The Family Time Bible

Families looking to start a new tradition in the new year will appreciate this resource, created for kids ages 4 to 8 and their caregivers. Bestselling author Mary Manz Simon and illustrator Fátima Anaya have created a story Bible designed for busy families. Each of its 52 stories gives options for reading the vibrant retellings and then going deeper with facts, conversation starters, prayer ideas and encouraging notes for parents (Beaming Books, 2019).

Families Celebrate Advent & Christmas 2019-2020

Back by popular demand, this deck of 56 cards offers new ways for families to explore the seasons of Advent and Christmas together through rituals, prayers and reflections. Illustrations by Carolina Farias and activities from author Elizabeth Hunter support families in developing meaningful traditions during December through the Day of Epiphany on Jan. 6. Children and family ministry leaders will appreciate the free promotional pack with coloring sheets, postcards and other printables (Augsburg Fortress, 2019).

Journey to the Manger

Does your small group want to take a closer look at the well-known texts we all hear during the Advent and Christmas seasons? This book—written by Paula Gooder, chancellor of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and a lay minister in the Church of England—will help them go deeper. Journey to the Manger offers biblical and historical criticism of these familiar stories, guiding readers to see their interconnectedness with study-group questions (Fortress Press, 2016).

Dawn Rundman
Dawn Rundman is director of faith formation resource development at 1517 Media and assistant director of ELCA relations for Augsburg Fortress. She lives in Edina, Minn.

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