Our Family Life Class, aimed at adults of a younger age and their families, we is studying new course, Alpha for Families. This is the well-known Alpha Course designed to encourage family conversations with your spouse or children about some of the ‘big’ questions of faith.

Every Sunday, we will watch a 15-20 minute video about a big question (e.g. “How do I have faith?” or “Does God heal today?”). You can watch alone or with your spouse, kids or friends! There’ll be a few ‘pauses’ in the message for you to think about what you believe and discuss it with whomever you’re watching.

For younger children, you will find a conversation starter guide in the email and on the website. So, after you watch the teaching, you can start having deeper faith conversations with your younger kids who might not sit through the video.

The Rev. Dr. Suse E. McBay
Associate for Adult Christian Education and Prayer Ministries

The Rev. Alex D. Graham III
Associate for Children and Family Ministries
Please do not reply to this email.
To respond to this Bible study, please email
the Rev. Dr. Suse McBay at smcbay@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
A Guide for Discussion with Younger Children

Welcome!

We encourage you to use this guide to have a conversation with your children. Maybe over dinner, before bed or on a drive somewhere, there are always opportunities to start talking with our kids about some of these basic beliefs of Christians, and to help them think it through for themselves. You, as their parents, have an important role to play in giving them permission to ask these questions, and you do not have to have all of the answers!

Why and how should I read the Bible?

We read from the Bible every Sunday in church. Maybe you were given a Bible at your baptism or confirmation. But why should we read the bible? There are 66 different books in the Bible-it’s like a mini-library! The books together tell us the full and complete story of God and His people and what He’s all about. But why read it? Let’s talk about these questions together as a family.

Questions for discussion with your children
  • Have you ever received a note or card from someone that meant a lot to you? Why do you think some Christians describe the Bible like a love letter from God to people?
  • Can the Bible speak? If so, how? Is there a particular verse in the Bible that’s your favorite? If so, what does it “say” to you that makes it so special for you?
  • Even though the bible is a very old book (2000 years!!), do you think you can find helpful words in there for your life today?