wfn.org | ELCA Publisher Announces "Graceways" Christian Studies Curriculum

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 13, 2001

ELCA PUBLISHER ANNOUNCES "GRACEWAYS" CHRISTIAN STUDIES CURRICULUM
01-160-*MM

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), announced the
availability of a new Christian studies curriculum designed for the
classroom, that involves structure and guidance for Christian studies.
     This new curriculum, "Graceways: Christian Studies Curriculum,"
first published by Open Book Publishers in Australia, is not a set of
textbooks.  Teachers use detailed planning guides to help them adapt the
material to their specific students needs.
     The gospel-centered material gives students a chance to experience
a sense of belonging within a caring Christian community, witness faith
in action, engage in trusting relationships with people who share their
faith, and experience faithfulness, forgiveness, and love, according to
a Augsburg Fortress news release.
     "Graceways gives students the framework needed for daily time set
aside for students to learn about their relationship with God," said
John J. Scibilia, director for schools, ELCA Division for Higher
Education and Schools.  "Graceways helps students address the questions
of 'who am I?' 'where do I come from?" and 'where am I going?'" he
added. The curriculum is educationally sound, gospel-centered, flexible
in structure, relevant to today's students, and informed by the Lutheran
confessions, according to Augsburg Fortress promotional materials.
     The Graceways curriculum is structured for five age-specific
groups, ranging from early childhood to senior high school.  Materials
are designed to be used one hour per week during the school year.  Each
group includes 12 lessons which correspond with 12 key concepts, such as
relationships, prayer and worship.
     The Bible-based lessons are centered on God's relationships with
people and how God helps, calls, creates and gathers people.  The
curriculum is presented in the classrooms through learning units.  One
unit addresses one or more of 36 faith statements of the Lutheran
Church, which are used to expand on God's relationships with people.
     "This curriculum provides a comprehensive approach to Christian
studies for students through experimental activities and provides a
connection of Christian faith to real life experiences and topics," said
Stephanie Moats, product manager for educational resources, Augsburg
Fortress, Minneapolis.
        "Graceways calls on everyone in the school community to be a
learner and participant," Scibilia said. "This curriculum will be most
effective when teachers share their plans and experiences.  Spiritual
growth can be enriched and enhanced at every age."
-- -- --
     More information about Graceways: Christian Studies Curriculum is
available at http://www.augsburgfortress.org/graceways on the Web.

[*Michelle T. Mills is a senior at Bradley University, Peoria, Ill.
This summer, she is an intern with the ELCA News and Information.]

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html