One of the joys of working on faith formation resources is that we have the opportunity to engage with people in congregations, synods, seminaries and campus ministry programs who are engaged in helping others with growing in their faith. Whether they work with children, youth, young adults or more mature adults, their energy and enthusiasm is contagious!

And, sometimes, we get really lucky and find someone with that passion for teaching others who is also a superb writer or editor.

We are constantly looking for new voices. New voices to write curricula on a freelance basis. New voices to do freelance editing. And, new voices to provide us with feedback on what works, what doesn’t work, and what they dream of finding in faith formation resources for the age groups with whom they interact.

How about you? Or, someone you know?

A couple of my editorial colleagues recently gave me this information about their specific needs ….can you or someone you know help? (And, by the way….freelance writers & editors get paid!)

For resources for children & youth:

“For Spark Sunday School, we need writers who can write in the areas of: Family Pages, Large group Openings, Shepherd Guides, and Extras. People can find examples of these on the Spark Bonus CD-ROM for all three models. By the end of October, we will have some briefings on the AF website that people can use to give us samples of their writing in any of these areas. Also, for Spark Sunday School rotation we need writers who specialize in preschool/early childhood education.

In general, what information do they have about changing congregational resource needs in for summer, youth, and preschool programming. Are programming needs growing/changing in these areas—what are the biggest pain points?”

For resources for adults:

“In the adult team, we are always on the look-out for writers with strong biblical and theological expertise who can write in an engaging way—making complex concepts understandable to lay adults. I think we will be doing a series of devotional companions to Lutheran Study Bible, which will likely draw on several writers who can write very concise biblical reflections and a wider group who can share their “dwelling in the word” type of reflections.

On the editorial side, we will be looking for some freelance editorial help with Bible studies. This requires people who can understand the format and adapt the content to fit.

Resource need questions: (1) What are people doing with or using to reach young adult audience? Do they see any trends or resources that young adults tend to gravitate toward using, if any? (2) How do congregations and pastors tackle the issue of training and developing laypersons to be effective Bible study leaders?”

I look forward to hearing from you via this blog or via email! The ideal is to send me a copy of your resume and samples of your writing or editing. I will be delighted to pass your information on to my editorial colleagues!

Blessings and happy writing!
Beth

http://twitter.com/bethalewis

This morning, I tweeted this:

“Pls RT: What would you like to see in next gen confirmation resources? If 140 characters doesn’t work email ceo@augsburgfortress.org”

Within minutes, I had a couple of thoughtful replies!

Since my tweets automatically roll into my Facebook page , within minutes, I had a reply there, too.

But, since I know that people receive information in a variety of ways, I wanted to also post this request here for those of you who prefer reading blogs to Twitter or Facebook.

So…what do you think? Please feel free to reply here or send me an email.

What would you like to see us do as we create next generation confirmation resources?
Think content.
Think format.
Think print and/or digital delivery.
Think content that is denominationally specific and/or ecumenical and/or interfaith.
Or, whatever else you think we should know!

Are you interested in contributing in some way?
Perhaps as a freelance writer?
Or, freelance editor?
Or, reviewer?
Or, beta-tester?
Or, video supplier?
Or, PowerPoint developer?
Or, content curator?
Or…..
Let me know that, too!

Do you know of someone at your church or another church who is doing great, creative work in confirmation? Please introduce us!

We made a huge step forward in confirmation education with the publication of Here We Stand in July 2005. Even though it is 4 years old, our market research indicates that it is still the #1 confirmation curriculum being used in Lutheran congregations in North America. Now, it’s time for the next leap! We’d love to have your help in dreaming about that.

Please feel free to forward a link to this blog posting and encourage others to let us know what they are thinking, too!

Thanks for your help! We look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings,
Beth

http://twitter.com/bethalewis

You asked for it…you’ve got it! The Little Red Book content is now available as a free download not only for Outlook & Palm, but also for the I-Phone! And, Pastor Andy Arnold of Kalispell, MT, has also put together instructions for downloading it to your Google calendar. (thanks, Andy!)

Of course, if you prefer the traditional ink on paper version, those have already been mailed out to all ELCA and ELCIC rostered leaders. If you haven’t received yours by the end of October, please feel free to contact our Customer Care team or me.

Blessings,
Beth

http://twitter.com/bethalewis