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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 — For more information about children’s offering envelopes visit
www.CofChrist.org/bishop/kids-envelopes.asp. 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.
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.
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