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Scripture Union launches free lectionary compatible resources
20/05/2008 15:30:00
| I mentioned this very briefly last week, but I think it's worth doing so again for the benefit of everyone reading who might relate to Krish Kandiah's cry of 'Help I am a Sunday School Teacher!'. |
| Scripture Union's resources have suddenly become far more useful than they were for Anglicans planning all-age and children's groups. There are two developments to mention. |
| LightLive |
| LightLive (at LightLive.org) is a brand new website from Scripture Union that puts a huge range of their resources online, and everything is free. You can take an explanatory tour on the website, but in summary the site enables you to find Bible-based resources for your children's groups and all-age services. Entire programmes and individual sessions can be planned and printed off, and leaders can work collaboratively on the site. |  |
| The database has the last four years of material in it, which adds up to a total of 10000 activities. Over 650 new activities will added to LightLive every three months. This is currently for ages 3-14 and all-age services - material for the 15+ agegroup is on its way (according to Darren on the LightLive blog). |
| The material is searchable, which is where it becomes very useful for Anglicans working to the lectionary who are not now tied to the usual Scripture Union curriculum. Searches can be narrowed by age or activity (eg craft, games, prayer, discussion, drama and many more). The search isn't perfect - it seems to be unreliable when it comes to searching for Bible references - but I found that by typing in a combination of a subject and/or a book of the Bible I was generally able to find what I was looking for. It would be possible to use the search function to find activities related to this week's reading even if one were to choose not to use the programme planning aspects of the site. |
| The site is entirely free to use, but you'll need to register, a fairly painless experience. Scripture Union ask those churches that can afford it to make a donation - suggested amounts are given here. |
| Light for the Lectionary |
| Light for the Lectionary isn't free or a new resource, but it could be very useful for Anglicans and doesn't seem to have been publicised much thus far. Forgive me if you already know all about it. In summary Light for the Lectionary provides lectionary-based material for all-age services. Topic summaries, Bible readings, talk ideas, intercessions and confessions are all included. Each booklet last for three months - I have the April-June issue in front of me and the July-September issue is available. Additional free downloads are available online here (you now don't need to log in it would appear). |
| I'm aware that other lectionary-based resources exist to which these make a useful addition. I know that many churches use Roots and other publishers produce similar material. If there is a really useful resource that you use that I haven't mentioned please do let me know via the comments. I'd also be interested to hear how you have got on with the Scripture Union resources I've posted about here. |
Darren | 22/05/2008 16:30:09