A Disciple's Generous Response

Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart

Stewardship Resources for Children and Their Families
Includes materials for leaders, teachers, parents, and children.

The principle of generosity foundational to Christian discipleship is an important concept to discover and learn at an early age. This allows for those engaged in such a ministry of discipleship formation to develop patterns of generosity and sharing that will bless them for the rest of their lives. One of the core beliefs of the Community of Christ is the worth of all persons, including children and youth. Another core belief is the concept of stewardship, finding expression in the six principles of A Disciples’ Generous Response. These two core beliefs come together in this series of stewardship resources.

Developed by Living the Good News in collaboration with the Office of Stewardship at the Episcopal Church Center, this series of resources provides excellent lessons for study. The Community of Christ Supplemental Study Guide provides information on how to adapt this resource series to the specifics of the Community of Christ (such as references to Web sites, hymnals, or books) when needed.

The resource series includes a Leader Guide, a Parent/Family Resource, and four Children’s Papers for: preschool/kindergarten (ages 3–5), grades 1–2 (ages 6–7), grades 3–4 (ages 8–9), and grades 5–6 (ages 10–11). Ages are approximate equivalents.

The Leader Guide includes tips for use in smaller congregations, ideas for meeting with parents, and a detailed list of materials used in the sessions, as well as intergenerational activities. The four sessions introduce the children to God, Jesus, gifts and creation, and how all of these are connected to living a life of generous response.

The Parent/Family Resource presents an excellent way to reinforce at home the concepts of generosity and sharing taught in the congregation. Indirectly, it provides a basic education of these principles for the adults in the family. Strongly consider including this resource in your curriculum purchasing plans.

Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart curriculum is divided into four one-hour class units. If a full hour is not available for each unit, it may be necessary to allocate up to eight weeks in order to effectively cover all the material. Each unit is presented in four graded groupings from preschool through grade six. Its purpose is to help children and their parents learn to apply basic biblical principles about money to their daily life. There is a specific supportive resource for parents and families.

As it is, this is a “no tech” resource for teachers, leaders, and parents that prefer not using computers, PowerPoint presentations, etc. Of course, leaders are welcome to supplement these resources if they wish. These resources are comprehensive and easy to reference. There are many group activities to help keep students involved and on track. The Children’s Papers are included in colorful, attractive, age-specific booklets.