Reformation Sunday – Plan now to make it a big deal! “Who can tell me something about Martin Luther?” I asked this question in an elementary-age Sunday school class twenty years ago, and I still remember how surprised I was with the answers. Many of the children began to give me facts [...]
The Importance of Involving Kids in Church— My husband Tom and I have 3 college-age and adult kids. A couple of years ago, when it was our son Joshua’s turn for a high school graduation party, we sat down and made a list of folks to invite. We covered family, and friends, [...]
Our Great God— 2023 Grow Virtual Conference "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7a I’ve been thinking about this verse a good bit lately. The beginning. The starting place. The foundation of knowledge…is the fear of the Lord. Reverence and humility. Our right response to our covenant [...]
Intergenerational Relationships in the Church— This year will be my tenth year getting to serve with my church family in children’s ministry. As more time goes by, I see over and over how I can do nothing without Christ and without my church family. The body of Christ is powerful! Can I [...]
Seasons of Nurturing Volunteers— Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Seasons are a wonderful guide to our ministry year. You plan events and activities for each [...]
Welcoming Children and Families into a New Year of Ministry— “Promotion Sunday” “Movin’ on Up” “Upgrade” “Step-Up Sunday” “Open House” Whatever you choose to call it, just do it! This is a time of transition and a milestone in the life of a child, and we should celebrate as a church family. [...]
Family Rhythms— For most, summer is a welcomed break from some of the daily tasks that the school year brings (packing lunches, checking homework, early bedtimes, etc.), but as a person in charge of children at church, rhythms are still something I love. Rhythms can bring predictability, comfort, and order; they are [...]
Our Great God— 2023 Grow Virtual Conference "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7a I’ve been thinking about this verse a good bit lately. The beginning. The starting place. The foundation of knowledge…is the fear of the Lord. Reverence and humility. Our right response to our covenant [...]
Following When Leading— I stepped into our weekly staff meeting thinking, “I really don’t have the time to be here.” I was feeling the tug of my to-do list. So many things were on my plate. Personally, we had an extra family member living with us, two kids starting a new school, [...]
The Legacy of 3 Pastors Who Encouraged Discipleship of Children— I have loved reading and hearing stories about the impact of three influential men who died recently. I know there are many more faithful pastors who have blessed the children, but losing these three in the same week has encouraged all of [...]