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Resources for the Decade of the Child
A vision for children and the Church, 205th General Assembly, 1993

  • A comprehensive list for a multitude of resources - many of them free.
  • Because we believe that children depend upon adults for safety and security in a world that does not always value children....
  • All items with a "PDS" number can be ordered from Presbyterian Distribution Services. 1-800-524-2612 or from The Presbyterian Marketplace, on line at www.pcusa.org/marketplace

PDS 2003 Children’s Mission Year Book for Prayer & Study

PDS The Answered Call: Presbyterian Response to Year of the Child

PDS Children in the Sanctuary, Involving Children Fully in the Worship Life of a Congregation

PDS We Won’t Let it Happen Here! Preventing Child Abuse in the Church 2nd edition

PDS The Whole World in God’s Hands—Children, Not Whole Yet:

PDS Nurturing the Children of God: The Call to Foster Parenting & Adoption

PDS Whoever Welcomes This Child…Welcomes Me

Free The Convention on the Rights of the Child—Information and Action Guide: 

PDS The Church Cares for Children: A Handbook for Childcare in the Church

PDS How To Be An Effective Advocate

PDS Messengers of God’s Love: Involving Children in Mission

PDS Mission Trips 2003 – 2004

Congregations Covenanting for Children Resource Packet

Children’s Sabbath Organizing Kits: 

PDS God’s Good World: A Peacemaking Resource for Children

PDS Following the Leader: Peacemaking with Children in a Violent World

PDS Building A Culture of Peace Begins with Children

PDS Is There Enough? A Children’s Curriculum on Hunger

PDS Hunger No More

PDS Hunger No More Children’s Packet

PDS A Kid Started It!

PDS A Kid Started It! Children’s Educational Hunger Kit

***** POLICY *****

PDS A Vision for Children and the Church (205th General Assembly, 1993)

Resolution on Children (209th General Assembly, 1997)

Resolution on the United Nations Assembly on the Child: The Future of the Child in the 21st Century 213th General Assembly (2001)

PDS Turn Mourning into Dancing! A Policy Statement on Healing Domestic Violence (and study guide), 213th General Assembly (2001)

PDS Resolution on Advocacy on Behalf of the Uninsured 214th General Assembly (2002)

***** O T H E R *****

Clown Ministry

Clown Ministry Skits for All Seasons

The Most Excellent Book of How to Be a Clown

For Every Child; The Rights Of The Child In Words And Pictures

Pastoral Care With Children in Crisis

2003 Children’s Mission Year Book for Prayer & Study
 Congregational Ministries Division Publishing, Presbyterian Church (USA).

 A new devotional resource, designed for 3rd through 5th graders. The theme: ‘The Earth is the Lord’s and All Those Who Live in It’; includes, pictures, prayers, stories and crafty ideas.
 PDS # 70-612-03-451 $5.50/ $4.00 each 10 or more

The Answered Call: Presbyterian Response to Year of the Child
 Child Advocacy Office, Presbyterian Church (USA), 2002.

 In magazine format this resource celebrates the wonderful work that was done to the benefit of children during Year of the Child. Beautifully illustrated, it can also serve as a source of ideas for ministry to/with children. PDS # 72-650-02-001, $3.

Children in the Sanctuary, Involving Children Fully in the Worship Life of a Congregation
 A project of the Presbyterian and Reformed Educational Partnership, 2003.
 Children in the Sanctuary
is a study with video that explores the opportunities and issues of involving children fully in the worship life of a congregation. Each of the one-hour studies can stand alone or the entire six-session study can be used as a weekly series or a one-time retreat for the session, the worship or education committee, the church staff, a parents group or an adult education course.
 Published by Church Leader Support

 PDS# 70250-02-923 (w/video) $29.95
 PDS# 70250-02-924 (w/DVD) $29.95
 PDS# 7025002925 (Study Guide only) $9.95

We Won’t Let it Happen Here! Preventing Child Abuse in the Church 2nd edition
 Child Advocacy Office, Presbyterian Church (USA), 2002.

 This resource is a guide for developing policy and providing a safe environment for children. It includes sample forms and tips for developing an abuse prevention-training plan.
 PDS 72-651-02-002 One Free per congregation

The Whole World in God’s Hands—Children, Not Whole Yet:
 The September 2000 Issue of Church and Society includes articles on the needs of children internationally and how the church is responding. $2.50. PDS# 72-630-00-605

Nurturing the Children of God: The Call to Foster Parenting & Adoption
 This resource was developed to encourage people to hear the call to foster parenting and adoption (particularly of special needs children) and to urge the church to be supportive of this call and parents who are called to this ministry.
 PDS# 72-650-00-001 $6.00

Whoever Welcomes This Child…Welcomes Me
 Mission Interpretation and Promotion, Presbyterian Church (USA), 2000.

 This video examines how the church is responding to the special needs of children around the world and nearby. Study Guide included. PDS# 71-350-00-791 $14.95.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child—Information and Action Guide: 
 United Nations convention with suggested actions. Presbyterian United Nations Office, 
 Free, Call 212-697-4568.

The Church Cares for Children: A Handbook for Childcare in the Church
 Ideas for organizing and managing child care programs, including activity suggestions and curriculum development. PDS# 054006 $19.95

How To Be An Effective Advocate
 From the Presbyterian Washington Office, Making Our Voices Heard! Provides "how-to" techniques for Presbyterians who wish to successfully advocate public policy positions to elected officials.
 PDS # 72-940-95-001 Free, Limit 100

Messengers of God’s Love: Involving Children in Mission
 This resource includes stories, activities, choral readings and songs for use with children. Individual pages can be removed and photocopied.
 PDS # 225-92-927; $5.

Mission Trips 2003 – 2004
 National Volunteers Office, Presbyterian Church (USA), 2003.

 This booklet is helpful guide for finding work sites, around the country, for youth (and adult) mission trips. The resource answers some frequently asked questions and presents sites, by state; includes contact information, nature of work and additional information.
 Prepared by the National Volunteers Office. PDS# 72 950 02 2401

Congregations Covenanting for Children Resource Packet
 ‘Congregations Covenanting for Children’
, an initiative of the Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network (a network of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA)) calls congregations to fully demonstrate their commitment to children in every aspect of church life. The packet includes a congregational self-inventory, a paper, Making Good on Baptismal Promises and other helpful information. 
 Available from PHEWA 1-88-728-7228, ext. 8100.

Children’s Sabbath Organizing Kits: 
 An initiative of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), Children’s Sabbath encourages long-term commitment to help children and families through prayer, education, service and advocacy. The Kit includes, worship materials and education resources focusing on the needs of children. $6. 
 Call CDF at 202-662-3652 or order online at www.childrensdefense.org

God’s Good World: A Peacemaking Resource for Children
 Designed to be helpful for older primary-age children, this 1997 Peacemaking Offering resource focuses on love and care of creation. Ideal for a vacation Bible school, it shows how God’s creation "is good" and then looks at learning about the world, caring for and healing the world, and celebrating the good news of creation.
 PDS# 70-270-97-002 $0.75

Following the Leader: Peacemaking with Children in a Violent World
 Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, Presbyterian Church (USA), 2002.

 This resource is a four-session study of the lessons that we can learn from the children of Scripture as well as the children who live among us, some living lives filled with violence. Intended as content for adult classes, personal devotion, small group meetings, or in a retreat setting, we are called to celebrate the lives of children and commit to work for a world in which the lion and the lamb might lay down together.
 PDS# 70-270-02-011, $2.50

Building A Culture of Peace Begins with Children
 Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, Presbyterian Church (USA),2000.

 This six session children’s resource is designed for Grade 3 – 6, but easily adapted to a broader age range. Session topics include: relationship skills, handling conflict, caring for the environment, creative and fun alternatives to violent toys and entertainment, celebrating differences and standing courageously with those who are treated unjustly. This resource could be used in church school, vacation Bible school or an intergenerational family retreat.
 PDS# 70-270-00-002; $1.25

Is There Enough? A Children’s Curriculum on Hunger
 Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Church (USA),1999.

 Five stand-alone session with scripture, reflections and activities for pre-school through 8th grade. Use in VBS, Children’s Church, after-school and intergenerational settings. PDS# 74 360-99-324; $10.

Hunger No More
 Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Church (USA),2001.

 A six session biblically based study to prepare congregations to understand and act on important hunger and poverty issues. Includes Leader’s Guide for adults/youth, handouts and bulleting inserts.
 PDS# 74-360-01-343; 1 free, additional copies, $5.

Hunger No More Children’s Packet
 Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Church (USA),2001.

 Hunger resources for children (K-6) to accompany the Hunger No More study materials for adults. Included in the Hunger No more packet. PDS# 74-360-01-344;  

A Kid Started It!
 Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Church (USA),1999.

 Based on John 6 telling of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, the A Kid Started It! Resources encourage young people to consider how they can share in Jesus’ work of feeding the hungry. Includes outline for a children’s message, 10 temporary tattoos, plus ideas for creative activities and service projects.
 PDS# 74 360 99-342; $5.

A Kid Started It! Children’s Educational Hunger Kit
 A boxed kit containing hunger curricula from the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Bread for the World, Church World Service, Heifer Project International and World Food Day. Designed for children in grades K-6. PDS# 74 3610 02 309, $20.

A Vision for Children and the Church (205th General Assembly, 1993)
 A four-page brochure includes the vision statement adopted by the 205th General Assembly. It sets forth a vision for the church’s response on behalf of children, includes drawings and words by children. 
 PDS# 70-350-00-994, Free

Resolution on Children (209th General Assembly, 1997)
 This resolution highlights previous General Assembly policy issues relating to children, such as the rights of children, child labor, children and welfare reform, and child abuse. The resolution includes the text of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and calls upon Presbyterians, the church and the United States government to continue work for children. Written by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. 209th General Assembly (1997), Minutes – Part I, pp534-548.

Resolution on the United Nations Assembly on the Child: The Future of the Child in the 21st Century 213th General Assembly (2001)
 This resolution commends the United Nations for holding a Special General Assembly on Children (09/2001 rescheduled until 05/2002), and commends other UN affiliated agencies for their work that seeks to improve the lives of children in the world. The statement also encourages Presbyterians to make their commitment to children evident in the church and society. Written by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. 213th General Assembly (2001), Minutes – Part I, pp288—292.

Turn Mourning into Dancing! A Policy Statement on Healing Domestic Violence (and study guide), 213th General Assembly (2001)
 In so far as children are a high percentage of those affected by Domestic Violence, this statement calls the church to follow Jesus’ example in ministering to those whose bodies and spirits are battered. The church is also called to become a source of prevention and healing.
 Developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy,
 PDS# OGA-01-018

Resolution on Advocacy on Behalf of the Uninsured 214th General Assembly (2002)
 This resolution offers a biblical and theological rationale for church involvement advocating on behalf of uninsured persons. It also provides a framework for a congregational plan to advocate for health care access for all. Published by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. 
 PDS# 68-600-02-004.

Clown Ministry, Floyd Shaffer and Penne Sewall; Group Publishing Inc; ISBN: 0936664185; (July 1984.)This book is great if you are thinking of implementing a clown ministry at your church! It gives you the ‘how-to’ but also ‘why’. There is information on all aspects of a clown ministry and plus a guide for organizing your own clown ministry training weekend.
 ($11.19, amazon.com)

Clown Ministry Skits for All Seasons, Floyd Shaffer; Group Publishing Inc; ISBN: 1559450533; (December 1990).
 Shaffer takes the reader through the liturgical calendar year, and gives some great ideas for holiday related clowning that will get your creative juices flowing
 ($11.19, amazon.com))

The Most Excellent Book of How to Be a Clown, Catherine Perkins, Copper Beech
 Books; ISBN: 0761304991; (April 1996).
 This book has been used as a textbook clown training courses with young people, ages 
 10 - 15. It gives many wonderful ideas and has simple to follow directions. The book covers the history of clowning, costumes, makeup, juggling, mime, props, and types of clowns. ($6.95, amazon.com))

For Every Child; The Rights Of The Child In Words And Pictures, Caroline Castle
 Phyllis Fogelman Books; ISBN: 0803726503, January 15, 2001.
 "In 1989 the United Nations formally adopted fifty-four principles that make up the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child…in this extraordinary book, fourteen of the most pertinent rights have been carefully chosen and retold, in a simple evocative text that can be understood by every child."
 $16.99

Pastoral Care With Children in Crisis, Andrew D. Lester
 Westminster John Knox Press; ISBN: 0664245986, March 1985.
 This book challenges ministers to take up the, often neglected, task of caring of children of the congregation. Concrete and creative suggestions are given for communicating with and ministering to children in varieties of situations.
 $14.00
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