Ecumenical, Jewish & Muslim

Ecumenical (Diverse Christianity), Jewish and Muslim Resources

Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith - A book with each chapter explaining the basics of 32 different faiths.

First Light, First Life: A Worldwide Creation Story by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Julie Paschkis. A global perspective on the beginning.

Pastor and Author of "Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others," Barbara Brown Taylor provides a curated list for Christians in engaging people of other faith traditions.

Religions and Beliefs (BBC) - Religion can be explained as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Global Recipes for Kids and Families to Make Together- based on the book Let's Eat: Mealtime Around the World by Lynne Marie and Parwinder Singh.

Ecumenical:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Youth Ministry - The ELCA Youth Ministry page is your starting point for finding resources, individuals involved in youth ministry across the ELCA, as well as leadership development and faith formation programs and initiatives for youth.

Presbyterian Church USA Youth Ministry - In the midst of a beautiful and broken world, we have a vision for ministry with young people that unites youth in Christ with all other generations and proclaims the love of God without end.

United Church of Christ Youth Ministry - The Ministry for Youth is committed to leadership and spiritual formation and youth advocacy.

Episcopal Church Youth Ministry - The Episcopal Church strives to walk with young people on their journeys from childhood to adulthood, recognizing their gifts for ministry, their questions about spirituality, and their desire to make a difference in the world.

Church World Service - Church World Service was born in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. Seventeen denominations came together to form an agency "to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone." The mission: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless.

National Council of Churches - The NCC is a community of communions called by Christ to visible unity and sent forth in the Spirit to promote God’s justice, peace, and the healing of the world.

World Council of Churches - A worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service.

Jewish Resources:

Itzik's Well - a regular podcast/blog from Rabbi Irwin Kellar that is relatable and contexual for our modern reading of scripture.

BimBam uses digital storytelling to spark connections to Judaism for learners of all ages.

The Shema in the Mezuzah: Listening to Each Other by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and illustrated by Joani Keller Rothenberg excellently teaches young people the art of compromise by listening to each other. *The refrain and possibility to have a tangible Mezuzah for a take home make this a great children's sermon book.

Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster and Sue Eastland. A creative and modern way of looking at Hanukkah rituals.

Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan and illustrated by Ron Mazellan. Irena Sendler, born to a Polish Catholic family, was raised to respect people of all backgrounds and to help those in need. During WWII she helped saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children before having to hide for her life.
*Recommended TedTalk for MS and HS

Muslim Resources:

My Neighbor is a Muslim - A FREE resource from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service that helps your audience learn more about what it means to be a Muslim. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor, learning about who our neighbor is and about their faith are steps in this direction.

Covid-19 Changes Muslim Celebration of Ramadan - Dr. Zahra Jamal from the Boniak Institute at Rice University delivers an approachable explanation of Ramadan amidst the pandemic. (see video below)

Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace - by Harris J and Ward Jenkins. An excellent elementary aged resource about kindness.

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Lea Lyon gives a modern day illustration of the tensions of being a Muslim in a predominately secular/Christian American school. Great for discussion!

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan and illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini colorfully explains basic aspects of Islam. Without going into theology this book introduces the reader to some cultural aspects of Islam that help with mutual understanding. *Short sentences and big pictures allow for use in a children's sermon. *Also by the same author and illustrator "Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes."