September 2020
Our Mission: Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation
Prayer Pause
O God,

You have blessed us with the changing of the seasons. As we welcome the autumn months, may the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest. May the brilliant colors of the leaves remind us of the wonder of your creation. May the steam of our breath in the cool air remind us that it is you who give us the breath of life. May the harvest from the fields remind us of the abundance we have been given and bounty we are to share with others.

We praise you for your goodness forever and ever.

Amen.
President's Message

Dear friends,

It seems the word for me this week is Connected. It is one of those words that keep popping up in various places.

Last week I was in an online training. One of the speakers talked about being connected to local growers; much like we talk about fair trade farming. The one example given was that the company could produce everything they needed in about 3,000 acres with five workers if they grew the crop commercially in the United States. But, in accordance with their operating principles, they chose to work with 1,000 small farms in Bulgaria and France; each receiving fair wages at the time of harvest. One person listening questioned the fact that if they could grow it cheaper commercially, the company could lower the price and make it more affordable for more people. The answer was the connection to the local farmer and helping individuals takes priority. 
Resources for Ministry
Outlines for Confirmation Curriculum

Augsburg Fortress features several Confirmation curriculum alternatives, including, t.b.d., Here We Stand, and Collaborate.

An Online Version of The Lutheran Handbook

The essential field guide for all things Lutheran. Confirmands – or anyone hiking the trails of life's adventures and challenges – will want to pack this handy illustrated field guide to Lutheran theology and culture. This enjoyable, easy-to-read, reliable, all-in-one collection helps you understand the essential information about our theology, culture and Lutheran way of life. Organized by Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff and Bible Stuff with how-to's like "How to Forgive Someone" and lists like "The Top-10 Bible Villains." Encapsulates essential principles of the Christian life, making many of the complexities of our religious tradition accessible for contemporary seekers.

Lament and Resiliency

"We are living in unprecedented times--a health pandemic filled with economic uncertainty and unresolved racism. This added to each of our own challenges in daily life. Grief upon grief. Uncertainty upon uncertainty." The ELCA has published some really great resources on Lament and Resiliency!

Listen to the Interview with Rev. Brenda Smith, ELCA Program Director of Faith Practices and Book of Faith, on Lament: Resiliency: Setting Free the Lament--A Conversation with Rev. Brenda Smith.

Choosing Curriculum

Looking for the “best” curriculum for children, youth, or adults? There are many options from a variety of publishers and denominations. The right choice depends entirely on your context and goals. These articles from Building Faith will help you identify your needs, capabilities, and hopes. 
BF
Good Reads

Author: Traci Smith

Faithful Families helps: connect faith to the family's everyday life; add family faith moments into the daily routine; convey new spiritual practices for parents and children; teach children to appreciate religious diversity with time-tested non-Christian and Christian spiritual practices; respond to life's everyday challenges and opportunities with meaningful practices.

Christian Education Network of the ELCA
Check out our Facebook group and
join the conversations!


Check out our latest Pinterest boards!
Vision Statement
Building a community which equips, encourages and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith formation in a changing world, the CENetwork will:

  • Identify and evaluate resources and educational opportunities
  • Facilitate communication and conversations
  • Offer guidance, networking and mutual support
  • Nurture spiritual growth online and face-to-face



How You Can Support the Christian Education Network

You can become a member or make a one-time donation via PayPal on our website; or, you can purchase from AmazonSmile and diesignate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds!



Contact Us

CENetwork of the ELCA
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903


Phone messages may be left aft (507) 721-0057