I’ve recently updated the Advent section of the website with more recent posts including an Advent youth gathering, mason jar advent printables, impromptu pageant tips, reflections and more. Speaking of Advent survival, subscribers to my email list are able to download a printable Impromptu Christmas Pageant Checklist. Click here to download and here to see …
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 …
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!
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
Beyond the sleeping bag and medical forms: Must-bring items for youth leader comfort. Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
Click here to download the totally FREE 2018-2019-lesson-planner-blank. Over the years, I’ve found it helpful to have the ability to see an entire season of lessons for all ages laid out in once place. Created in Microsoft Word, please feel free to adapt it for your needs. I’d love to see how it works for … Continue reading
Hearing the news today of the constitutional amendments that did not pass in the UMC makes me deeply aware of how much I miss my Grandma Voreis. She has influenced my faith more than any other person on earth. She was passionate disciple of Jesus, a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, an artist, and a … Continue reading
