United Church of Canada endorses Gather 'Round curriculum.

The United Church of Canada has become the newest cooperative user of the Gather 'Round curriculum, citing its value for congregations that want to connect with families. Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News is a project of Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. The curriculum serves children, youth, and parents and caregivers.

"Family, and parents in particular, play an important role in the spiritual development and faith formation of their children," noted Amy Crawford, program coordinator for children, young teens, and youth. "United Church parents and congregations will appreciate the Talkabout, an important component of Gather 'Round, which provides parents with practical ways to talk about faith with their children, and helps congregations and families stay connected."

Crawford also highlighted the way Gather 'Round helps children encounter the Bible stories. "The stories of the Bible speak powerfully about who God is and how God relates to people and all of creation. Gather 'Round provides children with opportunities to encounter biblical stories, interpret their meaning, and make connections so that they can live the story in the world."

Cooperative users are denominations that have officially endorsed the curriculum for their congregations, warehousing inventory and promoting the material as one of their recommended curricula. Other Gather 'Round cooperative users are the Mennonite Brethren, the Moravian Church in America, and the United Church of Christ. Gather 'Round has also been recommended to congregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Brethren in Christ, Friends United Meeting, and areas of the Episcopal Church.

For more go to www.gatherround.org or call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.

Source: 6/4/2008 Newsline