Welcome to the first issue of Our Connection Matters. Each month the toolkit will focus on a different theme to resource your local church in nurture, outreach, witness and advocacy ministries.
BACK TO SCHOOL
This month we are focusing on "Back to School." Where did this summer go? As your church looks ahead to a new school year, Connectional Ministries is here to help! Dive into the resource list below for new ideas and resources to strengthen activities already on your calendar - or maybe plan some new ones!
If you would like more information or to connect with a church involved in creative Back to School ministries, contact Allison Lindsey at allison@sgaumc.com. It's through our connection that we can learn best practices and help each other bear fruit for discipleship and kingdom building!
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M A R K I T D O W N
As you are planning your age level programming for the year, save the date and begin making plans now to join us for:
KidsQuest Retreat: (3rd-6th grade) - September 21-23, 2018
Encounter Retreat: (6th-12th grade) - November 16-18, 2018
Confirmation Join the Journey Retreat: (5th grade and up): March 1-3, 2019
Children's Sabbath Sunday: October 14, 2018. This is a special Sunday to focus on and celebrate the sacredness of children.
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N U R T U R E
Back to school provides unique opportunities to involve all ages in this exciting and sometimes anxious time for children, parents and teachers.
A Blessing of the Backpacks
A Back to School Litany
Back to School Blessing: Elementary up to Higher Education
Video: Back to School Blessing
Video: How To Make Blessing Backpack Tags (2 min)
For more back to school ideas, visit Discipleship Ministries.
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O U T R E A C H
Partnerships with schools are a great way for local churches of all shapes and sizes to be in ministry in their community or bring your congregation together to pack UMCOR schools kits for children all over the world!
Five Ways Your Congregations Can Serve Schools
Back to School Outreach Ideas
UMCOR School Kit Instructions
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W I T N E S S
Back to school community events provide a unique way to have a presence and be a witness in your neighborhood and community.
Five Over the Top Ideas for your Back to School Kick-Off
Back to School Mail Out Resources
For additional Outreach & Witness resources, visit United Methodist Communications.
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A D V O C A C Y
Understanding contemporary realities in education for children and youth is important in putting our faith into action.
Three Ways to Deepen Your Back to School Ministry
Anti-bullying Resources
For more Advocacy resources, visit Church & Society and Discipleship Ministries.
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T E L L U S W H A T Y O U K N O W
Our Connection Matters! In the September edition, we will look at stewardship resources as we highlight financial resources for personal, and congregation leadership.
We would like your input on future topics and resources to highlight. Please take a moment to share your ideas: click here.
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