Interview: Christian formation, No longer your grandmother's Sunday school

By Peter Menkin

Readers will note that this interview with Sharon Ely Pearson is the result of several questions, answers, and responses over a period of separate days. The title for this piece on “Sunday School,” suggested by Sharon, says a great deal about where 2009 brings us in formation of members of The Episcopal Church in the United States, part of the worldwide Anglican communion of 77 million. Her title for the interview is contained in this email response by her:

As far as title (suggested by me), "Sunday School with Sharon" (you reply that it) is rather demeaning to the ministry of Christian formation and I prefer you not use it. A title such as "Christian Formation: No Longer Your Grandmother's Sunday school" if you need to use the term Sunday school (which is not used in the Episcopal Church very often anymore). It is LIFE LONG formation and education into living out one's baptismal promises.

Tell us then, is Christian Formation or what was called Sunday school, for children only?

Christian formation is life long, so it includes all ages. This is occurring across denominational lines, and is not new to Christianity. It is reclaiming the understanding of how Christians were “formed” in the early Church.

Sunday school is no longer seen as a separate component of education just for children. We like to use the term, “Christian formation” to describe the continual lifelong process of deepening one’s understanding of his or her faith.

In the Episcopal Church it involves all aspects of our life together – worship, service to others, mission, pastoral care, evangelism, fellowship, AND education. Education is comprised of learning and reflecting, integrating holistically all of our experiences with God’s Word, connecting faith and daily life.

Where did the term “Sunday school” originate?

The term “Sunday school” originated with Robert Raikes, a devout Anglican layman, (1736-1811) who started a movement of prison reform and education of offenders and poor children. The purpose of the school was to teach poor children (in “Soot Alley”) the rudiments of learning on Sunday, their free day. Of course the Bible was their textbook, and from the movement the idea of Sunday schools spread to the Baptist, Congregational, and Methodist churches throughout England. In 1803 the London Sunday School Union was created. It was also brought to America, and in 1824 the American Sunday School Union was formed in Philadelphia. It was, and is still today, characterized by strong missionary and evangelistic zeal. There continues to be a Unified Lessons Series curriculum, though this is not usually used in Episcopal Churches. 

So, what is the official curriculum used for Christian Formation for Episcopalians?

The Episcopal Church does not have a “mandatory” or endorsed curriculum for all to use. Holy Scripture (The Old and New Testaments) and “The Book of Common Prayer” ground us in study. We are the curriculum – individually and our congregations together in all that we say and do as well as what is implicitly stated in how we shape our environment and provide hospitality.

And remember, Christian Formation is not just about memorizing doctrine, Bible verses, a Catechism, and certain prayers. It is about developing a relationship with God, and living out Jesus’ commandments in the world, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, and with all your mind, and all your strength …You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12: 30-31)

 Episcopalians are called to live out The Baptismal Covenant and, what many consider the foundation of our lives together and which guides us to live out our ministry in the world.

All churches are called to use this as a foundation for our life together, including our educational programs.

How do you offer teachings on Baptism as part of Christian formation?

This Covenant takes seriously our call to be Christ’s ministers in the world at the moment of our Baptism. We understand that we are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge, but are known by God and already have a relationship with God, no matter what age.

By virtue of our Baptism, in the Episcopal Church, we believe we are full members of the Body of Christ. God was present with us at birth, and at Baptism we are filled with the Holy Spirit, that continues to remain with us, being “marked as Christ’s own forever” with the sign of the Cross on our forehead, one of the outward and visible signs, with water that is exhibited at Baptism – no matter what age we are.

Will you give an example?

An excellent example of how this is experienced in a church setting with children is through a program called Godly Play (www.godlyplay.org).

This Montessori-approach to children’s formation was developed by The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, understanding that children have a desire to learn liturgical language while exploring their relationship with God and Jesus on their own terms. While learning the lessons of the Old and New Testaments, children learn to fall in love with God all over again and again.

The program is child-centered and is story-based, using beautiful materials and open-ended wondering questions to allow the child to place themselves in the various stories of God’s people. It is a program used in a growing number of churches of many denominations.

So Christian formation is just for children? It seems so many parents come to a church for the moral, spiritual, and religious education of their children. They want their child to have a firm sense of right and wrong:

But Christian formation is not just for children. It is a lifelong process in which all of us are continually learning and growing in our relationship with God.

At the Episcopal Church’s triennial gathering this July in Anaheim, one of the pieces of legislation will include a Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation. Patterned after The Children’s Charter for the Church passed in 1998,  this document will highlight the importance of education and formation for all ages.

There is a hunger in Episcopal Churches to better understand how to read scripture and apply it to today’s world. There is a hunger to learn spiritual practices to keep one grounded in the midst of a busy lifestyle. There is a desire for intergenerational methods of engaging each other, understanding that elders have much wisdom to share, children are often prophets calling us to see God in the world, and all ages in between make up the whole people of God.

Many adults in our society today were not brought up in a religious tradition, or had a bad experience as a child with the institutional church. So when their own children start asking existential questions about God, Jesus, and the meaning of life, they turn back to the Church for assistance.

While many are looking for “education” for their children, they too are hungry for a deeper spiritual life and connection to the holy.

Our world today is very fragmented, and our lives are like a gerbil running on a wheel. The Church provides a community of faith in which one can slow down, be renewed, and fed.

And the Episcopal Church is open to all people. Our doors are open to any seeker. As many would say, you do not need to leave your questions at the door before you enter. We embrace Scripture, the Traditions of the past, as well as Reason—our ability to make up our own minds and personal decisions as to where we believe God is calling us.

As we end this part of our article-interview, tell us something of your title and who you work for, as well as something about what published materials are offered by Church Publishing on Christian formation:

My title is as the Christian Formation Specialist for Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) (www.churchpublishing.org), the publisher for the Episcopal Church.

CPI publishes books on prayer, faith in the world, and other topics of interest to those lay and ordained. We publish “The Book of Common Prayer,” various Episcopal hymnals, and many resources.

(I) also work closely with one of its divisions, Morehouse Education Resources, which publishes curricula and educational materials for The Episcopal Church and other denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church.

These include the original lectionary-based curriculum, Living the Good News, as well as Godly Play books and materials, All Things New, and many more. Confirm not Conform a groundbreaking confirmation program for youth that was developed by St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, CA is also part of their resources. 

Some basic questions of Sharon:

Morehouse Education Resources  is a division of Church Publishing Incorporated, located in Denver. Church Publishing’s main office is in New York City, along with its parent company the Church Pension Fund, which serves all (7,500) Episcopal congregations in the United States and beyond (many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America): and  Church Publishing publishes all liturgical materials as stipulated by General Convention.

We also are partners with The Godly Play Foundation  and the founders of Confirm not Conform -– both are used in the San Francisco Bay area.

These two programs exemplify the ‘cutting edge’ in the area of Christian formation and education in the Episcopal Church (and beyond).

Are all the people you help Episcopalians? If others, give me a couple of examples, please.

Morehouse Education Resources publishes curricula and sacramental resources used by many denominations. I participate with APCE, the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators, the National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors  as well as many educators from the United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), and Roman Catholic Church.

Will you name five people around the country who you consider "partners" in your work and in its direction? Notable ones are good, with Church name. Is there anyone in specific in the San Francisco Bay Area you can name? This is not to contact or interview, but as a kind of list of endorsers and people who are prominently involved in Christian Formation and Sunday school.

• Julia McCray-Goldsmith, Director of Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of California (located in San Francisco);
• Melissa Neofes Mischak, Director of Christian Formation, Christ Episcopal Church (Alameda, CA);
• Carol Campbell, Resource Center Director, Episcopal Dioceses of El Camino Real and California (located in Sunnyvale);
• Wendy Cliff, Director of Christian Formation, St. Paul’s’ Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA; and
• The Rev. Beth Foote, Rector, Holy Trinity, Menlo Park, CA

How many Churches do you serve?

7,500 Episcopal churches (a membership of over 2 million) and many from other denominations.

Are all the people you help Episcopalians? If others, give a couple of examples, please.

I participate with APCE, the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators as well as many folks from the United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), and Roman Catholic Church. Morehouse Education Resources publishes curricula and sacramental resources used by many denominations.

Note: Sharon says she:

travels extensively, offering workshops and consultations to congregations in need of training and program planning support.

produces a free, monthly e-newsletter, Living IN-Formation as well as maintains an on-line Resource Room of support materials for the Christian educator.

Readers may write Sharon: Sharon Ely Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist Church Publishing Incorporated/Morehouse Education Resources Mailing address:17 Pumpkin Lane - Norwalk, CT 06851

Images: (1) Godly Play class. Photo courtesy Church Publishing. (2) Sharon Ely Pearson. Photo courtesy of Church Publishing.

About the Author

Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco).

My blog:

http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com

Music Industry/ Radio Station

Why do radio stations play the same songs over and over again?
I know the answers ....I’m just wondering, what’s your take on the subject.

Okay, because we are acting like we don't notice the pattern.
(Fight the Power)

I understand if songs are requested, due to the fact; it’s a great song.

However, there are songs still played on the radio and the artist is dead. If the song is not requested, move on. I don’t believe in bring up an issue, without providing a resolution. If the radio stations need to fill the slot, they can recruit new singers. Although, with artist submitting their work on a consonant basics; it shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve. Even old, old songs are still in rotation. No one cares, as long as it’s not your problem. No disrespect!

We are taught in America to take a stand, don’t give up, and honestly is the best policy.

In most cases, deceased artist still get exposure from other recognitions. This is mainly in reference to artist who were known all over the world. If money is an issue, I’m sure within their music career they’ve managed to make enough to provide for themselves and others. If not, then like many other Americans who have it hard, it’s your responsibility.

What’s this about, because we know it’s not so simple to change the way things are going.

I guess there are long lines of legal documents pencil whipping the industry.

What about the thousands and thousands of hardworking artist who can’t get their song in rotation, because I’m sorry….what Major label are they on. Oh….that’s not the case; it’s the music program director…that’s really picky about the song. Wait, wait, it’s a special news report from my head. It says in order to make it in the entertainment business; you must know at least 3 to 5 people.

Do you know there is a law in so many words, state if an artist song is requested a number of

times they must play it. I’m informing you of what I know. I don't know all of the details, but if you found this post; I'm sure you can do a little research on this subject.
How are indie artist suppose to make it, if they keep this up? The reason being for all this unfair treatment is, because once again we allow it. Jesus said," it’s wise to receive justice."

Leave me a comment.

About the Author

The Shroud of Turin - The Oviedo Cloth?

Just as important as the Shroud of Turin and intricately connected with the Shroud its surprising that the Ovideo cloth, or 'Sudarium', has had such little media coverage, and is far less well known.

I'm not catholic but I live in turin and it was really impressive and strong emotion to see the Shroud on 2000.

There are some things about the Shroud that are just science and other things that are faith. But you can't get rid of hundreds of studies.. hundreds of scientist and hundreds of years just saying "it is a fake". Perhaps it is worth going deeper.

Carbon dating tell us the it was made in 13th century but nothing tell us HOW it was made..

It is scientific that it wasn't "hand made" and that it covered a crucified corpse.

It is not "italian" because it contain tens of pollens that you can only find in the midle east.

It is not possible to demonstrate that it was Christ corpse or another one because crucifixion was really common in the middle east
but you can't exclude that it is because carbon dating is not an accurate science, it is accurate if you find something sealed by the Earth.

Same scientist that verified the dating said that hundreds of things can "regenerate" the dating of the Shroud..

If was handled many times for centuries.
It was exposed to bad weather many times, it was exposed to fire 3 times (last time few years ago but it was sealed but 30cm of glass)

Talking about impossible tell me HOW IT WAS MADE... because same scientist that date it tell us that a "negative" (like phograph) so big and so durable needed much more energy as they can produce both in 2000 years ago and 800 years ago

So.. I don't think it is "original" pic of jesus but it is not to easy to judge.

A Kenya Travel Experience With a Remarkable Difference

A search for the word ‘Kenya travel’ on the internet reveals a list of websites ranging from the website of the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of Kenya to the websites of various tour and Travel companies. Among these diverse tourism websites on Kenya travel mentioned, the one that catches your eye is sheltertours.com. A click on the link fills your screen with beautiful Kenyan wildlife. A brief overview of the website further assures the browser that he is at the right web link. The website offers exhaustive information about Kenya travel which is situated in East Africa with Nairobi as its Capital.

A Kenya travel is essentially famous for its wildlife, the beautiful African skies, the culture of the people and a fantastic natural environment, And it seems to cater to everyone’s Kenya travel needs. Fishing, skiing, rafting, rock climbing, camping, hiking, Private Ranches and pre-historic sites – you find it all here. Apart from the scenic beauty, Kenya travel has much more to offer. With all these activities to do teamed with a comfortable stay, Kenya is the decisive destination where you should head to.

With A Kenya travel experience, you get the taste of the Mount Kenya climb, the second highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kenya stands tall at a whooping 5199m above sea level and Situated 16km south of the equator. It is also the home beautiful bird life and indigenous trees. Mountaineering becomes especially delightful during September to February when wild is dry and there are few instances of rain.

The coastal town of Mombasa is a haven of pre-historic sites, beaches, and Marine parks, from the ancient Shahili town of Lamu with a very rich pre-historic culture still intact from the 16th century AD to the Gede ruins built in the 17th century by Arabs who controlled the coastal town. The Fort Jesus stands firm in Mombasa, itself built in the 16th century by the portuguese in their quest for the control of the East African coast. A Kenya travel experience will also treat you to the most enjoyable white beaches in the entire African coastline. If you are a fan to skiing, rafting, snorkelling, and diving then the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is there waiting for you arms open, for the thrill and the pleasure that it beholds.

A Kenya travel experience would not be complete without reference to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, A unique haven for wildebeest, zebras, lions, wild elephants and cheatahs among many other predators and herbivorous. The way these wildlife interact intrincically is a perfect example of Savanah grassland of the African plateau. The 7th wonder of the world event takes place here.

This spectacular Kenya travel event happens at the Rhino Bridge, commonly known as Kiboko wildebeest crossing site. The wildebeest cross the Mara river into the adjacent olpunyaia swamp on their way to the Serengeti Game Reserve and Later back to the Olorukoti plains and the Musiara swamps. This phenomenonal event happens in July and August when millions of these wildebeest cross the Mara river from the Serengeti Game reserve to the Masai Mara. Then it happens again in october, This time the migration of wildebeests takes them back south to the Serengeti Game Park.

About the Author

Lucy Maruhi is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on Kenya travel, visit her site at Kenya travel

Why Christmas is Really All About Children

It could be said that since it was the birth of a baby as a gift to
mankind that gave rise to Christmas, then children should also and always be the
primary focus of the season. Individual families will say they have always put
children first and parents will sacrifice seeking their desires at Christmas to
make sure their children are satisfied. And although adults also look forward
with much anticipation to the Christmas season, the frenzy that accounts for all
the shopping and preparation during the Christmas season is really for the
benefit of children.

http://www.christmas.moneybizhome.com
 From a financial perspective, the extensive shopping done at Christmas is
really of benefit to businesses. But what really drives the maddening shopping
activity is a desire by parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances to play
Santa Claus, mainly for children. Within families, children are usually the ones
who individually receive the most gifts. And it's deservedly so because their
wide-eyed anticipation, excitement and pure joy when they open their Christmas
presents gives everyone an indescribably happy feeling.
 Along with playing Santa Claus and secretly getting gifts for children,
adults also use the Santa story for all it's worth as an effective means of
discipline. As soon as the Fall season approaches, children will begin to hear
warnings about their behavior and the consequence of Santa Claus not leaving any
toys or presents like the wonderful ones they received in the prior year. And
when the Santa Claus story is not being used to help to get the best behavior
from children, it is simply pure fun to delight them by telling them stories
about Santa Claus, his elves and reindeers to simply enliven their imagination.
 The story of Santa Claus is even useful for older children who may just be
starting to unravel the mystery of Santa Claus. The stories that tell of
different places where Santa Claus actually lives can be a starting point to go
on an imaginative journey around the globe and become a geography lesson to
learn about those places.
 Children are also central to Christmas because the many grand displays of
Christmas scenery, colorful lights and sparkling ornaments really target the
attention of children. So, if children were not so important at Christmas time,
then it is quite possible that many of the traditions that make Christmas what
it is would not exist. As an example, Valentine's Day and holidays related to
Easter have a much different mood and atmosphere. Children aren't the focus in
celebrations for those special periods.
 Christmas is also an important period for the toy industry whose clients
are naturally children. Although the industry is part of the big retail picture
and therefore seeks to boost sales during the Christmas season, there is also a
deeper meaning for children. Toys are important to entertain, to educate, to
help children develop their imagination and to develop coordination and other
skills in children. Toys can also help children to play together and learn to
share.
The toy industry is therefore important at Christmas time in introducing new
products that are integral to the development of children. When children become
totally captivated by a new toy at Christmas time, it may help them to learn a
new skill or provide new knowledge all in a fun and captivating way that will
make it more likely that whatever is learned will be remembered.
 Children are also the focus of Christmas celebrations because it is
important to create fond childhood memories of the season. These memories are
created not by children necessarily receiving a lot, but by enjoying everything
about the season. The story of Jesus with the moral of sharing, giving and doing
kind deeds for others can also help to build a good character and set a moral
foundation that teaches children to have empathy and compassion during the
Christmas season and all throughout the year.

http://www.christmas.moneybizhome.com

About the Author

http://www.christmas.moneybizhome.com
Oli works full time as a Market Analyst.He graduated in Management.He can help you to grow your computer consulting.

http://www.computer-pc-tips.moneybizhome.com/

What are some good big group costume ideas?

My high school volleyball team and i will be out of town on a road-trip this halloween we are going to the hell hole of the earth, and we are pretty bummed about missing halloween to be in this mean nasty dump of a town, so we thought it would be fun to dress up in a huge group costume and go trick or treating. there are 15 girls on the team, yes i know, its a huge a** varsity team, so does anyone have any ideas? we thought about being the 12 apostles plus the fish and wine and Jesus making fun of the fact that we go to a catholic school, anyone have any better ideas? (funny is better, were not shy)

Deck of cards 2-10 Jack, Queen, King, Ace , 2 Jokers

Hugh Heffner and 13 playboy bunnies (and 1 bottle of viagra)

Calendar girls: 1 for each holiday: New Years, Valentine's, St Patty's, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Election Day, Halloween, Thanksgivng, Christmas, Birthday, President's Day,
Have each girl pick out of a hat to see which holiday she gets.

A quote on Pitt imminent arrival of the Jolie baby ...?

Darryn Lyons, the chairman of Big Pictures, which runs Mr. Paparazzi. Com, said in London that the two stars are certain to gain more attention by taking up residence in a poor corner of Africa, then they would in the United States. "I do not think they could give more people an appetite to see the new creature," said Lyons, Referring to the decision to lie low in Namibia. "It is the most anticipated baby since Jesus Christ." Firstly, most People do not know anything about Jesus until he began his ministry at the age of 30 years. Secondly, for my hand, this does not correspond to the birth of the messiah. I think this statement is presumptuous in the extreme. I know that first picture this baby will be worth a lot of money, but I mean really, it's just another woman having a baby! Women have been doing it since time immemorial - what is the difference here! The media need to stop this circus drooling! And call it a creature? Tasteless. Comments?

I could not care less baby of someone I do not even know, and frankly I'm sick of the whole object.

My President- Da TRUTH: Photo Clip Montage (Lyrics Included)

Mule Variations $9.66 16 tracks. Digipac has wear. Scuffs on disc will not affect play - graded just VG-....

Wynonna $3.20 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed....

Nigga Please $6.70 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed....

Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin - The Untold Story [UMD for PSP] $14.49 For Family Guy fans, there are no freakin' sweeter words than "Never Before Seen." A triumphant homecoming for the Griffins, Stewie Griffin is not so much a movie as it is a not-yet-aired three-episode story arc enhanced with a home-video-exclusive "red carpet premiere" prologue and an epilogue (capped, of course, with a fart joke). Family Guy's resurrection is a television miracle, and its creato...

VeggieTales - An Easter Carol $3.85 When Ebenezer Nezzer sets out to revolutionize Easter with mechanical chickens and plastic eggs, it's up to valiant veggies Larry and Bob and a music box angel named Hope (voiced by singer Rebecca St. James) to teach him the true meaning of the holiday. 49 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; audio commentary; documentaries; bonus shorts; games; trivia; more....

International Capsules: Book: May-Treanor feared mom before she sobered up
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor said in a soon-to-be-published autobiography that she has struggled with alcoholism all her life as the child of a mother who became violent when drunk and a father who didn’t sober up until he was imprisoned for driving under the influence.

Does anyone know what hiphop / rap song thats like bad Christmas say Merry Christmas and I do not care and ..?

and other thing about Jesus died 2000 years ago? I can not understand

No Clue.

Wendy's Drive Thru Rap (FAIL!?!)

Jewish Cello Masterpieces $9.50 A beautiful collection of great Jewish Music. Classics by Ernest Bloch and Max Bruch, mixed with rarely heard gems by Maurice Ravel, Zavel Zilberts, Jacob Wasilkovsky, and David Meyerowitz. "Wie Shlecht es is Ohn Gelt", a Yiddish Theatre gem, is alone worth the price of admission for its mixture of pathos and humor. The songs by Zilberts are an important and beautiful part of the Jewish music lega...

Have Yourself A Meaty Little Christmas $7.98 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed....

Mother Goose & More $5.32 "Mother Goose & More' is a collection of story telling anf music to benefit UNIFEM (The United Nations Development Fund for Women). "Mother Goose & More" is narrated by Julie Andrews and Peter Schickele and is performed by prodigies from Juilliard and Mannes as well as the 3 Flute Moms, Kenneth Cooper, Irene Sharpe Cello Ensemble and Gena Raps. "Mother Goose & More" was inspired by both The Moth...

What we have in this country, the United States we have a picture of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus.?

In this county and the city what it is inside and they call it the Black Madonna painting, or the Black Madonna?

Czestochowa, Poland is probably the one you think.

JASNA GORA BLACK MADONNA Czestochowa Poland 2003

Mule Variations $9.66 16 tracks. Digipac has wear. Scuffs on disc will not affect play - graded just VG-....

Gentle Dreams: The Best of Julian Lloyd Webber $17.98 ...

Made in England $24.99 Subtitled - The Best Of Julian Lloyd Webber. 2003 compilation features previously unreleased material along with popular classics, special duets (including an exclusive cover of 'Your Song' with piano by Elton John), hidden gems, & new discoveries. 38 tracks. Universal....

Jesus Action Figure Deluxe $14.99 The Jesus Action Figure, is truly a unique gift idea. Quite possibly the first action figure to have 'turns water into wine' as a selling point on the box, this wonderful Jesus character stands 5 1/4-inches tall and features glow-in-the-dark hands! He comes in an illustrated window box with 8 accessories: a jug, 2 fish, and 5 loaves of bread. Welcome him into your home today! The 2 miracles repres...

The Child's Story Bible $18.08 First published more than 50 years ago, this much-loved Bible storybook continues to instruct and delight today's families...