Contributed by Suzanne Finan
Many of you have been asking questions about the new Sunday School curriculum offering coming to Transfiguration this fall calledStorytellers. Hopefully, this post will give families a better understanding of the origin, motivation and goals for this addition to Sunday mornings.
Where did Storytellers come from?
Storytellers is a homegrown Episcopal based curriculum written by Valerie Reinke, a former ministry formation partner of Suzanne Finan. Storytellers has been in used at Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island outside Seattle, Washington for the past 4 years and has become a beloved and cherished offering for their children and families. It is my hope that by bringing this treasure to Transfiguration, not only will it be embraced for its creative richness but that Transfiguration can also become a leader in creative and innovative Episcopal based curriculum.
What can we expect from Storytellers?
This 10:00 Sunday School option for children is based around classic children’s literature. Storybooks are selected for their timeless values and Christian themes such as: tolerance, empathy, redemption and compassion. Children will get a chance to listen to these classics stories told by guest readers each week and respond with wondering questions about their faith. During the hour, children and instructors will be supplied with unique materials to help them continue to respond creatively with art, music and movement to each story. Stories will follow the Episcopal lectionary with allotted time for hands on Bible and BCP exploration, all coming full circle back to faith elements introduced at the beginning of each class.
Why the change?
What if I am a Spark curriculum fan? Families who have enjoyed the Spark curriculum won’t miss a beat! You will still see lots of Spark elements such as the use of the Spark Bibles, as well as pulling some of the best Spark pages to add to appropriate lessons. Storytellers is a wonderful way to supplement our children’s educational hour with a richness and depth that sometimes boxed curriculums are lacking. Storytellers is also a way to help form young Episcopalians using the weekly Espico-element where children will explore the BCP and liturgical year in greater detail.
What are some unique benefits?
· Partners with other ministries- Some other benefits of using Storytellers is the opportunity to partner with the Transfiguration library and incorporate second copies of these books onto the shelves. Parents will have the chance to check out the Storytellers book of the week and reinforce it at home.
· Storytellers is cross-generational- Lastly, we are excited that Storytellers in intended to be a multigenerational hour. The titleStorytellers implies that we will be asking parishioners of all ages to come be guest storytellers and partner with the Sunday School volunteers each week. The children will have the chance to spend time with new parishioners and make lifelong bonds that they might otherwise not have had the opportunity with.
What are some examples of the books in the Curriculum? An example of some of the books required for this curriculum would be: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, You Are Special by Max Lucado, The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills and The Quilt Makers Gift by Jeff Braumbeau.