A Child's Catechism
Commons Kids
In developing our approach to the spiritual formation of kids, and the shaping of our curriculum at Commons, we have kept in mind some key ideas and experiences that we want our children to emerge from Commons Kids understanding.
The Bible
We want our kids to be able to:
Find the New Testament in a print bible and identify the four Gospels.
Identify these major divisions in the Hebrew Scriptures; Torah, Histories, Psalms, and Prophets.
Understand the Hebrew story that leads from creation, to the calling of Abraham, through the Exodus, into the kingdom of Israel, through the prophets, and to Jesus.
Appreciate the Bible as stories of God’s people throughout history that lead us to know God in Jesus.
The Church
We want our kids to experience:
Singing with their parents in service.
Sharing in the Eucharist meal as their parents guide them.
To witness both the baptism of infants and believers and talk about the difference.
To understand that they can choose baptism or confirmation for themselves.
The Faith
We want our kids to know:
That God is love. Always has been. Always will be.
That God has created all things including themselves.
That God has guided humanity through history,
That God is fully shown to us in the person of Jesus and whenever we wonder about God we can look to Jesus.
A Child’s Catechism
Who is God?
The source of everything – Creator.
The way of life – Jesus.
The one who never leaves us – Spirit.
Who am I?
I am made by God.
I am loved by God.
I am here to participate in the good world God has made.
How can I learn about God?
I can read the Bible as a text that points to Jesus.
I can be in awe of all that God has made including others
I can pray and listen with my heart.
What is the church?
The church is the body of Christ.
The church is made of the disciples of Jesus.
The church is where I participate in the sacraments.
What are the sacraments?
Baptism is a way we identify with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The Eucharist is a meal of thanksgiving to remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.
The sacraments are signs of God’s goodness to us.
Why do I call myself a Christian?
I follow Jesus.
It is the tradition I grew up in, and I am choosing it for myself.
The church, the Bible, and my spiritual practice in prayer and play all help me be more loving.
