January 2019

Our Mission:
Supporting lifelong faith formation
in the home and congregation.


From the President's Desk
 
Dear Friends,
 
In the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy, we are asked:

Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
live among God's faithful people;
hear the word of God and share in the Lord's Supper;
proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed;
serve all people following the example of Jesus; and
strive for justice and peace in all the earth?"
Response: We do, and ask God to help and guide us.
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pg. 236) 
 
But what do we do after the worship service has ended? How do we live out those promises and how do we help others? The ELCA Faith Practices team has written and compiled resources to help us dig deeper into The Five Gifts of Discipleship. You can find those resources here. .
 
This year the Christian Education Network of the ELCA will explore these five gifts through many and various learning strategies. From stand-alone events to art projects, vacation Bible school-type events to intergenerational activities, there will be resources for you to use in your local setting as you live, hear, proclaim, serve and strive.
 
Be sure to check out the CE Network web page. You can also join the Facebook group for more ideas and discussion. Or visit Pinterest for even more ideas. This month we will be highlighting resources for Lent and Baptism.
 
May the light of Christ shine in and through you this Epiphany season,
 
Blessings,

The Rev. Juli Lejman-Guy, President

Resources
The Five Gifts of Discipleship

 
ELCA Faith Practices Initiative

T he Faith Practices Initiative of the ELCA are faith practices-five gifts to be unwrapped, discovered, and re-discovered. The Holy Spirit uses these gifts to teach discipleship, stir the embers of faith, create bold leaders, and transform congregations to be communities of Jesus where there are life-changing relationships with God, one another and the world. 

Check out the many ELCA resources here!


Seasonal Resources

The CENetwork has Lenten calendar for families which focuses on the five gifts of discipleship.


Activities

The Nebraska Synod Assembly held a ministry fair for several hours one morning.  Lisa Kramme, Director of Faith Formation for the Nebraska Synod, hosted a table with activities so that participants could explore the promises made in baptism and the affirmation of baptism. These activities could easily be adapted to a congregational event or to a specific age group.

T he CENetwork has a bottle cap cross craft  as a tool to provide a visual reminder of the Five Gifts of Discipleship using a hands-on activity
 
Other Resources

The CENetwork's website has many additional
learning strategies for Living Our Baptism, including visual materials in various formats, background readings, and additional ideas for activities and events.

Good Reads
     
 
 
Title: Water, Come Down! The Day You Were Baptized

Author: Walter Wangerin, Jr.

A lyrical story that personalizes the beauty, joy and meaning of Baptism. Includes family "discussion-starters" about the significance of Baptism, its roots in the biblical story and its meaning for life today.

Available here.

 

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, y ou can purchase from AmazonSmile and designate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds!
 
Simply go to smile.amazon.com.
 
 
  
 
Contact Us
 
  
CENetwork of the ELCA 
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903

 
Phone messages may be left at 
(507) 721-0057   
 
   
 
Prayer Pause
 
  
 Heavenly Father,
 
As we begin our year of learning strategies for living our baptism and the Five Gifts of Discipleship, we pray that You would help develop in us a teachable spirit, which is quick to hear Your voice speaking .. and ready and willing to respond to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.
 
Amen
  
  
 
Like our
 
 
Check out our 
Facebook group!

 
Join the conversations!
 

 

 

 

 

The CENetwork is on Pinterest! Check out our boards for Living Our Baptism.

 


  
     Christian Education    
 Network of the ELCA
  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 conversation
  • Offer guidance, networking and mutual support
  • Nurture spiritual growth online and face to face