MWR : Curriculum's use spreads

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June 4, 2007 issue

Curriculum's use spreads

Mennonite Church USA

SCOTTDALE, Pa. — Other denominations are signing on to use Mennonite Publishing Network’s Gather ’Round Sunday school curriculum.

Last fall the United Church of Christ decided to become a cooperative user of the curriculum, published by Brethren Press and MPN.

A positive response to Gather ’Round has extended as well to other Christian groups. The Cumberland Presbyterians, the Moravians and other Mennonite groups are recommending the curriculum to their congregations.

Individual congregations from a wide range of denominations are finding Gather ’Round online, where visitors have been able to learn more about the curriculum, take advantage of training events and order materials.

“We’re certainly gratified when our colleagues in other denominations think highly of our materials,” said Wendy McFadden, publisher of Brethren Press. “We’ve worked hard to produce the best curriculum we can for our congregations, and it feels great to have other Christian educators and publishers evaluate Gather ’Round and say it’s the best for their congregations too.”

The UCC is a U.S. denomination in the Reformed, congregationalist and evangelical traditions with about 1.26 million members. UCC Christian Education leaders have chosen Gather ’Round as one of two curricula to recommend to their churches. In December, Anna Speicher, Gather ’Round project director and editor, led a workshop equipping 18 UCC education consultants to lead regional training events. Those trained will then introduce Gather ’Round to UCC congregations.

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