
Our striking front cover image by Michelle Barnett marks the beginning of our 10-week series on Moses (weeks 3-10 feature in the September/October issue) providing a helpful overview of Moses’ story as we consider why Moses is still significant for Christians today. You can download a storybook template that enables children to record each Moses story by colouring in the black and white pictures provided and sticking them in their storybook. Each week we provide:
- a full colour A4 picture representing each story for leaders to display on a wall and add to each week;
- an A4 black and white version of this picture to colour in;
- ten sheets, each with ten identical storybook pictures to cut out, colour in and stick into the storybook template. You can photocopy if you have more than ten children in your group.
- a sheet with a complete set of the ten storybook pictures. You may prefer to photocopy this and give one to each child.
In her article Playful faith Gail Adcock explores the value of fun when helping children to discover more about God. And for the summer holidays we have developed the Journey of a Lifetime holiday club. The fun sessions draw on the stories of the paralysed man, Mary and Martha, and Zacchaeus, showing how following Jesus is life changing. Do encourage family members of all ages to attend and participate in the holiday club together – there’s something for everyone!
Did you know that each week we publish Check-in - a reflection for young people which presents the weekly passage in the light of current affairs and popular culture? We hope it will be a blessing to you and your young people in these fast-moving and challenging times.
Pam Elliott,
Children & Youth Senior Editor
pam.elliott@rootsforchurches.com