Resource: Touch the Water, Taste the Bread.
Published by: Cokesbury.
Denomination: United Methodist Church
Goals/Objectives:
-to educate children about Sacraments
-for children to be involved in the worship life of the church
-to promote pastor involvement with children
-to offer opportunities for parents and children to learn together
Definition of “Worship”:
-not specified
-curriculum focused on baptism and communion
Definition of Sacraments:
-Baptism distinguishes us as Christians and is a sign of new birth. It is a gift from God and should be received with joy.
-Communion, or the LORD’s Supper, is a sign of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. We share the bread and juice with the assurance that Jesus our Savior is present with us.
Reasons to learn about the Sacraments:
-Jesus included children in the kingdom of God
-They remind us of the love that Christians share with one another
-Like baptism, communion is a gift of grace freely offered to everyone, including children.
Contents:
-Series of lessons on baptism
-Series of lessons on communion
-Songs related to baptism and communion
-Retreats related to baptism and communion
Sessions:
-Three sessions on baptism
-Three sessions on communion
-Grades 1-3 curriculum offers three different retreats
-Pastoral involvement at the end of the sections on baptism and communion
-Time length is not specified
-Sessions include activities, songs, bible study, craft, visiting sanctuary, and snacks
-Use as a whole because each session has specific goals and objectives
Organization:
-Scriptures related to the theme (baptism and communion)
Age Level Appropriateness:
-Two different levels (age 3-5, grades 1-3)
-Its task levels are appropriate for their ages.
Denominational Features:
-This resource geared toward a denomination which practices infant baptism and allows all who are baptized to take communion, as well as a denomination which uses symbols such as a robe and stole for the pastor
Teachers/Leaders:
-lay leaders who understand baptism and communion
-a pastor visits during the third session in order to answer questions from the children
Setting:
-Sunday school or weeknight program as long as there is access to the sanctuary.
Strengths:
-Well organized
-Has lots of hands on experiences
-Interacts with pastor and parents
-Self-contained system
-Very basic instructions
Weaknesses:
-Assumption that participating children have already been baptized
-Assumption that all 1st-3rd graders can read
-No objectives
-No time length is specified
