https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:50:17 +0000 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:08:24 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/nurturing-faith/making-room-new-kid It happens all the time in our ministries—new babies are born, family dynamics change, a time of adjustment occurs, until finally a new normal is established. This month, it’s happening in my family! Lord-willing, we’ll be welcoming a new baby boy into the world at the end of October. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/nurturing-faith/making-room-new-kid Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:08:24 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/listening-kids Recently I was meeting with a group of Sunday school teachers in preparation for the start of the season. I asked them to form trios and create a list (or express in some other way) of what they see as their role this year—all the things they hope to do and be as a teacher. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/listening-kids Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:14:47 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/what-our-primary-role-teachers The answer seems obvious: to teach the Bible, catechism, or whatever lesson we've been assigned. But I wonder if it’s more nuanced than that. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/what-our-primary-role-teachers Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:51:02 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/organizing/kick-art-project Yesterday my church’s faith formation team met to discuss the beginning of the church school season. The Sunday school, youth group, GEMS, and Cadet’s kickoff actives came up and someone shared an idea that I wanted to pass along. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/organizing/kick-art-project Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:39:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/organizing/sunday-school-offering In a recent conversation with children’s ministry leaders the Sunday school offering came up. A few people mentioned that they collect a dismal amount annually, and are unsure if it’s really meaningful to kids. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/organizing/sunday-school-offering Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:14:10 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/curriculum/which-curriculum-would-you It's curriculum selection season--which materials have you found especially helpful for sharing God's word with kids, teens, or adults?  Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/curriculum/which-curriculum-would-you Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:14:59 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/wrapping-sunday-school-season Another Sunday school season has gone by... It’s time to breathe a sigh of relief and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s continued faithfulness in your midst! As you stroll through empty classrooms, notice the stained carpet and crusty Play-Doh remnants. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/wrapping-sunday-school-season Tue, 13 May 2014 14:03:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/sunday-school-celebration Next week is the last Sunday school session for the season at my church. I’m collecting ideas for wrapping up the year and sending the kids off to summer feeling blessed. In case you’re looking for the same, here are some ideas I’m considering for my fifth grade class. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/sunday-school-celebration Tue, 06 May 2014 15:37:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/case-hiring-special-needs-coordinator Last night I attended a workshop on Autism and the church hosted by the Faith Formation Team of Classis Grand Rapids East. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/case-hiring-special-needs-coordinator Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:09:53 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/embracing-easter-guests In all the excitement of Easter it’s easy to overlook the opportunity to welcome guests who are visiting for this special season. Take a stroll this week through your front entrance and look at the space through the eyes of a visitor. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/embracing-easter-guests Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:27:54 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/helping-kids-develop-faith-sticks Lately, I’ve been dissatisfied with Sunday school. The kids are great, the content is great. But the time together is too short. It's April and I'm finally beginning to really know them, recognize their gifts, build on their strengths, and knit us all together as a group. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/helping-kids-develop-faith-sticks Tue, 08 Apr 2014 15:49:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/connecting-sunday-school-and-worship In a recent conversation with children’s ministry leaders, the topic of involving children in worship came up. Everyone around the table was convinced that children who are part of the worship service need to feel engaged in what’s happening. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/connecting-sunday-school-and-worship Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:24:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/spiritual-nurture-sunday-school-leaders On Sunday, April 20 we celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Traditionally, many people use Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, as a time to reflect and repent. During this time, we can prepare our hearts to receive the gift Jesus gave us through the cross. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/spiritual-nurture-sunday-school-leaders Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:00:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/organizing/trapped-table I’ve found that preparing the physical space in a room can be nearly as important as preparing the lesson. My Sunday school class takes place in a small square room with two rectangle tables pushed together in the center. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/organizing/trapped-table Wed, 19 Feb 2014 15:00:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/disguising-discussion Sitting still to answer questions is really hard for active kids. So I’m collecting ideas for jumpstarting conversations and disguising discussions. Here are a few that have worked for me. Insert an acrostic Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/disguising-discussion Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:02:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/supporting-volunteers/beat-winter-blahs You’ve packed away the Christmas props and programs, rung in the New Year, and begun the new season. By now the weekly pace has returned and order has been restored. Although everyone appreciates peace after a busy holiday season, by February things can seem a bit too quiet! Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/supporting-volunteers/beat-winter-blahs Tue, 04 Feb 2014 13:59:10 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/nurturing-faith/its-me-too In the children’s Bible storybooks that I read to my daughter the opening pages begin with, “This is a story from God’s book, the Bible. It’s for [say name(s) of your child(ren)]. It’s for me too!” Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/nurturing-faith/its-me-too Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:34:37 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/nurturing-faith/re-imagining-childrens-and Faith Forward is the name of a conference that aims to “bring together children’s and youth ministry leaders for collaboration, resourcing, and inspiration toward innovative theology and practice.” The organizers of this event are asking some good questions Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/nurturing-faith/re-imagining-childrens-and Mon, 13 Jan 2014 22:34:16 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/supporting-volunteers/recalculating It’s a wild ride from September to January, but you made it!! Back in August you knew how many kids, teachers, and classes would be in your program. You were focused and ready for the journey. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/supporting-volunteers/recalculating Tue, 31 Dec 2013 15:05:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/seasonal-ideas/advent/who-coming-our-house Recently, a friend whose son is not quite one said to me, “I spend so much time pointing to animals in books and teaching Caleb the sounds, he must think that knowing the names and sounds of animals is one of the most important things in life!” Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/seasonal-ideas/advent/who-coming-our-house Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:56:05 +0000