January 9, 2009 by Stacy McDonald
Free Resources for your Family…
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The Shortest Catechism – Developed by a good friend of our ministry, this booklet is an invaluable tool for parents of young children who want to give their young ones a solid doctrinal foundation. The Shortest Catechism is based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a standard for doctrinal purity. While not changing any of the words, it simply shortens the sentences, making it easier for little ones to memorize.
My wife, Stacy, loves this method. Since our younger children aren’t memorizing a different “version,” they can keep up with the older children, and aren’t confused when it comes time to memorize the more complete one. In fact, they discover they’re already almost there! We hope you enjoy this wonderful gift.
“I wanted my children to “grow into” the Shorter Catechism. This way, as the child matures, there is a question-by-question continuity with what he learned at an earlier age.” – Tony Tosti
Embracing Oneness in Marriage – This recently completed sermon series includes God’s purpose for marriage, preparing for marriage (courtship vs. dating), the complementary roles of husbands and wives, dealing biblically with conflict, glorifying God in singleness, and discovering, as well as embracing, God’s sanctifying work in marriage. In a day when marriage is under attack on all sides, the good news is that there are age-old biblical principles that can transform an impossible marriage into an incredible one! We pray that this series will give new hope to existing marriages, and also help unmarried Christians better prepare for their own future families.
Click here to go to this series!
Weary Women - Join Stacy McDonald as she reminds women where to turn during times of weariness and trials. Sharing from her own life experiences, Stacy explains from Scripture how turning to the wrong source for relief from our trials will actually add to our burden, rather than relieve it! Rejoice in Jesus as you embrace the mysterious beauty of your sacred calling!
Click here to download this powerful message!
Don’t be a Casual Christian: Reflections in Malachi – Malachi is one of the most straightforward and challenging books of the Old Testament. Written to the remnant of the faithful, God confronts those who thought they were holy with challenging words, encouraging even these to shake off their casual attitudes regarding worship, relationships, and worldliness; and to return to a real and meaningful walk with him. Prepare to be challenged – and prepare to change.
Click here to go to this series!
The 2009 Bible Reading Plan – Based on the tried and true work of 19th Century pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne, this daily plan will take you and your family through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. The plan features four different readings for use in both family and personal devotions. Each day has two passages from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from either the Psalms or the Gospels. Invest in reading and meditating on God’s Word this year!
Cick here to download this resource!
The 2009 Reformation Day Faire – The 2009 faire will be held at our church complex in Morton, Illinois October 30 through November 1. Join Christian families from around the nation as we celebrate the amazing work of God’s providential hand during the Protestant Reformation!
Make new friends as you enjoy a wholesome time of learning, adventure, music, feasting, games, and Christian fellowship. Imagine the heather dancing in the wind; looming castles; the music of bagpipes; and stirring tales of danger, faithfulness, and devotion to God.
Again, this event is free of charge. Mark your calendars now! More details to come!
Click here to learn about last year’s event!
New Sermon Series – What We Believe – We live in a culture that seems addicted to change and captivated by all that is unstable. With a deep hunger to be entertained and an insatiable thirst for the newest and most exciting experience; the tried and true ways of the past are often rejected as outdated or obsolete-even uncool.
One man’s “opinion” of truth is as good as the next; until truth ceases to be truth, and relativism rules the day.
But as Christians, we know the Truth, and it isn’t changed by man’s opinion of it. Absolute, revealed Truth is firmly planted in the everlasting fiber of God-breathed Scripture. And to remind us of this fact, and to keep our feet facing forward, we have ancient creeds that were given to us by our church fathers.
For centuries, Christians have used the Apostles Creed as a way to clearly express their faith in Christ and what they believe about Scripture. In this new series, “What we Believe: Sermons in the Apostles Creed,” we will explore this ancient document, which has served as an anchor of stability and wisdom concerning God and His timeless truths. So point your feet forward and join us on this exciting journey into the history and richness of the Apostles Creed.
Series starts January 18. If you live in Central Illinois, consider joining us for worship!
We pray these resources prove to be a blessing to you and yours. We also encourage you to keep up with us through our blogs.
James’ blog
Stacy’s blog
May the Lord richly bless your families this year with His goodness and grace. Goals of Providence Church…
Balance Biblical Doctrine with Joyful, God-Centered Worship!
Proclaim Jesus across Central Illinois!
Unite Church and Home through Warm, Multigenerational Fellowship!
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12 Responses to “Free Resources for your Family…”
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I didn’t realize you guys were in Morton!!! My husband’s family lives in Carlock, IL…just outside of Bloomington! I was so excited when I read that the Reformation Day Faire is in Morton, because it may be a possibility for us to come this year!
I’ve heard of Reformation Day, but don’t really know what it is. Could you please do a post explaining it? Thanks!
Thank you for these! I just printed the shorter catechism for my little guys – even did the cover page on nice cardstock paper and I’ll take it over to a friend’s later this week to laminate the front and back covers and use her “zutter” (binding system) to bind it nicely!
Thanks, Stacy, for these great resources. Free resources are something we all enjoy!!
Also, I really enjoyed the article about “Is Singleness a Gift?” As the mother of a daughter who looks forward to marrying, we have grown weary of the “don’t worry about marriage, just do great things for God in ministry” message that is SO paramount in Christian circles today. Thanks for being an encouragement.
Love,
Patti
“don’t worry about marriage, just do great things for God in ministry”
There’s nothing wrong with that message, which is why it’s so paramount. You’re not supposed to WORRY about marriage, but work for God and trust Him to provide you with what you need, marriage and otherwise.
Hello, Mrs. Shindel. I hope you’re able to join us this year! Here are a few links from last year’s event:
http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2008/10/reformation-day-2008.html
http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2008/08/reformation-day-faire-in-peoria.html
http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2008/09/reformation-day-is-coming.html
To learn more about how to celebrate Reformation Day as a family, I recommend Doorposts, “A Night of Reformation.” You can find it here:
http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=46
Michelle – I’m so glad you enjoyed Mr. Tosti’s Shortest Catechism. Isn’t it wonderful? I’m one that finds it so difficult to re-memorize something that is a different “version,” so I especially appreciated the way he laid this out for little ones.
Jennifer,
I think what Patti meant was that she has grown weary of those who encourage young people to view ministry as a vocation before, or even rather than, preparing for marriage. Since marriage should be a priority in the lives of most Christians, we should encourage our children to prepare for it; all the while understanding that God is sovereign, and that’s it’s always possible that He has something else in store for them.
In addition, they should remember that they can glorify God right where they are – married or single.
True. I’m looking forward to having a husband, now; I’d rather minister with him.
Mrs. McDonald,
Thank you so much for your list of resources. We have just “found” a family discipleship church and are unfamiliar with some Reformation ways, as we come from a different belief system.
I am encouraged by not only your blog, but the book you wrote with Jennie Chancey also. I am currently re-reading it and leaving comments on a blog I do in a different blogging community.
I will enjoy using these resources and have already printed off the littlest catechism for our 13 y/o learning challenged son.
Thanks, Denise, Daugher of Grace
Thank you for your stand on biblical womanhood! It has been suck a blessing visiting your blog!
Jennifer
We’ve used Mr. Tosti’s catechism with our children for years, as we attend the church that originally published it! It’s a great resource and provides continuity as the children move into the shorter catechism when they grow older. It’s also great for moms and dads who might be new to Reformed doctrine (like we were many years ago). Thanks for all the other wonderful suggestions.
Thanks for these resources! My husband and I listened to a couple of the sermons last night on marriage. I listened to your message this afternoon while nursing the baby. Dear husband set up our network this last weekend, so now I can spend time with the little guy and listen to things on the net at the same time on his laptop. I plan on printing the Catachism after payday. Our printer is out of ink. Thanks for your wonderful ministry.