A Walk through Our Church

by Gertrud Mueller Nelson

Using the bold woodcut-like illustrations for which she's internationally known, best selling author Gertrud Mueller Nelson takes two children―and all of us―on a holy tour of a familiar sacred space, the neighborhood church. The format of the book is deceptively a girl and her older brother walk through an empty church. The children name the parts of the building and such furnishings as the pews, hymnals, presider's chair, altar, crucifix, tabernacle, articles in the sacristy, and so on. At the same time, the children discuss the religious significance of each item. Not a story book, this is a true educational experience for anyone, ages 5 and up, who want to become more aware of liturgical history. Each portion of the text includes a fragment of a psalm so that the "walk" becomes a living prayer. Totally unique, this book ―helps restore a sense of the sacred to one's local church ―comes as a handsome hardcover, making it a wonderful gift ―will be welcomed by parents, pastors, liturgists and catechists everywhere. †

Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Gertrud Mueller Nelson is an author, illustrator, teacher, and speaker. She is especially known for her clip art and her award-winning, bestselling book on ceremony and ritual, To Dance with God. Nelson has designed church furnishings, stained glass, and silver jewelry. She has taught Montessori and has studied art at the Kölnerwerkschulen in Germany and psychology at the C.G. Jung Institute in Switzerland. She is internationally noted as a speaker on ritual, liturgy, family, psychology, and sacred art. Nelson has three children and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good friend and fellow catechist recommended this as a hands on teaching guide for introducing young children to all the main places in the church. Suitable for use with children ages three and up. A big brother, who is an altar server, takes his little sister all around the church showing her where everything is, what it is used for and how; there is a prayer and picture to accompany each station. Reverent, gentle and educational.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dated. I wish the guide were a priest rather than the girl's brother.