Christian Education & Formation

CFM - Christian Formation Ministries is rooted in faith; our responsibility, as Christian Educators, is to plant seeds, provide opportunities and to inspire others to fly and spread those seeds of Christ’s love far and wide. Thus our logo. A seed of faith is planted in faith then nurtured and with faith and love the bird takes flight sharing Christ’s love far and wide.

Children's Easter Sermon Idea

Here is a fun Dollar Store Easter Children's sermon. The Dollar Store sermons often give good ideas that can be adapted in multiple ways.

Interactive Holy Week for Children

A prayer garden and foot washing for Maundy Thursday, Stations of the Cross followed by hot cross buns on Good Friday, and campfire stories for an Easter Vigil.

Webinar from Practical Resources for Churches “A Week of Terror and Grace: Engaging All Ages in the Holy Week Story”: “We cannot fully celebrate the joy of Easter without an authentic and moving journey through the many moments of the week that lead us to resurrection. Our congregations are enriched by meaningful explorations of the stories, symbols, and rituals of a meaningful journey through this week. Whether a single event or engagement or a few, our members often anticipate time in Holy Week to deepen their spirituality and discipleship. Join us for wonderful ideas of activities and programs that make meaning.”

Adult Holy Week Read:

For Holy Week or the last few weeks of Lent leading to Easter Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan have a very interesting book called the Last Week - What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem.

Children’s Book Recommendation:

This is the Mystery of Easter by Amelia Richardson Dress “In this charming retelling of the story of Easter, kids and adults are invited to wonder together about the power of love to overcome injustice and fear. With the gentle refrain, "love God, love yourself and love everyone else," This is the Mystery of Easter is simply and profoundly told.” 

Working with Neurodiverse children? Give these resources from Spirit and Truth Publishing a look!

Differentiation Guide

Read about techniques for differentiation based on common needs.

Article: Neurodivergence and Learning the Bible

How can we make teaching from the bible an accessible experience for all?

High School SleepOut - Support Homeless Teenagers in NH

April 11-12, Community Church of Lee

High school students are invited to join Seacoast UCC Youth for a night dedicated to raising money for teenagers experiencing homelessness. We will spend the night outdoors, using cardboard boxes as our only shelter, to show support for others our age who are often forced to live on the streets.

We will be accepting pledges for this event, and all donations will go to WaypointNH, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals of all ages facing homelessness.

UCC High School youth are invited to join us at the Lee Church or they can host a simultaneous event at their home church.

To join the Seacoast UCC Youth Group fundraising effort, reach out to Kristin Forselius, Kristinf@ccdurham.org

●      Animating Antiracism -This program is open to all church leaders who wish to expand cultural competency and examine the ways that race and power are present in ministry. This webinar and cohort series was developed for the United Church of Christ Network of Wider Church Youth Ministries (NOWCYM) by Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training.

●      Horton Center Camp Spotlight: HC Serves - It’s like summer camp and a mission trip all in one!

●      Reimagining Faith Formation in the 21st Century - Article by John Roberto of Lifelong Faith Associates

●      Building Faith’s Top 5 VBS Curriculum Picks for 2025 - Summer is coming! Are you ready?

These announcements are intended to be brief, timely, and of a general interest to our Conference readers. Supportive links are provided whenever they are available. We encourage you to forward these materials to others in your church and to share them in your bulletins and local church newsletters.

Please contact Tivvi Pare at TPare@nhcucc.org with ideas and suggestions.

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