Winter Theme: Tradition (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Hosea, Micah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Revelation) Do you have traditions in your family? This quarter’s Bible Lessons are all about traditions: sacred gifts and holy gatherings. You’ll read about observing the Lord’s Day, giving generously, weddings, death and grieving, along with exploring the importance of Holy Days, such as Passover. So hang on tight! We’re covering a lot of ground as we continue our faith walk together. This trust curriculum has been refreshed, while keeping everything you love about the resources. Bible Lessons for Youth is a comprehensive 6-year Bible-to-life curriculum that helps teens apply the Bible to their real-life. Its teacher-friendly format is built around a step-by-step sequence with thought-provoking activities designed to help youth understand Scripture and apply it to their individual experiences. Begin The Bible Lessons for Youth format of “Explore,” “Focus,” and “Connect” is an intentional learning approach to help teens FOCUS on the original context, EXPLORE how the passage speaks to their lives, and CONNECT with how to live out God’s Word in their daily lives and in the world. Key Verse Taken from the passage printed in the student book, this verse can be used to emphasize Scripture memorization in your class. Take-Away This is the basic point of the lesson and is summed up in a short sentence. It’s the big idea you want your teens to grasp from each week’s session. Bible Lesson For easy access, the Scripture passage your class or group will explore is taken from the Common English Bible, and are coordinated with the Uniform Lesson Series. Contains options for younger and older youth.

The Winter quarter of BL4Y explores Mary's joyful acceptance of being chosen to give birth to God's Son, as well as taking a look at Elizabeth's affirmation of the announcement, John's mission as forerunner of the Savior, and the familiar story of Jesus' birth. Other units will emphasize praise from and for God's Creation and the birthing of a new faith community with Jesus as its foundation. Bible Lessons for Youth is a comprehensive 6-year Bible-to-life curriculum that helps teens apply the Bible to their real-life. Its teacher-friendly format is built around a step-by-step sequence with thought-provoking activities designed to help youth understand Scripture and apply it to their individual experiences. The Leader Guide makes teaching Bible Lessons for Youth easy with each session broken up into small segments. Complete Scripture texts are printed in all books. (No need to pause while everyone hunts for the appropriate verse.) At any time during the quarter you can refer back to the convenient Overview section found at the front of the guide and also take a moment to read the Teaching Tools article provided at the back of the guide. Don't forget to check out the Out and About activity that will allow your students to take what they learn in Sunday school outside the classroom, enhancing their faith journey. Winter themes: Creation Psalms, Luke, Galatians The Bible Lessons for Youth format of “Explore,” “Focus,” and “Connect” is an intentional learning approach to help teens FOCUS on the original context, EXPLORE how the passage speaks to their lives, and CONNECT with how to live out God’s Word in their daily lives and in the world. Key Verse Taken from the passage printed in the student book, this verse can be used to emphasize Scripture memorization in your class. Take-Away This is the basic point of the lesson and is summed up in a short sentence. It’s the big idea you want your teens to grasp from each week’s session. Bible Lesson For easy access, the Scripture passage your class or group will explore is taken from the Common English Bible, and are coordinated with the Uniform Lesson Series. Contains options for younger and older youth.

Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings This winter, lessons in Adult Bible Studies follow the theme “Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings.” The student book writer is Chuck Aaron; Martha Myre is the writer for the teacher book. Unit 1 What We Bring to God The quarter’s first four lessons explore the concepts of sabbath, giving offerings, celebrations, and giving from the heart by examining biblical texts from Exodus, Leviticus, Luke, Matthew, and Mark. The Lord’s Day (Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-16) Acceptable Offerings (Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33) Dedication of Firstborn (Exodus 13:13-15; Luke 2:22-32) A Generous Gift (Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44) Unit 2 Four Weddings and a Funeral The first lesson in this unit reviews the relationship between Jacob and Rachel from the Book of Genesis, followed by a lesson from the Song of Solomon. The third lesson examines the relationship between Hosea and Gomer and deals with broken relationships, while the following lesson takes us to the Gospel of John and Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana. The final lesson in this unit, again from John’s Gospel, deals with the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. A Bride Worth Waiting For (Genesis 29:15-30) The Most Beautiful Bride (Song of Songs 6:4-12) An Unfaithful Bride (Hosea 1) A Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12) The Death of a Friend (John 11:38-44) Unit 3 Holy Days The four lessons that conclude this quarter’s study examine the holy days of Passover, celebrating God’s deliverance of the people as recorded in Exodus; and the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost; the Day of Atonement; and the Festival of Booths, described in Leviticus. Passover (Exodus 12:1-14) Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22) Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:11-19) The Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:33-43) Based on the Uniform Series, this quarterly study presents stimulating lessons that explore the biblical message and how to apply it to daily life. The curriculum helps adults move from a focus on the Word to reflection on personal, family, church, and community concerns. Ideal for a variety of settings, lessons are Bible-based, Christ-focused, and United Methodist–approved. This curriculum can be used in adult Sunday school classes, mid-week Bible study, and small-group studies. Available in regular and large print or as an eBook.

Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings This winter, Daily Bible Study follows the theme “Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings.” These daily readings, which prepare us for the 13 lessons in Adult Bible Studies, are written by Sue Mink, Randy Cross, and Gary Thompson. Unit 1 What We Bring to God The quarter’s first four lessons explore the concepts of sabbath, giving offerings, celebrations, and giving from the heart by examining biblical texts from Exodus, Leviticus, Luke, Matthew, and Mark. Unit 2 Four Weddings and a Funeral The first lesson in this unit reviews the relationship between Jacob and Rachel from the Book of Genesis, followed by a lesson from the Song of Solomon. The third lesson examines the relationship between Hosea and Gomer and deals with broken relationships, while the fourth lesson takes us to the Gospel of John and Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana. The final lesson in this unit, also from John’s Gospel, deals with the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. Unit 3 Holy Days The four lessons that conclude this quarter’s study examine the holy days of Passover, celebrating God’s deliverance of the people as recorded in Exodus; the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost; the Day of Atonement; and the Festival of Booths, described in Leviticus. This ongoing day-by-day Bible study series is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based, Christ-focused, and United Methodist-approved, this resource helps individuals develop the discipline of studying the Bible every day. It coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each lesson includes: a one-page Bible study for each day of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and Commentary on the daily Scripture passage, Life Application, and a concluding prayer. Available in regular print or as an eBook.

Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings This winter, lessons in Adult Bible Studies Teacher follow the theme, “Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings.” The student book writer is Chuck Aaron; Martha Myre is the writer for the teacher book. Unit 1 What We Bring to God The quarter’s first four lessons explore the concepts of sabbath, giving offerings, celebrations, and giving from the heart by examining biblical texts from Exodus, Leviticus, Luke, Matthew, and Mark. The Lord’s Day (Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-16) Acceptable Offerings (Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33) Dedication of Firstborn (Exodus 13:13-15; Luke 2:22-32) A Generous Gift (Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44) Unit 2 Four Weddings and a Funeral The first lesson in this unit reviews the relationship between Jacob and Rachel from the Book of Genesis, followed by a lesson from the Song of Solomon. The third lesson examines the relationship between Hosea and Gomer and deals with broken relationships, while the following lesson takes us to the Gospel of John and Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana. The final lesson in this unit, again from John’s Gospel, deals with the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. A Bride Worth Waiting For (Genesis 29:15-30) The Most Beautiful Bride (Song of Songs 6:4-12) An Unfaithful Bride (Hosea 1) A Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12) The Death of a Friend (John 11:38-44) Unit 3 Holy Days The four lessons that conclude this quarter’s study examine the holy days of Passover, celebrating God’s deliverance of the people as recorded in Exodus;and the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost; the Day of Atonement;and the Festival of Booths, described in Leviticus. Passover (Exodus 12:1-14) Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22) Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:11-19) The Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:33-43) Developed for use with the student book based on the Uniform Series, this leader resource provides a wealth of information, planning ideas, and lesson guides for each of the 13 lessons in the quarter. This resource includes detailed study of the biblical text, suggestions for developing lessons, teaching options, maps, and charts. It features articles that explore biblical themes related to the passages studied in the lessons. Available in regular print, as a downloadable file or an eBook.

The secrets of coaching excellence are already inside you Successful coaching has long been seen as a mental exercise—in order to do right by the teachers you serve, you put theory into practice, establish orderly processes, analyze data effectively, and implement externally mandated reforms. The truth, though, is that truly great coaches derive their success not just from what they do, but also from who they are. This groundbreaking book, based on research from an innovative mixed-methods study, provides a holistic approach to coaching that honors both mind and heart. As you explore the most important characteristics of the best instructional coaches—caring, authenticity, trustworthiness, flexibility, and more—you’ll develop and hone those same characteristics in yourself. Features include: · A framework and structure for developing the characteristics of effective instructional coaches · Comprehensive analysis of each characteristic · Examples and stories of effective coaching in action · Activities, exercises, and action points · Resources for encouragement and renewal School coaches have the power to make a real difference in the lives and futures of teachers and students. By balancing your outward competencies with the inspirational application of your own inward growth, you’ll bring new joy—and success—into your coaching relationships.

One of the most fiercely debated topics in modern Christianity centers on the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities into the full life of the church. Dozens of scholars have stepped forward, seeking to make a compelling case for LGBT+ inclusion based on their contextualized reading of the six traditional passages that refer to homosexuality in Scripture. But these arguments alone fall short of providing a comprehensive framework for radical inclusion of LGBT+ people. In The Gospel of Inclusion, pastor and public theologian Brandan Robertson offers a compelling assessment of the biblical texts, cultural context, and modern social movements to suggest that the entire thrust of the Christian gospel calls the church towards the deconstruction of all oppressive systems and structures and towards the creation of a world that celebrates the full spectrum of human diversity as a reflection of God's creative intention.