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In the Wesleyan tradition, we begin not with what we have done, but with what God has already done for us. Before we understand, before we can name it, before we even know how to respond, God’s grace is already at work—seeking us, welcoming us, drawing us into life. We call this prevenient grace: the love of God that goes before us and makes a way for us to belong.
For many adults, baptism and Holy Communion are among the most meaningful ways we encounter that grace. We remember the water that marks us as God’s own, and we come to the table where Christ meets us again and again with mercy and nourishment. Yet for children—and often for the adults who guide them—these practices can feel distant or difficult to explain. The language is unfamiliar. The meaning feels large. And we may wonder how to help children not only understand, but truly experience, what these gifts are.
We Belong: A Family Journey Through Baptism and Holy Communion is offered as a companion along that path.
Rather than beginning with explanation alone, this resource invites families into a shared practice of discovery. It creates space for children and caregivers to explore the meaning of the sacraments together—through conversation, prayer, imagination, and simple activities that engage both heart and mind. In this way, learning becomes more than information; it becomes formation.
As families move through these pages, they are gently guided into the story of God’s grace. They encounter baptism not only as a moment in time, but as an ongoing identity—being claimed, forgiven, and made new. They come to the table of Holy Communion not as observers, but as participants in a meal where Christ is truly present, offering himself for the life of the world. These are not abstract ideas to be mastered, but gifts to be received and lived.
Faith is not confined to the sanctuary, nor is it limited to certain stages of understanding. It unfolds around kitchen tables, in quiet questions, in moments of wonder and curiosity. This resource honors those spaces, trusting that the Holy Spirit is already at work within them—leading, shaping, and drawing us deeper into love of God and neighbor.
At its heart, We Belong reflects a distinctly Wesleyan hope: that grace is not only something we receive, but something that transforms us. As we grow in understanding, we are also growing in love. As we participate in the life of the church, we are being formed into disciples who live out that grace in the world.
This resource, then, is not simply about helping children learn what baptism and Holy Communion mean. It is about helping families recognize what is already true—that in Christ, we are held in grace, welcomed at the table, and joined together as one body.
Throughout the book, families are invited to:
- Explore the meaning of grace through accessible language and engaging illustrations
- Learn about prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace in ways children can grasp and remember
- Reflect on baptism as belonging, including its symbols (water, dove, seashell) and practices (sprinkling, pouring, immersion)
- Discover holy communion as a shared meal of remembrance, nourishment, and sending
- Engage in creative activities such as word searches, drawing exercises, and observation games that reinforce learning
- Participate in meaningful reflection through “I wonder…” questions and guided prayers
- Tell and preserve their own baptism story, creating a lasting connection to their faith journey
- Visualize their place in the church through activities like a church family tree and exploration of the communion table
The resource also emphasizes that faith formation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It gently introduces practices like confirmation and ongoing discipleship, helping families see how God’s grace continues to shape their lives beyond the moment of baptism or communion.
Designed for use at home, in classrooms, or as part of congregational preparation, We Belong creates space for:
- Intergenerational conversation
- Spiritual reflection
- Creative engagement
- Deepened understanding of worship
At its core, this resource proclaims a powerful and life-giving truth:
We are claimed by God’s grace.
We are nourished at Christ’s table.
We are sent into the world in love.
We belong—to God and to one another.
This content was originally published by Discipleship Ministries; republished with permission by ResourceUMC on August 13, 2026. To learn more about GBHEM visit Discipleship Ministries | ResourceUMC.