September 23, 2004

CHICAGO - Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), announced the release of two new children's ministry resources featuring Davey and Goliath, characters from the classic television series for children, according to a release from the Minneapolis-based publisher.

The resources are "Davey and Goliath's Circus Spectacular," a 2005 Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, and "Davey and Goliath's Devotionals," a quarterly devotional magazine created for families. Davey and Goliath is a stop-motion animated television series starring Davey Hansen and his talking dog, Goliath. Aired on commercial television in the 1960s and 1970s, Davey and Goliath is a property of the ELCA.

"These new offerings are a part of our effort to bring children learning that lasts throughout the year," said Sue Hinton, senior editor, Children's Resources, Augsburg Fortress. "We are planning to feature Davey and Goliath in three successive VBS programs, so this learning will build from year to year for kids."

Davey and Goliath's Circus Spectacular Following up on the success of "Davey and Goliath's Camp Creation," a VBS program this year, Circus Spectacular gives children an opportunity to experience Bible stories through an interactive combination of music, art, snacks, games, worship and drama, the ELCA publisher said.

Friends Cisco and Jonathan join Davey,
his sister, Sally, and Goliath under God's Big Tent.

Circus Spectacular begins each day with a group worship celebration. Participants engage in Bible study before they go to five different activity sites: Bible Story Spotlight, Circus Crafts, Goliath's Games, Trapeze Treats and Davey's Drama. Daily themes and Bible stories are reinforced through hands-on activities and games. Each day ends with worship.

The Davey's Drama activity site features an interactive video and puppet experience, aimed at helping participants learn to apply the gospel to real life, the news release said.

Davey and Goliath's Devotionals Themes in the Davey and Goliath VBS programs are reinforced through Davey and Goliath's Devotionals, formerly titled The Home Altar. Through the rest of 2004, Davey and Goliath's Devotionals help children ages five to10 years old experience faith lessons through Bible-based activities and games. Each issue is in a flexible weekly format that helps family members share faith stories with each other featuring the television characters, the release said.

"These new Davey and Goliath resources from Augsburg Fortress complement newly announced children's books by Scholastic, Inc., and the coming 'Davey and Goliath's Snowboard Christmas' television special, all to bring the important messages of Davey and Goliath to a new generation of children," said the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, director, ELCA Department for Communication. "These messages are God's love for children and the wisdom of parents."

ELCA News Service