“Hearts Alive: A Gospel-Based Children’s Lectionary Curriculum” is now available for Sunday School ministries, according to the Rev. Charlie Holt, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary.

Published June 26 by Bible Study Media Inc., “Hearts Alive” provides a highly anticipated children’s curriculum that combines engaging content, lectionary alignment and gospel focus for students ages 4 to 11.

The authors of “The Cross Walk” children’s curriculum have created this first installment of a three-year course of study to give children a powerful overview of the story of salvation and how it relates to forming a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Content engages children on three learning levels – Pre-K-K, lower elementary and upper elementary – as well as in large-group worship settings. Lessons include hands-on activities, challenges and duplicate parent-pages for home study.

Holt said the curriculum has drawn the support of a number of leaders in the Diocese of Central Florida, including Bishop Greg Brewer.

“Following Jesus’ instruction – ‘Let the little children come to me … for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs’ – ‘Hearts Alive: A Gospel-Based Children’s Lectionary Curriculum’ innovatively approaches Sunday School with Christ-focused and engaging stories, activities, memory verses and topics for children and families alike,” Brewer said. “Easy-to-follow lesson plans are teacher-friendly while also allowing for creativity. ‘Hearts Alive’ makes children’s Sunday School a weeklong journey for the entire family.”

The Rev. Adam Young, an associate priest for youth and families at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando, said he can appreciate engaging resources. “Having been involved in children’s, youth and family ministry for nearly two decades, I know the desperate frustration of searching far and wide for compelling and biblically sound resources,” he said. “Bible Study Media is filling a cavernous need in children’s ministry curriculum with theologically grounded, application-rich curriculum. ‘Hearts Alive’ is a vibrant and engaging resource for congregations of varying sizes and age breakdowns. It is extremely user friendly for adult leaders who desire for students to come away with a Jesus-centered understanding of the lectionary scriptures each week.”

Leaders at Church of the Ascension in Orlando are excited about using “Hearts Alive” curriculum. “We want our children to know the scriptures, to hide the word of God deep in their hearts, to encounter the risen Christ in themselves,” said the Rev. Matthew Ainsley. “And we want them to do so in concert with the Christian year and, therefore, with their parents. Thus, following the lectionary not only engages kids in the broader life of the church, which is crucial, but gives parents further opportunities to disciple their children.”

See http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/hearts-alive-curriculum/ for more information.