News

Way of the Child Workshop Slated for Warwick Memorial UMC, Newport News, Virginia

(June 28, 2007, GBOD/UR) — The General Board of Discipleship's Upper Room Ministries presents a one-day "Way of the Child" training, July 28, 2007, at Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church, Newport News, Virginia.

The Way of the Child: Helping Children Experience God is a new children's spiritual formation resource that targets parents and Christian educators.

Phillip Moody, a certified "The Way of the Child" leader will guide the training. Moody recently served two years on Passport Camps' Advisory Committee and currently serves as Children's Minister at King's Cross Church in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

He has served as Minister of Music and Youth, Minister of Youth and Children, and Minister of Education at three previous churches.

"The Way of the Child" offers an opportunity for leaders and parents of children ages 6-11 to learn about environments and practices that help children grow spiritually.

Sessions provide children with a "time apart" to experience and learn spiritual practices that will deepen their relationship with God for a lifetime. These practices also help children know themselves and how to live with confidence and conviction.

Check-in time is 8:30 a.m. Training begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. Cost for the day is $55.00. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

To register online, go to http://www.upperroom.org/companions/eventschild.asp, or contact Janice Neely toll free at 1-877-899-2780, ext. 1792.

"The Way of the Child" was tested with groups of children in 14 churches of 5 different denominations across the United States. The churches ranged in size from 50 to 6,000 members.

Resources for "The Way of the Child" include a Leader's Guide and thirty-nine sessions to use with children, a resource booklet, a family booklet, a CD with songs to accompany the sessions and for families to listen to at home, and an introductory DVD.

The Upper Room is an ecumenical organization that produces resources for encouraging deeper spiritual formation, including The Upper Room daily devotional guide, five other magazines, and a line of books and programs for youth and adults. More information about "The Way of the Child" and other Upper Room resources can be found online at www.upperroom.org/bookstore.

GBOD's mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD (www.gbod.org) is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at 877-899-2780, ext. 7017.