It has been too long since I have posted. I’ve got some exciting updates from the last few months to share! Early in May I finished my certificate in Deacon studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. It took four years to complete nine classes, but I could not have enjoyed it more. Garrett is offering a …
We need to find the meaning-filled place between a cute (but spiritually meaningless) Easter bunny and retellings of the cross that with potential for spiritual harm.
My oldest is a high school junior, which means we’ve been logging lots of miles on the road visiting colleges. I’ve discovered that some schools welcome prospective students in the way I remember from my own experience: watch a video, take a tour, offer a few minutes to ask current students questions. These visits are …
Recently a colleague remarked that Christian education isn’t rocket science. Hmm. I’ve never been a rocket scientist. But, I did spend two years in chemical engineering school and I can tell you that while there may be less math, children’s and youth ministry is still wonderfully challenging. I was pleased to see a recent article …
If you give a youth leader a book… chances are she’ll want to read it right away. But, she’ll need some time away from school and work to get to it. Thank goodness for time off after Christmas! For the next three Fridays I will share short reviews of the books I’ve read over break. …
When I was a teenager, we lived on a lake, deep in the country. On summer nights I would retreat to our small dock, lie on my back and look up at the stars, marveling at the unimaginable prospect of infinity. I felt a sense of dizziness, others might call it awe, when confronted with …
On sharing stories with Kenda Creasy Dean, learning a TON about innovation, and a free tool for starting Bible discussions with youth.
Having been a part of several congregations where children were in worship on Communion Sunday, I wanted to share a note of encouragement this week. Check the end of the post for a couple of ideas for having children create art for Christ’s table. Dear Mom of Young Children, I had known you all of five minutes …
This is the most visited post at Bless Each One. I hope you enjoy this quick & fun craft. What a great way to keep a highlighter handy to mark scripture passages!
Beyond the sleeping bag and medical forms: Must-bring items for youth leader comfort. Continue reading
Click to Download 2018 Lent Children’s Time- Final, the complete, not-just-for-children’s time series. “Wait!” we were about to say, “Not THAT candle. Surely there is a mistake, that light cannot be extinguished.” This is not how the story ends! Before we could protest, the candle was re-lit with words of mystery and comfort. “The light … Continue reading
From bookmarks to praygrounds to prayer stations, a list of resources for your planning. Continue reading
And now we begin to prepare for Lent… Use the code “BLESS30” to receive 30% off Lenten Prayer Station downloads in the new Etsy shop. Please sign up for the email list to receive downloadable bookmarks and upcoming special offers.. I’ve written previously about the challenges and joys of offering an activity for children in a … Continue reading
Who doesn’t need a few photos suitable for social media backgrounds? Here are seven copyright free photos taken by me. I used one of the photos in Canva to make this week’s prayer of the week. Enjoy! Continue reading
Recently, a dear friend told that she was wondering what to do next when she realized that parts of the story of my life helped her to navigate through her challenging, similar situation. My heart was touched to learn that the memories and stories I have shared with her over the years helped her in … Continue reading
One of the highlights of our spring break travels to Arizona and Utah was an unplanned trip to a lesser known canyon. Away from the lines and well worn trails of the national parks we visited, we were able to explore at our own pace. My nephew enjoyed the freedom to discover “hidey holes” in the … Continue reading
Big news! I am in a new role at a new place (more about that here). The first week serving a new church (especially when it is a very different size from other churches I have served) feels a lot like the part of an eye exam where the doctor finds the glasses strength that … Continue reading
I am always amazed at implicit learning that happens Godly Play stories. We finished the last lectionary reading about bread (so much bread in August!) in worship today- and the children have been paying attention. Last week when I took out the parable box and wondered what was inside, a child said “maybe it is … Continue reading
This Thursday evening, August 9, I will lead a FREE webinar through Practical Resources for Churches. Register to view live or receive the recording via email. Recordings of my Prayground Activities and Youth Ministry: 15 Minutes at a time webinars are also available. Youth Ministry 101: No two days are alike in youth ministry! This … Continue reading
A review of “Faithful Celebrations: Making Time for God in Autumn” by Sharon Ely Pearson. Continue reading
I have a hard rule in children’s ministry – no worksheets. But this week, I’ve decided to bend the rules a little with this graphic organizer. Following up last week’s lectionary reading from John 6 on the feeding of the 5000, in this Sunday’s reading, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” We’ll be on … Continue reading
The last three weeks I have been camping in one form or another- mostly in our trusty orange tent. I arrived home early this morning grateful for my bed, my shower, and my pillow. This last week has been spent at Wild Goose Festival in North Carolina. Having gone and raved about it for the … Continue reading
With the sun raging high in the sky, I begin making a mental list of the resources on hand, an instinct gained leading youth mission trips. I am on a two week vacation with my family – the luxury of time together meant to make up a little bit for the countless family moments I missed … Continue reading
