Summer is waning, the crickets are singing, and it’s time to get ready for the next year in religious education programs! The Fall issue of The Tote Bag: Religious Education and Family Resources is here to support getting ready for children, youth, and intergenerational programs in meetings. This includes new resources to support middle school engagement, explore Bible stories with children, and how to talk together with young people about election issues. With the upcoming election in November, staff have been thinking about how to support families and young people to feel grounded in our testimonies of integrity and peace. Two specific events for adults and children/youth are happening this fall. Read on!
Ideas and Resources for Fall Planning
“What’s Next?” Looking Ahead Planning Guide Children & Youth Programs
This is a conversation-starter for meetings to consider where they have been and where they want to go in the coming year. The religious education committee could use it to begin their planning, and might consider inviting responses from youth, families, or the whole meeting.
“In the Middle of the Light: A Curated Resource for Working with Middle School Youth in Quaker Meetings”
NEW! A year-long, thematic calendar “remix” of existing resources for Friends working with Middle School age youth in meetings — created with a focus on the needs of middle schoolers, meetings, and families.
A new children’s story Bible is about to be released:
The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids From the description: “A beautifully illustrated Bible storybook to help the next generation of kids understand the rich diversity of God’s people, emphasizing identity, contemplation, and wonder. The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every reader seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God.”
Talking with young people about Israel and Palestine: A Home to Many is an issue of Honest History magazine written and illustrated by Palestinians and Israelis, and is intended for ages 6–12. It covers historical background that may be helpful to discuss the current the Israel-Palestine conflict. Older youth might also be interested in a conversation about “A different future is possible: Quaker organizations share a vision for peace in Palestine and Israel” which PYM has signed, along with other minutes from PYM meetings.
World Quaker Day is Sunday, October 6 — mark your calendars and get ready:
- FWCC’s resource pack continues to be helpful, beyond 400th birthday! It features children’s stories, a dramatic monologue, Bible study connections, and prompts for worship sharing: George Fox 400 Birthday Pack (English)
- Graphic novel about George Fox! “George’s Great Search” is available in both English and Spanish, created for the Coalition for Hispanic Ministries. Recommended by our Friends at FWCC Section of the Americas, it grounds Fox’s faith in scripture and experience.
Events!
PYM Programs for Youth and Families: NEW FLYER!
2024-2025 Events for Children, Youth, and Families
Please click on the link and share the new flyer with families in your meeting! Learn more on the Youth Programs pages of the website: https://www.pym.org/youth-programs/
August Conversation Circles: Welcoming Families to Quaker Community
Hosted on Zoom by the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative
Tuesday, August 20 (1:00pm ET) & Thursday, August 22 (8:00pm ET); registration required
Join this conversation to explore preparations needed to grow and sustain your meeting’s ministry with families and children. Speak with Friends who have deep experience in welcoming, including, respecting and learning from children and families.
Are you ready? A Fall Refresher for Friends Using Godly Play/Faith & Play
Hosted on Zoom by Faith & Play Stories
Monday, August 26 (7:00pm ET); registration required
If you’re using Faith & Play and Godly Play stories in the coming year, this will be a time to gather with our community of practice to share ideas and questions about stories, materials, program planning, and more! If you cannot attend for the conversation, a link to a recorded presentation will be posted on the Faith & Play Stories website and social media.
Peacemaking Focus: Elections
Government, politics, and elections are part of all our lives, but how do we talk about them with children? This resource from Quakers in Britain describes what many of us are experiencing: “We live in uncertain times in a world of political instability. As adults we may have known a more stable political environment, but for today’s children and young people this tumultuous political climate is all they have known.” How can we empower children with information about the political system and elections? How do we bring our Quaker lens to conversations with children, and support them to feel grounded in our faith in the Light in every person and our testimonies as they experience what’s happening in the news and with the election this fall?
Learning resources:
- “Talking With Children About Elections, Violence and Current Events” — a collection of book recommendations from the Carnegie Library
- One of my favorites! V is for Voting — An ABC book that introduces concepts like social justice and reminds us that every vote counts! “A is for active participation, B is for building a more equal nation, C is for citizens’ rights and our duty, D is for difference, our strength and our beauty.”
- This article from Psychology Today was in response to violence at a political rally, but has solid advice for how to help children feel safe when there is uncertainty or unrest in communities.
- Class for Youth! Thanks to the Eco-Justice Collaborative for sharing this event, “How to talk to a Politician,” on August 25 at 11:00am. Register for the Zoom link. Are you passionate about climate/environmental and social justice issues but need help voicing your concerns to those in power? This class is designed for middle, high school, and college students eager to make a difference.
Two Events for Families:
September 22: Faith into Action: A family-friendly interfaith gathering to support democracy
The national Quaker Call to Action is hosting a family friendly, interfaith service at Friends Center in Philadelphia and Friends are encouraged to bring children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends! Children will participate in the opening and closing of the program, and during the speakers they will have their own time to explore listening for truth and using their voices.
October 20: Peace Begins with You: A Gathering for Children & Families
A Sunday afternoon with Dwight Dunston and other Friends at Arch Street Meeting House! This afternoon program is aimed at giving our children tools to explore the Quaker testimonies of integrity and peace, and to ground them in the knowledge they are part of a wider community standing with courage for peace and justice in our country and the world. The time will include music, playing together, and conversations for children, parents/caregivers, and intergenerational community.
Addressing Racism: Learning & Action
As we enter the fall, November is not far off and the focus on Native American Heritage Month and observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Religious Education section of Resources on the PYM website includes Native Justice resources for children:
- Choosing Excellent Children’s Books By & About American Indians
created by the The Indian Affairs Committee of Salem Quarter, guidance for choosing books; there are many newer picture books which center the voices of Native people! - “Rethinking Thanksgiving” from Northstar Educational Explorations is a good resource for reexamining the holiday and history behind it to teach children the truth of Thanksgiving and encourages practices that center Native voices and gratitude in family life.
- Kids Books Dismantling The Myth of a ‘First Thanksgiving’ from the Raising Luminaries website includes lists on several topics like: “Indigenous People & Sovereign Nations Are Still Here,” “Decolonizing & Restoring Connection To The Land,” and “Learn What It Means To Give Thanks Every Day.”
Happy Fall to All!
Featured images from Pixabay.com and iStock
