Board of Christian Education

Dear Norfield Parents,

We are reaching out to you as treasured parents of young children (Grades K-8) in response to recent nationwide events of racial bias and violence which defy explanation especially to those with Christian hearts who embrace the teachings of Jesus. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command." The second is like it:"Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

Remember, that you are never alone; you have a strong and supportive church family here at Norfield. We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns and we will continue to reach out to you with resources, online classes and new, engaging programs designed to help during these testing times. We are in this together.

The following educational resources have been reviewed and recommended by our CE Board. We hope you find them helpful and healing as you work to teach your children that "we are all made by God and that we must stand tall against racism by standing up for each other and for ourselves."

Stay Safe and Hold Fast to your Faith,

The NCC Board of Christian Education, Britta Lerner, Chair: Birchhill.household@gmailcom

Pastor Thomas Burke: tburke@norfield.org

Penny Anderson, Director of Christian Education: panderson@norfieldchildrenscenter.org

RESOURCE LIST

Webinar Video: Raising Anti-racist Children sponsored by the

Southern New England Conference of the UCC

https://www.sneucc.org/eventdetail/14024296?month=6&year=2020&day=1&display=m

Click on link above, scroll down to free access on Face Book and click link.

23 Books That Teach Young Kids About Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality: https://www.popsugar.com/family/anti-racist-books-for-young-kids-47521156

Phenomenal Girl

https://www.phenomenalgirl.com/

17 Films, Shows, and Documentaries That Can Help

Educate Your Tweens and Teens About Race

https://www.popsugar.com/family/movies-shows-help-parents-raise-antiracist-kids-47527224

Sesame Street Stands up to Racism

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon by Patty Lovell

Available on Amazon books or to watch via the YouTube link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wAWAHAr63M

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner

Available on Amazon books or to watch via the YouTube link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF90Pn6C-Ug

Discovery Hour
Christian education for children through 8th Grade is offered each Sunday during the worship hour. Teaching is done by adult volunteers, usually working in teams.

Confirmation Classes
9th Graders explore their faith and the meaning of church membership as they work with the Senior and Associate Minister to prepare to join the congregation as adult members. Adult volunteers serve through the confirmation year and beyond in one-on-one support for each confirmand.

Adult Education
The Church offers Weekly Bible Study programs, special guest lectures, and other offerings such as the Congregation and Community Conversation Series. Please contact the church office for more information.

Soul Food
This new offering is a mini-series offered from time to time: a Sunday morning breakfast fellowship for all ages, followed by exploration of a variety of topics with something for everyone.