This past week, I heard Brian McLaren talk at CEF2018 about creating “studios of love” within our churches. He asked us to imagine yoga studios without mats – just lectures on yoga. Or basketball practices with no courts or balls – just videos about game strategy. These were his metaphors for the way church often … Continue reading
Category Archives: The Bible
Children's Sermons / Faith Formation (formerly Sunday School) / Intergenerational activites / The Bible / Uncategorized
Bible Bread Stories – Breaking my own rule
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
Helping Children Make Meaning: Tips for Holy Week
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. Continue reading
Children's Sermons / Faith Formation (formerly Sunday School) / Lent / Taking the Lessons Home / The Bible / Uncategorized
Before You Read that Easter Story to Children…
How is the violence portrayed? Why did Jesus have to die? Does the story match the Bible text? Even the simplest children’s Easter story has deep implications for how we understand God. Continue reading
Wild Joy
Leaning in, my friend warned me, “Things are about to get wild.” This was my cue to pick up my plastic maraca and the purple flag that read, “Rejoice!” and began swaying along to the singing and dancing. I watched as four scrolls, held closely, were paraded around the room for the Simchat Torah service … Continue reading
Bible Presentation Discussion Starters
For several years I have planned all-ages Bible nights to follow Bible presentation Sunday. These evenings have included dinner and activity stations. Adults and children of all ages have enjoyed getting to know the Bible and one another. This year, though, we will have the activities right after worship, during coffee hour. Everyone has … Continue reading
Stories that Shape Us & and Invitation to Share Yours
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
