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Explorer users will notice that the reviews are organized in a collapsible
outline. Simply click on a question and the answer will appear below it.
Resource: The Inviting Word (or
Word Among Us).
Published by: United Church Press, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Is this Sunday School curriculum affiliated with a particular denomination? Is it nondenominational? Ecumenical? A partnership among several denominations? Or what?
It is denominationally affiliated with the United Church of Christ, though their lectionary use represents work of the Consultation on Common Texts, which includes representation from many North American denominations. - What are the main goals, aims, objectives, or purposes
of this curriculum resource?
This curriculum resource sets forth four commitments; being lectionary based, theologically grounded, congregation oriented, and worship centered. - What is the main content of this Sunday School
curriculum? (for example, Bible
stories, books of the Bible, theological questions, Bible and life issues,
denominational identity, etc.)
The main content of this curriculum incorporates theological issues as well as Bible and life issues. - How is the curriculum organized?
(for example organized around the common lectionary, the Uniform
Lesson series of Biblical texts, topics, themes, etc.)
It is organized around the Revised Common Lectionary following a three-year cycle (Year A, B, and C) and follows the liturgical seasons of the Church year. Each week presents a congregational focus experience which sets the direction for common worship as well as age specific lessons. - What age levels are included in this curriculum, and
how are they grouped? (for
example, grades 1-3 together)
Age levels included in this curriculum are as follows: preschool (ages 4-5), younger elementary (ages 6-8), older elementary (ages 9-11), youth (ages 12-14), older youth (ages 15-18), and adult. - What is the structure of a typical lesson and what
kind of learning activities are generally included? (for example, a lesson might be structured around Opening,
Presentation, Exploration, Response, Closing.
Learning activities might emphasize reading, workbooks, and
discussion)
The structure of a typical lesson is described by the authors as a “liturgy of learning”—arranged to follow a worship format. Each session begins with “Gathering for the Word” and involves creation and appreciation for the learning setting, calling upon God’s presence, and identifying the concerns of the learners. Next, the learners proceed to “Engaging the Word, whereupon the focus text is read, its historical context is explored, and the learners engage in some experience or embodiment of the reading. From there, the curriculum moves to “Responding to the Word” in which the learners discern God’s call, discover responses and witnesses of others, and respond individually or as a group. Finally, the lessons end with “Going with the Word”, inviting learners to dedicate their discoveries and commitments, to celebrate, and to go forth in power, love, and peace. Within each of these movements in a lesson, all types of learning activities are included, some of which are litanies and readings, creative writing, dramatic readings, music and singing, exploration of art, meditations, and discussions to name a few. - When you purchase this Sunday School curriculum, what
do you get? (for example,
teacher guide, learner books, packet of class resources, etc.)
When one purchases the Inviting Word Starter Kit, one will receive 6 Learner’s Guides and 6 Leader’s Guides (one for each age level), 1 copy of Imaging the Word (a paperback publication of art prints), 1 audiocassette (with musical and narrative recordings), and 1 issue of In Season Magazine (a publication including ideas for worship, preaching, and intergenerational activities). - How much does it cost?
The Starter Kit costs $199.95 and additional resources range in price from $10 to $40. - What theological tradition, perspective, or
orientation do you note in this material?
This curriculum is strongly based upon a liturgical tradition and conveys a theological perspective which presents a very immanent God, found in all the movements of our daily lives. Its balanced emphasis on art, emotion, embodiment, textual criticism, response and commitment presents a holistic view of God holding in tension both the cognitive and aesthetic approaches to Biblical study. - Over all, what is your assessment of the strengths
and weaknesses of this Sunday School curriculum?
Overall, this curriculum’s strengths include its congregational approach, its sensitivity to age, gender, and various cultural backgrounds, its inclusion of the arts and creative forms of expression and learning, and its focus on worship. The curriculum displays solid theological interpretation and Biblical analysis, but encourages an ongoing community of interpretation, spiritual enrichment, and leads its users to service and acts of justice. Additionally, it encourages self-discovery within the context of interaction with others. Although most of the curriculum is age appropriate, its adult material demonstrates some simplicity that may be inappropriate or not challenging enough for more spiritually mature adults. However, there is freedom with the material to modify or add learning experiences to make the material more thought-provoking. Though some may consider the plethora of ideas and suggestions for each lesson a blessing, others may perceive them distracting and overwhelming and may choose to utilize a portion of the suggestions to construct a more suitable plan for their particular setting.
