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Roundabout Online offers tips from the quarterly Roundabout newsletter
and additional information about the Gather 'Round curriculum. |
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| Free resources! |
Download a free attendance chart, find a list of book and DVD suggestions for Winter 2009-10,
and browse tips for teachers at www.gatherround.org/forteachers. |
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Curriculum Writers Needed!
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Interested in writing for the Gather 'Round curriculum?
Writers are needed for Preschool (ages 3-4), Primary (K-grade 2),
Middler (grades 3-5), Junior Youth (grades 6-8) and Youth (grades 9-12). Find
details and apply at www.gatherround.org/contactus.html.
(Deadline: December 16, 2009.)
Share this information with qualified people you
know, and encourage them to apply.
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New and noteworthy |
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Come, Gather 'Round DVD
available now!
See how groups are using Gather 'Round and learn about the curriculum and its specific components. This 12-minute DVD
is an overview of the curriculum and includes the following segments:
- Welcome to Gather 'Round
Getting started Inside a teacher's guide Preview Pack
To view the video, go to www.gatherround.org. You can also order a free copy to show
to your Christian education committee and teachers.
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Order now!
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It's time to order
Winter Gather 'Round materials! Check with your denominational publisher
or order online at www.gatherround.org.
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Plan ahead
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Be sure you have all the materials you need
before the start of the quarter. Order extra student books to have available
for visitors. Welcome new families with a Talkabout and a copy of Connect, the Bible guide for parents and
caregivers.
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December 2009
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Good news!
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Each Gather 'Round session helps children and youth relate to
the Bible story in a way they can understand. If guided, even preschoolers will
easily catch the excitement of their parents and teachers and enjoy getting
ready, waiting, and finally celebrating the good news of Jesus' birth.
During the coming weeks, help preschoolers prepare by
leading them in the song "Holy Baby, Holy Child" from the Gather Round
2009-2010 CD. Help parents build on what their children have learned by
pointing out the "Home connection" notes included in the preschool student
book. Or, take a few moments at the end of class to teach parents the song so
they may sing it at home with their child.
Click here to hear a clip from this song, and to see the page from My Bible Storybook with the song lyrics and "Home connection" note to parents.
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Worship together
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Worship can be a lively, engaging part of each Gather 'Round
session. Check pages 104-105 of the Gather 'Round Handbook for worship tips, as
well as Chapter 9--Teaching Tips for Each Group--to find many ideas for helping
children and youth grow in faith as they enjoy worshipping together.
Watch for resources that will help draw children and youth into worship,
or offer opportunities for them to share their worship experiences with others
in your congregation. For instance, in the December 13 session, junior youth
will be guided in a prayer litany as they respond like Mary, saying "Here am
I." Ask your pastor if an adaptation of this litany could be repeated in congregational
worship, perhaps involving junior youth as readers:
One: Holy God, you have called people to do important
jobs throughout history. You often choose people who are young and ordinary.
Many: Here am I.
One: God, you have given each one of us talents to
use in your work.
Many: Here am I.
One: Like Mary, there are questions I might need to
ask when I hear your call.
Many: Here am I.
One: God, I want to be ready. I want to be part of
your work in this world.
Many: Here am I.
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Help families link church and home
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The Talkabout is a unique at-home resource with
scriptures, prayers, discussion questions, and activities designed to spark
family faith talk and action around the weekly Bible stories. The Winter
quarter's Talkabout is a set of weekly cards on the theme "The Word Among
Us." Look in your Winter order for a special note about the Winter 2009-10
Talkabout to send home with parents and caregivers. This note introduces
families to the quarterly theme and helps them use the Talkabout. Print one
copy of the note for each family, and distribute it with the Talkabout.
Click here for a pdf of the Winter 2009-10 Talkabout letter to parents and caregivers.
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Gather 'Round is a Bible-based curriculum nurturing children, youth, and adults in becoming followers of Jesus: people who know and love God, interpret God's word, belong to God's gathered community, and share God's good news. It is a joint project of Brethren Press (Church of the Brethren) and Mennonite Publishing Network (Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada).
Order Gather 'Round from your denominational publisher or at www.gatherround.org.
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