https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:14:36 +0000 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/one-sentence-sermons-wit-church-signs I recently listened to a radio program on marketing that spent a 1/2 hour investigation the value and use of church signs to reach those passing by.  Terry O'Reilly-Under the Influence https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/one-sentence-sermons-wit-church-signs Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/around-table-church-it-more-building-our-town “I am tired of doing church. My desire is to be the church.” Have you heard this expressed in your church? If so, how has this posture impacted your congregation?  Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/around-table-church-it-more-building-our-town Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:18:37 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/covid-vaccine-equity-webinar At the current pace of production, people in much of the world likely won’t have access to a COVID vaccine until 2024 and developing countries are at the back of the line.   Kris Van Engen https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/covid-vaccine-equity-webinar Mon, 17 May 2021 18:17:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/missed-welcome-neighborhood-series-videos-now We had a tremendous response to the Welcome to the Neighborhood series, a 7-part series exploring ways churches can be better neighbors. We learned a lot from the guests and each other!  Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/missed-welcome-neighborhood-series-videos-now Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:54:40 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/5-crc-healthcare-workers-share-whats-breaking As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, those working in healthcare press on in the fight against this awful virus. Many healthcare jobs have changed or expanded, often with very little additional training. Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/5-crc-healthcare-workers-share-whats-breaking Tue, 26 Jan 2021 14:12:55 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/welcome-neighbourhood NEW UPDATE: We've added a GUEST! Join us Thursday, January 28 as we learn from Sarah Rinsema-Sybenda, Executive Director of Community EnCompass, Muskegon MI.  Sign Up NOW! Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/welcome-neighbourhood Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:12:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/gifts-give-better-santa Last month I posted an article, Just Giving or Giving Justly, helping us to examine our and our Churches' Christmas giving projects.  Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/gifts-give-better-santa Sun, 06 Dec 2020 22:43:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/just-giving-or-giving-justly-questions-ideas-and As we head into December, churches across the United States and Canada will be challenged to think differently about their annual Christmas celebrations while living with the reality of the COVID virus. At the same time, they are planning their annual Christmas giving opportunities. Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/just-giving-or-giving-justly-questions-ideas-and Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:12:36 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/practical-advent-ideas-shine-light-christ One of the verses that give me great hope during the Advent season is John 1:5. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (ESV) Amy Schenkel https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/practical-advent-ideas-shine-light-christ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 00:40:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/you-will-be-my-witnesses-free-mission-emphasis When Jesus tells us to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, he doesn’t simply mean for us to go “everywhere.” His command paints a picture of what living out God’s mission means. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/you-will-be-my-witnesses-free-mission-emphasis Tue, 08 Sep 2020 16:04:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/school-and-church-creating-unique-partnership Back to school has a different tone this year. Uncertainty, risk management, and safety concerns occupy our thinking and planning. Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/school-and-church-creating-unique-partnership Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:48:47 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/2-learning-opportunities-help-your-church Do you want your church to connect with your neighborhood and reach new people? It can be hard in our context today—a context in which people aren’t just showing up to worship or other church events anymore. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/2-learning-opportunities-help-your-church Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:42:51 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/gospel-according-frontline-healthcare-workers Last week, I interviewed an Alberta emergency room physician, an emergency room nurse, a unit nurse and a primary-care paramedic for an Easter-based sermon I was working on. John Van Sloten https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/gospel-according-frontline-healthcare-workers Tue, 28 Apr 2020 13:44:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/virtual-event-joining-god-neighborhood You are invited to a Joining God in the Neighborhood Preview Experience virtual zoom event! Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/virtual-event-joining-god-neighborhood Mon, 13 Apr 2020 23:50:18 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/how-are-you-doing-assessing-your-congregation If you haven't already reached out to your church members to ask how they are doing through this crisis, now is the time! As a valuable member of your community, a church can also play a part of the system in assessing and responding to community needs. Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/how-are-you-doing-assessing-your-congregation Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:29:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/community-engagement-during-holy-week-and We now know that most of us will not be able to remember and celebrate Holy Week with the same traditions, gatherings, and events that we look forward to every year. Typically, many churches pray that God will use this week to draw people in so we can share with them the good news of God’s g Amy Schenkel https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/community-engagement-during-holy-week-and Tue, 31 Mar 2020 16:34:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/deacons-we-need-you Deacons, and this includes all those who are doing the diaconal work, you are needed to lead the way in creating a system of response for your church members and community. Here are some things to consider: Jodi Koeman https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/deacons-we-need-you Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:10:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/community-engagement-and-covid-19 What does loving your neighbor look like during this COVID-19 season? Amy Schenkel https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/community-engagement-and-covid-19 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 13:31:23 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/covid-19-and-your-congregation Note: This post was originally written and posted on March 12.  Much has changed in North America since then.  For the latest resources and suggestions for Christian Reformed churches, please visit crcna.org/covid19. CRC Communications https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/covid-19-and-your-congregation Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:28:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/missional-practices-coronavirus-edition I don’t need to tell you about the anxiety our country is feeling right now about the expectation that the Covid-19 virus will infect an increasing number of people in the near future. Our lives are all going to be disrupted for a bit, as large group gatherings are limited, canceling events, Amy Schenkel https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/missional-practices-coronavirus-edition Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:24:45 +0000