Children’s Ministries Resources
Engage All Generations: A Strategic Toolkit for Creating Intergenerational Faith Communities
Seibel assembles two dozen of the world’s foremost faith formation scholars, writers, and practitioners to create a three-part “manual” for addressing and implementing intergenerational ministries in effective ways: Learning and Growing Together, Praying and Playing Together, Leading and Changing Together.
Our Resources
Part of supporting thriving children’s ministries is offering helpful resources to guide churches along the way. Explore our library to find the resources you need for your church to establish or grow a ministry inclusive of children.
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Badger’s Parting Gifts
Told simply, directly, and honestly, this uplifting story will be of tremendous value to both children and their parents. A gentle classic that can help foster communication, care, and understanding.
Being an Intergenerational Church: Practices to Bring the Generations Back Together
Written by two seasoned national executives in the Church of Scotland, Farrant and Philip combine their thirty-plus years of experience in faith-forming ministries, current research in children’s spirituality, and relational experiences with children in faith communities, all in conversation with the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This book not only discusses the Why and the How, it also addresses the critical need to examine the faith community’s culture of humility and hospitality in order to be truly welcoming of all ages in the life of the church.
Bishop Mariann Budde: A Plea for Mercy and a Call to Action
Brethren Press and MennoMedia
MennoMedia is the publishing house for the Brethren and Mennonite denominations, whose focus on peace and justice aligns with the theology and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Each year they publish new themed materials for Vacation Church School (VBS) programming that focuses on relationship, worship, spiritual practices, Bible stories, and wondering. with captivating and fun activities to engage the themes and Bible stories, such as music, science, drama, games, stories, crafts, and more.
Cokesbury
Cokesbury is the publishing house for the United Methodist Church, whose focus on mission and God’s love for all people aligns with the theology and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Each year they publish new themed materials for Vacation Church School (VBS) programming with multiple format options to choose from (3-days, one room, choices of theme). Captivating and fun activities to engage the themes and Bible stories are music, science, mission, games, stories, crafts, and more.
Compassion Camp from Illustrated Ministry
Illustrated Ministry is an ecumenical curriculum resource publisher whose focus on progressive theology, diversity, and inclusivity aligns with the theology and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. “Compassion Camp: What Every Living Thing Needs” explores what all living things need to live — shelter, food, water, air, and community — and how we can have compassion for the living earth, especially in our local ecosystems. Activities that engage the themes and Bible stories include music, stories, games, crafts, and “compassion in action.”
Coping After a Disaster Workbook
This resource is specifically for theologically progressive Christian families. It consists of age-appropriate prayer suggestions, feelings worksheets, scripture, drawing and coloring pages, and age-appropriate prayers. This resource is geared for elementary-age children and is a good conversation-starter to help children talk about their feeling.
Engage All Generations: A Strategic Toolkit for Creating Intergenerational Faith Communities
Seibel assembles two dozen of the world’s foremost faith formation scholars, writers, and practitioners to create a three-part “manual” for addressing and implementing intergenerational ministries in effective ways: Learning and Growing Together, Praying and Playing Together, Leading and Changing Together. From topics covering faith development, at-home ministries, and communication to music, mission, and games, Seibel has brought together practical theology and practical application in this one resource.
Global Ministries
Global Ministires is the mission outreach partnership of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They offer eight free downloadable VBS resources with focuses on countries throughout the world through the eyes of the children who live there. Activities that engage the themes are games, stories, crafts, food, and a cultural experience.
Heifer International
Heifer International works with partners to support farmers in sustainably addressing hunger and poverty in their communities while caring for the Earth. Heifer’s Faith Lessons resource is a free download that can be adapted for a VBS program. Each lesson includes a scripture passage, engaging and fun activities, and a connection to the children and animals that are included in Heifer’s work with struggling families around the world.
Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies
Help Me Say Goodbye is an activity book for children and their adults with practical tips for talking with children about grief and loss. It is a welcome gift for children, with plenty of space to color, draw, and express themselves. Plan to have copies on hand to give when a special person in the life of a child dies.
Illustrated Ministry
Celebrate the expansive image of God in everyone through open and inclusive language, diverse imagery, and progressive theology. Thoughtful and easy-to-use materials are designed to foster authentic faith engagement with our refreshing designs, creative activities, and intergenerational focus.
Love Makes a Family!
In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share.
Preaching for All Ages: Twelve Ways to Grow Your Skills and Your Confidence
This reflective and practical guide addresses these concerns, and aims to build a sure theological understanding, develop skills and grow confidence.
ReNew: The Green VBS from SparkHouse
SparkHouse is the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America whose focus on service to neighbors and hope and joy through Jesus aligns with the theology and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. This resource is a 100% downloadable 5-day curriculum resource that empowers kids to change the world by caring for God’s creation. Captivating and fun activities to engage the themes and Bible stories are music, games, stories, crafts, creation care activities, and more.
Spark Lectionary
Spark Lectionary is a graded curriculum for congregations that use the Revised Common Lectionary for worship planning. It includes lessons for all ages, from pre-K to adult, and multi-age resources. The curriculum connects worship and faith formation for individuals and families.
Spirit & Truth Publishing
Spirit & Truth Publishing is an ecumenical publisher of curriculum materials whose focus on God’s love for all people through peace, service, justice, equity, and inclusion aligns with the theology and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Spirit & Truth’s “Learning Together” 5-lesson units are easily adaptable to a VBS format. With ten different topics to choose from, this resource is a free download by signing up for their e-newsletter. Activities to engage the themes and Bible stories are games, stories, science, crafts, and more.
Spiritual Care Supply Kit
A list of supplies and related suggestions to assemble and bring to a child/family that has been impacted by a disaster. Items recommended are colored pencils or Crayons, a coloring book or coloring pages, a battery-operated tea light, a prayer tag, a note of care, and the like, that total no more than $2.00 in cost. Good for preschool and elementary-age children.
Storymakers NYC VBS Starter Kit
Storymakers NYC is a not-for-profit creative studio that designs imaginative Bible resources for kids of all ages through zines, playbooks, guides, puppets, memory cards, and other visuals. Their focus on focus on God’s love through community and living the gospel aligns with the theology and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Each adventure offers kids the opportunity to get creative, play, and make social-emotional connections. Choose from eight topics, three of which are in Spanish.
The 10th Good Thing About Barney
My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them.... But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand.
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf
A beautifully told allegorical story for all ages about a leaf that experiences the life cycle through the seasons of the year. While not specifically Christian, the end of this story reveals hope and new life after death. Features beautiful photographs of leaves and nature.
The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children & Families
Used alone or as a group, this special keepsake supports grieving children as they process their emotions by remembering a loved one. With journaling space, pages for photos, and questions to help prompt drawing and reminiscing, each page is designed to allow personalization at your own pace.
Traci Smith Treasure Box Tuesday
A weekly resource blog for faith@home and family ministry offered in two versions — free and paid premium. The free version includes 5 or 6 resource links curated by Traci Smith. The premium paid version provides access to to a private Facebook group, discounts at Traci Smith’s Etsy store, special Zoom trainings with Traci, and new resource content each week.PrayGround
Learn more about the Love of Children Prayground & Family Space.
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Have a specific resource you think should be included on this page? Not seeing an important topic covered that you would like a resource to address? Fill out the form with your suggestion for a resource; we appreciate your input toward building a more comprehensive library for church leaders!