On July 1, the beloved Spark: Activate Faith Refresh begins! Find out what changes, what stays the same, and why!
The Spark Refresh will address three main areas: the Spark Bible, Spark Leaflets, and lesson content modernization. With the change in Bible translation to the NRSVue, we seized a valuable opportunity to audit our current Sunday School curricula through a refreshed lens. Keep reading for the summary of changes and more in-depth answers.
Summary
- Our Spark Bible now uses the NRSVue translation. Book intros and feature content reflect changes in translation.
- Spark Leaflets will be available only as digital downloads.
no longer be available in print form for physical purchase.
- Spark leaflets can be purchased as digital downloads on our webstore or through a new tier of Sparkhouse Digital called Sparkhouse Digital Deluxe.
- Sparkhouse Digital now offers a Deluxe version of its Children's subscription, with pricing starting at $399 for groups of 1 to 25.
- Downloadable leaflets have been modernized by updating language, photos, and NRSVue Bible passages.
- All sticker activities for Ages 2-3, PreK-K, and Grades 1-2 leaflets have been replaced with interactive activities that do not use stickers.
- Spark Refresh updates are for Spark Lectionary, Spark Classroom, and Spark All Kids, NOT Spark Rotation.
- These changes will not impact the lesson flow you know well for every Spark Lesson: Gather, Open the Bible, Activate Faith, Send.
- Our current stock of printed leaflets and accompanying Leader Guides are all 25% off while supplies last. Use promo code SPARKTHANKS.
- A webinar on May 20th with the Spark developers will explain what has gone into this refresh. Register Below!
Dates to Know
- Webinar: May 20, 2pm CST
- Refreshed Content release: July 1
- Downloadable Leaflets available: July 1
- Leader Guides available: July 1
- Sparkhouse Digital Deluxe launches: July 1
- Spark NRSVue Bible release: August 3
- 25% off 1st edition Spark Leader Guides and leaflets with SPARKTHANKS: Now until Sept 30 or inventory is gone.
What is changing and why?
- The Spark Bible now uses the NRSVue translation.
- Our best-selling Spark Bible used the NRSV translation. The copyright holder of this translation notified us that we needed to revise our Bible to use the NRSV Updated Edition. So we did! And now we have for you the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition of the Spark Bible. It’s new! It’s revised! And now it’s updated!
- Leaflets are now downloadable only through a one-time purchase or an updated Sparkhouse Digital subscription. This means leaflets no longer include stickers.
- Our research with hundreds of Spark customers led to this finding about children’s ministry leaders; you would rather have leaflet files you download and print than purchase printed one from us. This flexibility in format helps you accommodate fluctuating numbers from week to week, reducing waste. All the sticker activities are replaced with other ways to interact with leaflets.
- Content is refreshed to reflect the NRSVue, replace outdated imagery and language, and adjust leaflets to non-stickering activities.
- Along with updating Bible references to reflect the NRSVue text, we made other changes, like updating leaflet activities, using new photos, adjusting language, and adapting activities.
- These updates are being made to Spark Lectionary, Spark Classroom, and Spark All Kids – NOT Spark Rotation.
What are the specific changes?
Spark NRSVue
- This full text Bible now includes the text of the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition.
- All feature content now reflects changes to these texts. For example, when students read the story of Naaman, they'll read that he has a skin disease, not leprosy.
- Additionally, some feature content has been changed to reflect updated language. For example, when student read about the Hebrew people in Egypt, they'll read that they were enslaved people, not slaves.
Leaflets
- Leaflets are downloadable only. We will no longer sell print leaflets.
- Leaflets that included stickers (Ages 2-3, PreK-K, and Grades 1-2) no longer do so.
- Downloadable leaflets have been updated to replace sticker activities with new and engaging ways for kids to interact with the Bible stories.
- You can download leaflets two ways: a Sparkhouse Digital Deluxe subscription or a download from our webstore.
- Sparkhouse Digital Deluxe (SHD+): this new SHD tier allows subscribers to download and print Spark: Activate Faith Sunday School leaflets. Pricing for this tier begins at $399 for groups of 1 to 25 and will be available on July 1.
Content Refresh
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Spark Leader Guides
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Spark Leader Guides for the lower three grade levels include alternate activities instead of sticker activities. Spark Leader Guides for the upper two grade levels reflect changes to Bible text based on the NRSVue.
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Spark Leader Guides are still available to purchase in print and on Sparkhouse Digital.
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Images
What is staying the same?
Most things! This refresh allows us to update the ancillary resources and core Bible translation, but does not impact the lesson structure and patterns that you know and love!
- Every lesson still includes a range of activities that follow the four-part lesson format.
- Lesson extras are still available on Sparkhouse Digital and in a $14.99 Digital Download (instead of the previous CD-ROM).
- Your beloved Spark Story Bible!
Webinar
An Overview of the Spark: Activate Faith Curriculum Refresh
Spark: Activate Faith has been a Sunday School curriculum rockstar for years. But even rock stars need a little freshening-up now and then. In this 30-minute webinar, our Sparkhouse developers will share what they have done to give Spark some new spark, keeping it the Sunday School standard that it's been for years to come. Rock on!
Register here!
Questions?
If you have questions about this refresh, please reach out to our friendly Sales and Service team!
Contact us at 877-702-5551 or https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/company/contact
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CDT
Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT