May 2022
Our Mission: Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation
Prayer Pause
A Summertime Blessing for Families

May we make our homes places of relaxation,
joy, love, peace and safety.
May we be generous and considerate,
not thinking only about ourselves,
but helping others enjoy the blessings of the summertime.

Lord God, Creator of all things,
guide our steps and strengthen our hearts
during these months of summer and vacation days.
Grant us refreshment of mind and body.
May we constantly strive to make a meaningful difference
in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us
as we enjoy the warm days of summertime.

Amen
A Message from Our President, Diane McGeoch

LIVING IN COMMUNITY

“Sponsors, do you promise to nurture this person in the Christian faith as you are empowered by God’s Spirit, and to help them live in the covenant of baptism and in communion with the church?” Rite of Holy Baptism, ELW page 228

I have the honor of being a godparent to two amazing young men, my nephews. Both are adults now but I clearly remember their baptisms many years ago and being asked this question. I made promises in the presence of my family, their parents, their church communities, and God that I would help to nurture their faith. This nurturing took place in the context of many relationships. I don’t live near my nephews, so during their childhood many items were mailed their way that were a part of this process. I got to be present at their confirmations and other life transitions through the years.

We all nurture faith as faith formation leaders, and we need our communities more than ever. Each child or young person relates to many communities, not just our church community. This network of relationships has an influence on faith development. One of my nephews invited his lacrosse coach to his confirmation. The coach was a person of faith and had influenced my nephew in many ways. My other nephew had a history teacher who passed away suddenly. During his grieving, he shared with me how that relationship had helped him grow in his relationship with God.
Learning Strategies and Resources for Boundless Promise
What is Resurrection?

What is Resurrection, an online course from ChurchNext, helps participants learn practical and encouraging ways to define and live into resurrection. Questions discussed include: What is resurrection? How does it happen, what does it mean to us now, and how do we live into it? Facilitated by author and Episcopal priest Lucas Mix.


Baptism Stations

Baptism Stations is an intergenerational session from Vibrant Faith for all members of the congregation. Through seven different stations, participants delve into aspects of Baptism and God’s love for us. The session is designed to be conducted in about 90 minutes but can be adapted for a shorter or longer timeframe by choosing to use only some of the stations.



Wooden Spoon Bible Stories describes how to bring bible stories to life through the use of wooden spoon puppets.. 



Resurrection Now

Resurrection Now with Richard Rohr is a 6-session film series centering on pursuing resurrection in our daily lives. “Salvation in the Jewish scriptures is talking about liberation, fulfilment, life, wholeness, freedom, peace, NOW!” —Fr. Richard Rohr. Includes a study guide that incorporates contemplative practices, encouraged by Rohr in the course of the films. Available with a subscription to the website “The Work of the People.”


Book Review
Title: Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life

Author: Joyce Rupp

Reviewed by: Deacon Kathy Paisley, Christian Education Network of the ELCA


Boundless Compassion is the ultimate Christian guide to living the compassionate life Jesus talked about and modeled throughout the Gospels. Joyce Rupp has written many great books on living the spiritual life. She has even been called a midwife to women’s spirituality, but this book is her most compelling and life changing yet. She encourages and inspires readers to the kind of love that motivated Jesus’ life and his mission with his disciples. She heightens our awareness to develop a new consciousness for our hurting world.

Rupp’s book is written as a six-week daily study guide and can be read by an individual for personal reflection and is also a great resource for small or large group discussion too. Week One starts with a broad survey of compassion as a way of life. Awareness, attitude, and action are the three essentials that comprise the movement of compassion. With our awareness of suffering that is all around us, and an attitude of wanting to alleviate it, we then choose to act in a positive way for the benefit of all beings. Sounds easy right? Or does it sound too good to be true? Rupp’s encouragement in this book is compelling! 

Continue reading the book review here.
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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 designate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds!


Contact Us

CENetwork of the ELCA
PO Box 250009
Holly Hill, FL 32125