During the past four (of six) weeks of the “Marriage and Family” class taught by Pastor John and Pastor Bri, there have been many Bible passages mentioned.
Here are the “core” texts from their classes.
Marriage.
Genesis 1:26-28.
Genesis 2:18-24.
Isaiah 62:1-5.
Isaiah 63:7-9.
Psalm 67.
Psalm 117.
Psalm 128.
Psalm 150.
Matthew 5:14-16.
Matthew 7:24-27.
Matthew 19:3-6.
Matthew 22:35-40.
John 2:1-11.
John 15:9-17.
Romans 6:1-11.
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39.
1 Corinthians 7:14-25.
1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13.
Ephesians 3:14-19.
Philippians 2:1-11.
Philippians 4:4-9.
Colossians 3:12-17.
1 John 4:7-16.
Family.
Infancy and childhood.
Creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2.
Matthew 3:13-17.
John 3:16-17.
Hebrews 11:1.
Romans 8:24-25.
Puberty and youth.
Psalm 139.
Genesis 1:27-31.
John 1:12.
Adulthood.
1 Corinthians 12:12-26.
Luke 10:1-11.
Psalm 32.
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Here are some of the books that Pastor Bri mentioned at the 2/6 class, in regard to Christians in parenting and family life.
Books on Ritual:
To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration by Gertrud Mueller Nelson
Gives some history and background knowledge around major Christian festivals/holidays and has a lot of ideas about how to celebrate or ritualize in the home.
For Everything A Season: 75 Blessings for Life’s Milestones by the Nilsen Family
Gives a prayer, scripture, reflection and simple ritual for all sorts of different occasions from birthdays and secular holidays, to changes in life for both children and adults (loss, graduation, death of a pet, someone who is sick, travel, etc.). Very practical and useful!
Books for Parents with young kids:
Making a Home for Faith: Nurturing the Spiritual Life of your Children by Elizabeth F. Caldwell
Offers stories, some developmental analysis, and practical suggestions for raising kids in the Christian faith.
Is That Poop on My Arm? Parenting while Christian by Justin-Lind Ayres
Stories from an ELCA pastor that reflect on life as a Christian and parent.
Where Does God Live? Questions and Answers for Parents and Children by Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman
This is an older book but is still widely talked about as a practical read for parents who are trying to speak theologically to young kids’ questions about faith.
Books for Parents of Teenagers:
Like Dew Your Youth: Growing Up With Your Teenager by Eugene H. Peterson
This is an excellent read and highly practical for a parent of a teen. Peterson highlights common arguments and challenges that teens and parents face, and discusses how to approach such things from Christian identity.
Children’s books that are great for teaching faith lessons:
Old Turtle by Douglas Wood
In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
The Marvelous Mustard Seed by Amy Jill-Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Maybe God Is Like That Too by Jennifer Grant
Who Counts? 100 Sheep, 10 Coins, and 2 Sons by Amy Jill-Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
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Also check out:
READING RESOURCES
Senior Pastor John L. Vaswig recommends both core biblical texts for adults to read and favorite Bible stories for children to read.
► CORE BIBLICAL TEXTS for adults.
► FAVORITE BIBLE STORIES for children.