A Disciple's Generous Response

Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart
Community of Christ Supplemental Study Guide for Leaders

Stewardship Resources for Children and Their Families
 

Most of the information in the Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart Leader Guide fits the theology, philosophy, and principles of the Community of Christ. The following is a list of adaptations, and additions to consider:

The scripture quotations used in the Leader Guide are from Today’s English Version (TEV)—Second Edition, ©1992 by the American Bible Society. Today’s English Version originally appeared in the late 1970s as the Good News Bible. Because translators wanted this Bible to use standard, everyday English, many of its passages are paraphrases rather than strict renderings of the ancient texts. This very simple, readable version has a limited vocabulary at seventh-grade reading level. Consider using a New Revised Standard Version or The Youth Bible—New Century Version by Word Publishing.
 

The following suggestions are referenced by session and page number.

Introduction

p. 6 — Information about children’s offering envelopes. They are available from your congregational financial officer (CFO).

p. 12 — Prior to using the Parent/Family Resource section, take fifteen minutes to discuss the two addendums to the resource, Provide copies for the parents.

• Key Words for Kids and Six Principles for Kids contain the six principles of Community of Christ’s A Disciple’s Generous Response in kid-friendly language. Consider providing the parents with copies of the brochure, A Disciple’s Generous Response, available at Herald House. A PowerPoint presentation to support this brochure is available.

• The Community of Christ Supplemental Study Guide for Parents/Family are similar to this listing for leaders and provide specific modifications for Community of Christ parents/families.

p. 18 — On a piece of poster board write each of the Six Principles for Kids found at the end of this guide and display it prominently in the room. Using a bright, contrasting color, cut out large arrows and place next to the principle(s) emphasized in each lesson as you’re teaching.

Session 1: The Good Shepherd (p. 21)

“Good stewardship is good shepherding—providing for the needs of others and protecting the vulnerable from harm.”—Growing a Grateful, Generous Heart Leader Guide, p. 22

A Disciples’ Generous Response principles emphasized (kid’s version):

1 – Be Generous by loving others the way God loves you.
2 – Be Dependable by helping others.
3 – Manage the money you have to help God, neighbors, yourself, and the world.
4 – Share joyfully some of what God has given you.

Session 2: Creation (p. 41)

God is the creator of gifts. God’s gifts to us become our gifts to share with others.

A Disciples’ Generous Response principles emphasized (kid’s version):

1 – Be Generous by loving others the way God loves you.
2 – Be Dependable by helping others.
4 – Share joyfully some of what God has given you.

p. 43 — The suggested hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful” can be found in Hymns of the Saints, 18.

Session 3: The Widow’s Offering (p. 61)

Jesus was touched by the widow’s generous response.

A Disciples’ Generous Response principles emphasized (kid’s version):

1 – Be generous by loving others the way God loves you.
2 – Be dependable by helping others.
3 – Manage the money you have to help God, neighbors, yourself, and the world.
4 – Share joyfully some of what God has given you.
5 – Save wisely part of what you have for when it will be needed for yourself and others.
6 – Spend carefully what you have to live a healthy, happy life together with God and others.

p. 75 — Art: Prayer of St. Francis Mobile
The prayer referenced here is commonly known as “The Prayer of St. Francis,” as it is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. The words of the prayer are available on many Web sites. The Book of Common Prayer is available at http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/. It is not a resource commonly used for prayers, sacraments, and ordinances in the Community of Christ.

Session 4: Jesus Calls His Disciples (p. 81)

God’s generosity and love are compelling invitations for us to live differently in the world. p. 81

A Disciples’ Generous Response principles emphasized (kid’s version):

1 – Be generous by loving others the way God loves you.
2 – Be dependable by helping others.
3 – Manage the money you have to help God, neighbors, yourself, and the world.
4 – Share joyfully some of what God has given you.
5 – Save wisely part of what you have for when it will be needed for yourself and others.
6 – Spend carefully what you have to live a healthy, happy life together with God and others.

Children’s Papers:
The scripture quotations used in all age levels of the Children’s Papers are from Today’s English Version (TEV)—Second Edition, ©1992 by the American Bible Society. You may prefer to use a New Revised Standard Version or The Youth Bible—New Century Version by Word Publishing.

Children’s Papers, Grades 5–6, Session 3, “The Gift”
This contemporary story has two references that may need additional explanation for the Community of Christ context. The first is a reference to “altar.” A Community of Christ alternative might be worship center or worship setting. The second is a reference to “priest.” An alternative would be minister. While both terms are used in the Community of Christ, those in grades 5 and 6 may need some additional information to help them understand these terms as used in this story.