Nebraska Synod ELCA
Event
Class Description:
There are so many great children’s books and many of them relate to our faith journey. How do we help kids make the connections? How do we know what books to choose? What questions do we ask and how to do we relate the books to our lives, our children’s lives, and God at work in our lives? This three-week class provides books and resources on three different topics of conversation from grief, to exploring other faith traditions to current social issues.
Week One – September 10
Same, Different or Just Right, Talking to Children about Other Faith Traditions
Deacon Marie Preftes Arenz learned that the “Golden Rule” is shared among many faith traditions – similar words but different iterations. This led her to seek more knowledge around the similarities and differences among spiritual paths. In 2016, she wrote curriculum for children in grades 1-3 teaching what she learned about interfaith. Here are some of the books that she shared with the children:
How to Live Sideways: A Guide for Baha’i Kids by Michael Fitzgerald and John Burns
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi and Lea Lyon
Each Breath a Smile by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper
Old Turtle by Douglas Wood and Cheng-Khee Chee
What Do You Believe? Religion and Faith in the World Today by Fleur Star
A Faith Like Mine: A Celebration of the World’s Religions Through the Eyes of Children by Laura Buller
Week Two – September 17
How Kids Books Can Help us all Deal with Grief
Join Evi Wusk for a heartfelt exploration into the power of children’s literature as a tool for navigating grief. In “Bedtime Stories Beyond: How Kids Books Can Help us all with Grief,” we delve into the profound impact that stories have on understanding and processing loss. Drawing from personal experiences and insightful research, we’ll discuss how books designed for children can offer solace, insight, and comfort to individuals of all ages grappling with the complexities of grief.
Discussion Preparation: Come prepared to engage in discussions during the session that can be difficult emotionally. Think about questions you have, insights you would like to share, or experiences you are comfortable discussing with the group related to grief.
Journal Prompts (Optional):
What are some memories you have of bedtime stories or books from your childhood?
Have you experienced grief or loss in your life? How did you cope with it?
What role do you think storytelling can play in the process of grieving?
Week Three – September 24
Addressing social justice issues in fiction books for ages 8-14
Join Gretchen Ahrens to look at fiction books that will help pre-teens and teens (ages 8-14) explore current social justice issues and how these issues relate to our faith. We’ll review the plot and talk about the theme of the book, discuss parts that may be challenging, questions kids might have and a list of discussion questions that can be used in a group or individually by parents and children.
Books will include:
Ground Zero by Alan Katz: This book weaves together the stories of a 9/11 survivor and a young girl in Afghanistan in 2019. As their stories collide, they explore the why’s behind what is happening in the world
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga: This is the story of a Syrian refugee who moves to Cincinnati.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly: This is the story of Iris who is the only deaf girl in her school and feels like no one is listening to her. She connects with a whale who is also unable to “speak” to other whales and invents a way for him to sing.
The boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf: This book explores what it means to be an Ally and to understand life from another’s perspective.
Discussion Preparation: Reading these books before the class is suggested, but not required.
Instructors
Week 1- Marie Preftes Arenz is a Deacon in the ELCA. She is also a mental health and substance use disorder counselor in Washington State and is certified as a Child Mental Health Specialist. For 12 years, she worked with families in crisis and for 3.5 years, she ran a co-occurring substance use disorder/Mental Health treatment program. She currently is employed by Washington State’s Department of Children Youth and Families as a Regional Program Manager for family services. Marie served Faith Lutheran Church of North Lakewood as the children’s ministry coordinator from 2006-2019 and currently preaches there once monthly as part of the ministerial team. Marie enjoys reading and hiking and spending time with her family and friends and two feline companions.
Week 2- Evi Wusk, Ed.D. is an Assistant Professor of Education at Peru State College. With over 17 years in the classroom and a certified school librarian. Evi brings a love of books and learning. Previously she served as a youth director at Southwood Lutheran Church and was a camp counselor at Carol Joy Holling Camp. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Writing Project and the Nebraska Educational Technology Association. As founder of the Teacher Joy Project, Wusk gathers teacher stories, aiming to shift the narrative around education, spotlighting the fulfillment and joy that come from teaching.
Week 3: Gretchen Ahrens is the Director for Youth and Justice Ministries for the Nebraska Synod. She grew up reading any and every book put in front of her and explored justice at an early age though books. She is excited to share her passions about justice and reading with the next generation and loves hearing what books her nephews are currently reading. Gretchen spent three years serving in the Peace Corps in Zambia, has over 15 years of experience in Outdoor Ministry serving as a Program Director with children of all ages in day and residence camps and church programs and is an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
Course Details:
Dates: Tuesdays, September 10, 17 and 24, 2024
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. Central Time/6:00-7:30 p.m. Mountain
Format: This is an online course using zoom. The link and additional details will be e-mailed to registered participants after September 1, 2024
Materials: A journal (see suggested journal questions under week two class description). You may want to read the books for week three ahead of class (see class description), but it is not required. A recommended reading list will be e-mailed to participants September 1.
Target Audience: This class is for anyone who works with children. Week one and two will be more focused on lower elementary children and week three is focused on ages 8-14. Are you a parent, grandparent, Sunday School teacher or babysitter? These classes are for you. Learn how to engage with kids in challenging conversations using books as a resource.
Cost: $20/person.
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2024
Continuing Education Credit for PMA and clergy is not offered for this great series. A letter of completion can be provided if needed for other occupations