Creative Festivals 2012

Welcome to Creative Festivals 2012

CREATIVE FESTIVALS DEADLINE: Submissions must be postmarked by April 1, 2012.

IMPORTANT CHANGE: all writing and poetry entries should have the student's grade level typed in the upper right hand corner. Forms have been updated, but participants who may have used the old forms should double-check.

Dear Church School Directors, Teachers, and Members of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine,

Welcome to the new website for Creative Festivals! There are many changes this year. In January 2011, the Creative Festivals Revision Committee held the first of several meetings, and established two goals: to simplify the Festival regulations for the adults and to make a more engaging program for the children. As this is the first year for the revisions, everyone is encouraged to read “New to the Festivals” (see the right sidebar listings).

We hope that you make use of the posters we have provided, as well as the theme song. These help “set the stage” for the children to think creatively. The lesson plans give MORE than enough material to help teach the theme—so do not feel obligated to use all that is offered. As the Bible is part of every year’s curriculum, doing art and writing with related lessons should give the children several pieces from which to choose their entries to the festivals.  We also ask that you do more artwork and writing throughout the year, since spirituality is nurtured when students process what they’ve learned through creative expression. Post their work in your classrooms and in the hallways to surround our children with expressions of the faith. When the submissions of the previous year are returned, post them as well. Let’s transform our church school space into a place of spiritual growth.

For questions and comments, please email aodce@aol.com.

Please note: The Department of Christian Education organizes the Creative Arts Festival which includes art, photography, poetry and creative writing. The Department of Youth organizes the Bible Bowl and the Oratorical Festival—for information on these, please use the right sidebar listings.