Following Jesus: More About Young Children and Worship

Rating:
Summary: "Following Jesus" is a Joy!
Review: After attending Dr. Stewart's training workshop during the Summer of 2001, I purchased several "Following Jesus" books. I integrated many of the Sacred Stories in the Children and Worship program at our Church. The stories were reasonably easy to teach and as each of us learned and internalized the story for presentation, we found that we were spiritually enriched. Not only are the stories beautifully written, they were well received by the children. The stories were true to the scriptural passages &the end result was that the children "got the message!" The "response time" validated that for us. Well done Dr. Stewart!

Rating:
Summary: Some great ideas, if you can edit.
Review: I was very excited to hear that Sonja Stewart had published a follow-up to "Young Children and Worship." However, in actually looking through the book when I received it, I was disappointed to see that a certain amount of "Political Correctness" has been introduced, as well as some other elements that distract from the original Gospel accounts. Many of the stories have had a boy and girl added to the cast of characters. While I think I understand Ms. Stewart's intent (to draw young children into the stories in a "you are there" manner), I feel that it is actually a distraction. In some lessons there are more than twenty little wooden people to move around, which is difficult for the storyteller and confusing for the children. And some of the wondering questions, in particular, are hopelessly like something a school counselor leading a group discussion would come up with: (from the lesson entitled "Jesus' Trial") "I wonder why they want to kill Jesus just because they do not agree with him? I wonder how they could have settled their differences besides wanting to hurt or kill? I wonder what other ways Judas could have handled his guilt and sadness besides killing himself? I wonder how Judas could have been helped not to kill himself?" Perhaps I underestimate the wisdom of very young children, but I truly do not think they are yet ready to wrestle with the dynamics of first-century Jewish religious thought or the reasons why someone would end their own life.

Nevertheless, there are some excellent resources in this book, in particular the templates and instructions for making the materials. I just cannot imagine using this book "as is."

Rating:
Summary: A Great Follow-up!
Review: This book contains stories from the New Testament that complements the original stories in Young Children in Worship. We converted our "children's church" to Godly Play about 4 years ago and these stories add a bit more spice to the original set. The previous book had a summer built in and these help to go through a year long program. Both of these books have been an invaluable resource. They give you every detail you need to complete and present each story. It has been such a blessing to our church and the spiritual growth of the children..