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Celebrating the Small Catechism

In 1529, Martin Luther published a series of articles explaining the statements that define the Christian faith. In his conversation with people in the towns around his home, he learned that the storms of life had left them "in the dark." They needed some guidance to navigate daily living. This series of articles was soon gathered into a booklet and given the name "Luther's Small Catechism." It was designed to help families learn and understand the life-giving truths found in the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Sacraments. It provided direction as they made their journey of faith with God. At the dawn of the new millennium we find ourselves on the same journey, facing storms that cause anxiety and uncertainty. Martin Luther's Small Catechism still helps us learn and understand the life-giving truths of our faith. This planning guide invites you to rediscover the power of Luther's Small Catechism for nurturing faith in your congregation. In invites you to consider planning a year-long celebration of the Catechism which might find creative expression in as many areas of your congregation's life and ministry as possible. This guide does not provide a step-by-step outline for a specific program. Rather, its purpose is to stimulate creative thinking and planning by providing a wealth of starter ideas and suggestions from the perspective of several key areas of congregational life. Use this guide with leaders from several ministry areas in your congregation to plan your celebration. Expand on these ideas with your own creativity. This resource suggests beginning your celebration in the fall with Rally Day (the beginning of your congregation's education program) and highlighting your journey with a special celebration on Reformation Sunday. If you are not able to embrace a year-long focus, consider utilizing the dozens of suggestions in ways that best strengthen faith nurture in your context.

In baptism, we are given the gift of faith to be nourished throughout our lives. To grow, we must learn that each person is cherished and valued by God, gifted with talents and abilities that connect us to community. Through such relationships we learn a spirituality a way to make sense of life's circumstances. In the Christian community we find a spirituality centered in grace and hope. Where dignity, community and spirituality come together, faith can grow and mature. This faith goes beyond memorizing ideas it is living and dynamic. The Small Catechism provides us with ways to cherish the dignity of each person, celebrate the blessings of community, and articulate the gracious, hopeful spirituality Lutherans have treasured throughout history. Your year-long journey with the Small Catechism can help to affirm each person's place in the community and give them a way to find grace and hope in the midst of life's circumstances. Together, you will see everyone's faith grow and mature.

Getting Started...

Build enthusiasm for your celebration before it begins

• Send a copy of the Small Catechism to every home at the beginning of your congregation's year-long adventure along with invitations outlining the ways your members can participate.
• Provide an explanation of the congregation's commitment to explore the catechism together.
• Create expectation with newsletter articles, bulletin announcements, temple talks and children's sermons.

The Small Catechism - Special Days in the Congregation

Rally Day Try any or all of these ideas and be sure to add your own!

• Introduce the Small Catechism with a visit from Martin Luther. Have a member dress up as Luther and bring pocket editions of the catechism for each person attending. Invite Luther to share the story of its purpose and creation, stressing its value in giving meaning to faith in daily life.
• During Sunday school or the children's sermon, invite children to explore the catechism with Martin Luther. Cut a door in a large appliance box and design it to look like a pocket edition of the Small Catechism. Place the following items inside the "catechism" to symbolize particular parts. Invite children to go in and bring out a symbol asking the question: "What does this mean?" (The Ten Commandments: a recipe card, map, road signs; the Apostles Creed: a globe, a cross, a paper people chain; the Lord's Prayer: praying hands, a loaf of bread.)
• Begin a brief "Catechism Connection" series in your bulletin relating a portion of the Small Catechism to corresponding parts of the liturgy. Sing a contemporary version of the Lord's Prayer as a group.
• Set up a baptismal remembrance table with a lighted candle and a bowl of water. Encourage learners to use the water to make the sign of the cross on each other's foreheads and say, "Child of God, you are marked with the sign of the cross. God loves you." Make posters of each of the Ten Commandments. Have learners draw examples of people following the commandments.
• Decorate and eat "creed cookies." Use frosting to draw something from the creed on each cookie before it is eaten. Have decorators share the meaning of their illustrations.
• Teach a bedtime prayer modeled after the one Luther taught. Send printed copies home with encouragement for regular use during the next weeks. (Found in A Contemporary Translation of Luther's Small Catechism: Study Edition.) Make a collection of "Words of Wisdom" from the congregation. Write family sayings or personal proverbs on poster paper. Display in fellowship area.

Reformation Sunday

Celebrate this special day in our heritage to give an historical context to the catechism.

• Designate a door in your narthex to be your "Wittenberg Door." Provide adhesive note paper for people of all ages to post their questions about God, faith and your congregation. Invite Luther to tell his story and as he highlights "The 95 Theses", have him respond to a few current questions or concerns posted on your "door." Choose a few to address during your congregational worship.
• Invite the congregation to a meal with Martin Luther and his family as special guests. Prepare a menu typical of the reformation era. Include music, games and displays typical of that time.
• Invite Luther to talk with adults during the education hour about how our spirituality must be centered in God's grace.
• Form small groups to dramatize ways we "reform" our community by observing the Ten Commandments. Assign a commandment to each group and allow a few minutes for planning. Take turns acting out the everyday expression of the commandments.
• Earlier editions of the Small Catechism sometimes included hymns. Sing a hymn written by Martin Luther, such as "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."
• Explore Luther's concept of "daily bread." Read a short story that explains the persecution Luther faced in the early days of the reformation.
• Compare translations of the catechism to find words that are meaningful today. Discuss Luther's teaching that the scriptures should be available in the language of the ordinary person.

The Small Catechism in Christian Education and Discipleship Settings

Faith is a gift, given freely by God's grace. It is not a result of human efforts. In true Lutheran understanding, parents and teachers can not shape or form faith in others. Only God can. Nevertheless, we can help nurture the development of a true and abiding faith by providing multiple opportunities for growth and learning; opportunities which open doors for the Holy Spirit to plant, develop and strengthen the faith life and walk of God's children.

As a planning team, consider how you can infuse your congregation's education program with a consistent and intentional dose of catechism experiences. Brainstorm creative possibilities in each of your education settings: Sunday School and midweek ministries; confirmation and youth; adult education and small groups; as well as committee meetings other task force gatherings. Plan for two or three cross-generational learning experiences.

It can be interesting to discover the "links" between ideas when one uses the Internet for research. The same links can lead to new insights when one looks for connections between ideas. Make an idea "web" with the Small Catechism in the middle. Branch out by identifying your primary education forums in the congregation. Add a circle for something you've never tried before. Then add further connections by naming ways you can teach about the catechism in each setting. Utilize the numerous suggestions which follow, but be sure to add your own creativity and ideas.

Celebrating the Small Catechism...

...in Sunday School and Midweek

• Offer an all-school opening worship experience which highlights themes of the catechism. Highlight the Apostles Creed during fall; the Lord's prayer during Lent; and the Ten Commandments following Easter. Adopt a "theme song" which highlights all or part of the catechism.
• Assign portions of the creed to various classes with the invitation to create a display, song or drama for an all-school "talent show."
• Include the Apostle's Creed in opening and closing devotions. Model reciting it remember faith is "caught" as well as "taught."
• Invite first or second graders to teach the words of the Lord's Prayer to preschoolers. Work together to master the words and be sure to lead the prayer for the younger "teachers."
• Have children write prayers to be used at bedtime, meal time and in times of conflict. Compile them and give each family a copy.
• Make pretzels and reference them as a 4th century symbol for prayer. Talk about praying for those who are hungry and what it means to provide "daily bread" for others.
• Present a video of your children and youth being interviewed concerning their feelings about being a part of your congregation and God's family.
• "Bind" a book of artwork done by children reflecting their images of God and tying it to the Apostle's Creed.
• Create a Small Catechism art gallery with creations made by all ages and displayed in a common area.
• Make a graffiti wall with the petitions of the Lord's Prayer. Allow people to write or draw ideas related to each petition on a long piece of white kraft paper and display the mural in a common area after worship.
• If you offer a meal as part of your midweek ministry, make three-sided table tents with the articles of the Apostle's Creed on each side. Use questions like: "When do you remember the creed in your daily activities?" or "What question would you like to ask the writers of the creed?" to encourage table conversation.

...in Confirmation and Youth Ministry Settings

• Plan a worship service for the congregation or a Sunday school celebration that highlights the catechism through word, drama and music.
• Circulate a blank book inviting youth to record personal statements of belief about God, the father as creator, the son as Savior and the Holy Spirit as our daily guide.
• Focus on the meaning of the 1st Article of the Apostle's Creed and relate it to the 1st Commandment.
• Make a collection of prayers and bind them in a little booklet. Distribute them to the congregation as well as residents in a care facility or shelter.
• Invite youth to share secular music that shapes their understanding of the 1st Commandment.
• Connect the Commandments and their explanation to a servant project.

...in Adult Education and Small Groups

• Develop an adult series on the catechism utilizing the "Connections: Faith and Life" resources which connect everyday sacramental living with ministry in daily life. (See resource listing on the back page).
• Offer an adult study on the 3rd Article of the Creed combining it with a book study on prayer and spirituality.
• Offer a small group study on the Lord's Prayer during Lent.
• In small group settings take a portion of the catechism and identify prayer petitions. Follow Luther's practice of praying the Small Catechism. Each commandment, article of the Creed, and petition of the Lord's Prayer suggests things we can request from God or thank God for receiving.
• Consider e-mailing a brief weekly message to congregational members, encouraging them to rely upon their faith in making daily work-related decisions. Include a statement from the catechism and a portion of the explanation.

...in Cross-generational Learning Settings

• Plan a learning time when groups are paired with others at least five years older or younger. Have each group "teach" their partners about one or more petitions of the Lord's Prayer.
• Hold a Baptismal Water Festival. Combine water play and water images with discussion about the meaning of baptism and ways to celebrate baptismal anniversaries. Include ways to remember one's baptism each day.
• Focus a family retreat on the 5th petition of the Lord's prayer dealing with graceful conflict resolution.
• Schedule a "New Life Festival" after Easter. Highlight the 1st Article of the Creed celebrating new creation, baby animals and new plant life in nature.

...in Committee Meetings and with Task Groups

• Encourage group building by using questions related to the Small Catechism as meeting openers. For example, ask "Where is the most unusual place you have said the Lord's Prayer?" or "Which commandment would you change if you could?"
• Make time at your meetings to review the decisions made by your committee. Ask how you express the Apostle's Creed in those decisions.
• Start times together by sharing how the Lord's Prayer has had new meaning at various periods in your life.
• Answer the "what is this" or "what does this mean" questions with vocabulary from another discipline. For example, use computer terms or sports vocabulary to explain the Ten Commandments.

Story

I don't remember her name, but I do remember her arms around mine, cradling my hands in hers. She was my first Sunday school teacher, and she taught me the Lord's Prayer. Even today, whenever I pray it, I can feel her holding me, praying those words with me. When I say the Lord's Prayer, I am never alone. My first Sunday school teacher and Christians throughout history are with me.

The Small Catechism in Worship

Historically, those affirming their faith have recited portions of the Small Catechism in the presence of the congregation. As you explore its treasure, invite all to speak the words and seek a deeper understanding of their meaning.

Bringing the Small Catechism to Worship

• Include a catechism moment in every service which connects themes of the catechism to parts of the liturgy.
• Select a different article of the Creed or petition of the Lord's Prayer each week and print Luther's explanation in the bulletin. Recite those words at the appropriate time during worship.
• Find contemporary versions of the Lord's Prayer or the Apostle's Creed to sing.
• Invite high school youth to write and perform a chancel drama that illustrates someone making sense out of everyday situations by remembering the words of the catechism.
• Have confirmation students read Luther's explanation of the Lord's Prayer as the congregation prays it.
• Ask senior adults to share their understanding of one part of the Apostle's Creed through a life story during the sermon time.
• Help children explore the Ten Commandments through a series of children's messages. Use a variety of formats to keep their interest over the ten week period.
• Include a brief "Catechism Connection" in the bulletin, relating some portion of the catechism to events happening in the community.
• Celebrating Luther's intent to bring common words of faith to lay people, introduce each part of your liturgy with a brief explanation of its reason for being.
• Consider the statements of faith made in many of the songs and hymns used in worship. Review your congregation's repertoire of hymnody and songs in light of what they say about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church. Select congregational favorites and sing them regularly.

Gathering New Ideas to Celebrate the Small Catechism in Worship

Have each person on your planning team interview at least five people about a section of the Small Catechism. Use the question "How does the Lord's Prayer (or the Apostle's Creed or Ten Commandments) influence your life? Interviewers bring back no more than five words per interview to the team. Write the words individually on index cards and spread them out on a table. What patterns do you notice in the words? How could you incorporate this local understanding in worship?

Story

For me, the Ten Commandments were a set of rules that kept me from doing the things I wanted to do. One day my wise neighbor, Se¤or Reyes, asked me to name some ways a person could destroy a friendship. After making a list, Se¤or Reyes gently related each item to one of the Commandments. It was then that I began to understand that God gave the Commandments as a gift to protect relationships, not limit a person's freedom. Se¤or Reyes helped me find new meaning and grace and hope in something I used to dread.

Praying the Small Catechism

"To pray is to learn to love God and enjoy the presence of God. To pray is to learn to watch for the things that are happening within you and around you each day and so come to see them as part of the gift of God. To pray is to anticipate God's blessing." The Reverend Donald W. Johnson, Praying the Catechism

Help the people in your congregation deepen their understanding of the Small Catechism through prayer. Use the ideas, processes and projects to design meaningful ways to engage your community.

A Congregational Prayer Project

Invite thirty-three members of the congregation representing various age groups to write a one-day devotional for an assigned portion of the catechism. Use the following breakdown to provide thirty-three segments: 10 segments for the Ten Commandments, 9 segments for the Lord's Prayer, 6 segments for the Apostle's Creed (2 for each article), 4 segments for Baptism, 4 segments for Holy Communion.

Ask writers to include a few sentences connecting the catechism portion with contemporary living. Each writer should also develop two questions for meditation and prayer.

Gather and publish the daily meditation/prayer guide and distribute it to members.

Praying the Catechism in Worship

Modify the words of the catechism and include portions in prayer. For example, using the explanation of the introduction to the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father in heaven. These words draw us to you. We want to believe you are our Father and we are truly your children. Give us complete confidence that we may ask of you, just as loving children as their loving father."

Promote Luther's Example of Praying the Catechism in Personal and Family Devotions

Follow Martin Luther's practice of praying the Small Catechism. Each commandment, article of the Creed, and petition of the Lord's Prayer suggests things we can request from God or thank God for receiving. In small group and home settings, take a portion of the catechism and identify prayer petitions. Pray them together. Encourage use of one of the catechism prayer resources highlighted on the back page for personal devotions.

Strengthening the Home and Church Connection

Luther developed the Small Catechism as a teaching tool to help families learn together how to live as a faithful disciples. The catechism was first and foremost a home-based curriculum. Consider ways you can help your families strengthen their faith conversation through the practice of intentional spiritual routines and rituals.

Story

From the time she was born, we ended our bedtime prayers with a story and making the sign of the cross on Marya's forehead. When she was six, I came home from a three-day trip. Even though it was only suppertime, Marya said she was ready for bed. I followed her to her room, ready to pray. She nearly begged, "Get to the good part, Mom." I reached for a book, but she repeated her request. In my absence, she missed our ritual of making the sign of the cross. "Marya, baptized child of God, Jesus loves you, and I do, too."

Ideas to Get You Started

• Include regular suggestions for home exploration of the Small Catechism in your congregation's newsletter or as a weekly handout following worship. Find ways to help families read one section of the catechism and its explanation each day. Help make the connections to daily life (for example, recycling and the 1st Article of the Creed).
• Have families collect stories from relatives and neighbors about their own catechism understanding.
• Consider a series of three or four "cottage meetings" with neighborhood coordinators. In small groups of "families" explore sections of the Ten Commandments in intergenerational settings. Meet with coordinators prior to the meetings to discuss common goals and suggest approaches.
• There are many "statements of belief" in our culture. Encourage families to look for ways the media entices us to believe in something we cannot necessarily see. After a week of collecting examples, discuss what each person believes about the Apostle's Creed.
• Use "Faith Talk" and "Scripture Talk" cards from the Youth & Family Institute at Augsburg College to start family discussions. Interpret the items in terms of the Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments and Apostle's Creed. (See resource list on back page.)
• During a family retreat, make a floor plan of a typical home in your community. Go room by room and suggest ways the Small Catechism can help families at home.
• Kitchens are places of recipes. Encourage families to write a "recipe for relationship" as they cook a meal together and discuss the meaning of the Ten Commandments.
• Provide prayer and devotional resources for families with encouragement for their use on a regular basis.
• Schedule a congregational camping trip at an outdoor retreat center or Bible camp. Provide creative opportunities for learning, play and singing focused on themes of the catechism

Small Catechism Clip Art & Resource List

As you launch your catechism celebration, consider ways to create an identity for your experience. Utilize consistent language and clip art images to build awareness of your offerings. The following clip art can aid you with your communication. Review the list of suggested resources to strengthen your experience. Most of these resources, except where indicated, can be ordered by calling Augsburg Fortress Publishers at 800/328-4648. The remaining two pages of this resource offer a planning calendar which your leadership team could duplicate and use to capture your decisions for your congregation's celebration of the catechism.

Small Catechism Resources

A Contemporary Translation of Luther's Small Catechism: Study Edition. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 1994. (ISBN 0-8066-0026-8).

A Contemporary Translation of Luther's Small Catechism: Pocket Edition. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 1996. (ISBN 0-8066-2331-4).

Catecismo Menor por Martin Lutero, 1990. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Publishers. (Code 6-0000-0853-8).

Catechism Posters. Augsburg Fortress: Minneapolis, MN, 1995. (ISBN 0-8066-0231-7)

God's Kids Celebrate. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1998. (ISBN: 0-8066-3825-7). Includes plans for an intergenerational celebration for Reformation Day.

Exploring Luther's Small Catechism. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1995, 1997. (Various ISBNs). Offers 10 different booklets for children that can be used in the home or church.

Prayers Based on Luther's Small Catechism. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1991. For adults. (ISBN 0-8066-0957-5)

Prayers for Young Christians. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1990. Prayers based on Luther's Small Catechism for upper elementary-age children. (ISBN 0-8066-0956-7)

Praying the Catechism. Winnipeg, MB, Canada: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, 1997. (Code 6-0000-6729-1)

Small Catechism in Contemporary English with LBW Texts Pocket Edition. Minneapolis, MN Augsburg Fortress, 1979. (ISBN 0-8066-1076-X)

Study of Luther's Small Catechism for Adults, 1991. Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. (ISBN 0-8066-0971-0)

Connections: Faith and Life. 1998, ELCA, Chicago, IL. Leader Package (6-0000-7405-0); Living Faithfully-The Ten Commandments, Unit One Participant Book (6-0000-7406-9); Living Confidently-The Apostle's Creed, Unit Two Participant Book (6-0000-7407-7); Living Spiritually-The Lord's Prayer, Unit Three Participant Book (6-0000-7408-5); Living Freely-The Sacraments, Unit Four Participant Book (6-0000-7401-7).

(The resources listed above may be ordered through Augsburg Fortress, Publishers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Additional resources are also available. To request a catalog or to place an order please contact Augsburg Fortress. Address: Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440. Phone: 800-328-4648.)

FaithTalk. Minneapolis, MN: Youth and Family Institute of Augsburg College. May be ordered through Educational Media Corp. Ordering address: 21311, Minneapolis, MN 55421-0311. Phone: 800-966-3382.

Story

The pressures of day to day living can be overwhelming at times. I find it easy to become focused on one problem. When I say the Apostle's Creed in worship or before going to bed, I am reminded of the bigger picture. I remember that I believe in God, who created the world in which I live. I remember that I believe in Jesus, who died that I might have life. And I remember the Holy Spirit calls, gathers and enlightens Christians. Even in my own world, I am not alone.

Celebrating the Small Catechism has been inspired by the innovative work done by the people of United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, Minnesota. We are thankful for their faithful discipleship in helping others grow in the knowledge, love and service of Jesus Christ.

A Small Catechism Planner Start with any month and customize for your congregation.

Suggestions

August Introduce the year-long celebration with Catechism Moments in worship. Send pocket editions of the Small Catechism to each home.

September Offer an adult series on the catechism and contemporary issues. Include the Lord's Prayer in opening or closing sessions.

October Share Luther's story as part of the sermon. Plan a reformation party for families.

In our congregation, we will...

Suggestions

November Include the Apostle's Creed in a children's message. Explore the 1st article in stewardship sermons.

December Connect a youth and family servant project with the 7th commandment. Invite confirmation students to write calls to worship based on the Creed.

January Offer a prayer group for seniors which uses the catechism for prayer starters. Have a Sunday afternoon festival devoted to the third article.

In our congregation, we will...

Suggestions

February Watch and discuss a video of Martin Luther's life. Have four people from the congregation share their own faith struggles during the sermon.

March Offer a Lenten series on the Lord's Prayer. Form small "market place study groups" to consider the creed.

April Distribute seed packets with the Ten Commandments and explanations attached. Invite families to walk and pray in their own neighborhoods.

In our congregation, we will...

Suggestions

May Have a Sunday School-wide poetry contest inspired by the Small Catechism. Develop a series of summer dramas based on the Creed.

June Include catechism discussion questions in the newsletter. Sing a hymn by Martin Luther in each worship service.

July Have a congregational picnic and feature family prayers before the meal. Invite people to bring pictures from their vacations and connect their travel experiences to their understanding of the catechism.

Writer: Charles H. ("Chip") Borgstadt
Editors: David Poling-Goldenne, Miriam Campbell
Design: Sharon Shuster; Publications Plus, Inc.

Copyright © by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. 800/638-3522.  Produced by Christian Education of the Division for Congregational Ministries.

Permission is granted for congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to reproduce this resource for local use.