Hello, again!

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 new MA in Public Ministry with a focus in Child Advocacy. I applied and was accepted, however, I asked to defer for a year to spend time with family. My oldest daughter will be a high school senior, so I look forward to having a little more time to spend with her as she makes her plans for after graduation.

While she was out of state touring a potential school, I was interviewing with the district committee on ordained ministry. As I seek ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church, this is just one of several more steps. I am please to report that I have moved forward. The journey is a challenge and a gift. Through the process, I identified the heart of my call to ministries of faith formation which lies within the answer to one of the candidate questions about our theological task, which relates directly to my work with churches.

Also, in May, our Faith Formation Team held a summit to take a detailed look at our structure for Christian Ed next year. “Sunday school” has been changing for many years. I and several of my colleagues noticed more rapid changes this past year. Summer will be a time of experimenting with ways of creatively and faithfully engaging children and youth with our worshiping community. Prayground activities are one way we are engage with the constructive, communal, experiential and embodied nature of our theological task. A few weeks ago, I led a webinar on worship activities for children for Practical Resources for Churches. You will find the recording here.

This summer, I hope to be back to my weekly blogging schedule. If you also find yourself at a Sunday school cross roads, I’d love to connect. And, if you can, join me in Des Moines for the 50^th anniversary of CEF conference with John Roberto, Brian McClaren, Carrie Newcomer and more!