An up-date on Washed and Welcome

"Washed and Welcome" - a new family of resources is on the horizon.
The first phase of the resources focuses on families of infants and young children who are being baptized. The second phase will focus on adults - but planning is only just beginning for this.

By the end of November, we'll see three new items:
First, a "Sourcebook" of resources including
a) 5 different approaches for a pastor to use in preparing families for a baptism (using the Catechism, walking through the ELW, walking through scripture passages, using Dan Erlander's "Let the Children Come" and a suggested way to involve youngsters who are infants in preparation for their own baptism;
b) short, practical background pieces - also for pastors;
c) customizable handouts for sponsors and parents
d) reproducible bulletin inserts

Second, a book "Living the Promises of Baptism: 101 Ideas for Parents"
This is a small, illustrated volume that will look more like a gift book than a theological book; it has short suggestions for ways that families can act on the promises they make during a baptism for children from infancy to age 12; suggestions are in categories like "meal, play, bedtime, celebrating the seasons."

Third, a certificate for godparents. The certificate includes some simple ways that godparents can carry out the promises they have made during the child's baptism.

Then, next spring we will see a board book for infants and toddlers, "Welcome, Child of God." It's written by Anne Ylvisaker, and the text can be sung to the tune "All Through the Night." Illustrated by Claudia McGehee (who also illustrated "Living the Promises of Baptism." See her work at www.claudiaillustration.blogspot.com)