https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:49:26 +0000 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:19:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/got-anything-deacons-training If you’re new to the role of deacon, or gathering helpful tools for those who are joining the council, you’ll find plenty of helpful resources on The Network. For New Deacons Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/deacons/got-anything-deacons-training Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:19:56 +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/prayer-ideas/how-do-you-handle-prayer-time With just 40 minutes for Sunday school it's been hard for me to squeeze in prayer time, but I want to take time to pray with the kids! What's worked for you in terms of timing and methods for praying together as a class? I have sixth graders this year. Please share your ideas! Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/prayer-ideas/how-do-you-handle-prayer-time Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:55:08 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/symbols-drumkit-life A podcast on the power of ritual in shaping faith and bringing meaning to life by Archbishop Paul-Andre' Durocher. This 20-minute keynote was originally presented at the 2014 Faith Forward conference.  Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/symbols-drumkit-life Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:25:27 +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/getting-know-you-games On the first day of Sunday school I always like to spend a few minutes playing a getting-to-know-you game with the kids. Here are two of my favorites: Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/teaching/getting-know-you-games Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:26:09 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/got-anything-elders-training I was recently asked what The Network offers for elder orientation and training. It turns out there is quite a lot! Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/elders/got-anything-elders-training Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:29:06 +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/leadership/leadership-development/personal-growth/how-your-eiq-emotional-intelligence This article by Jim Merhaut describes why emotional intelligence (EIQ) can be a better predictor of leadership success than IQ. It includes a link to an EIQ test that includes practical ideas for boosting your EIQ to make you a more effective leader.  Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/leadership-development/personal-growth/how-your-eiq-emotional-intelligence Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:03:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/how-do-you-fundraise-intergenerational-trip My church is considering expanding our summer youth trip to include adults and families that are interested in serving, learning, and growing together. We often have an auction, and we have the teens write letters for support when they go on a trip. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/how-do-you-fundraise-intergenerational-trip Tue, 05 Aug 2014 13:51:52 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/church-pew-friendship The August 2014 Banner includes a great article about an unlikely faith-nurturing friendship between an older gentleman and a teenager. Elizabeth Drummond shares her story of how Mr. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/church-pew-friendship Tue, 29 Jul 2014 20:36:34 +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/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/what-are-your-hopes-vbs What is it that makes VBS meaningful to your church and community? The relationships built across generation as members pull together to serve in new roles during the summer? The opportunity to engage with neighbors in a new and fun way? Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/what-are-your-hopes-vbs Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:09:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/vbs/kidsgamescom-source-summer-programming-ideas Carol Reinsma, the Children’s Education Director at Cragmor CRC in Colorado Springs, Colorado tipped me off this week to a great site for summer programming ideas for kids, families, teens and adults. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/vbs/kidsgamescom-source-summer-programming-ideas Wed, 04 Jun 2014 17:15:09 +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/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/generous-spaciousness If you appreciated Wendy VanderWal-Gritter's webinar, Nurturing Generous Spaciousness: A Response to Gay Christians in the Church, you'll be glad to know that her new book, Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/generous-spaciousness Tue, 06 May 2014 20:21:19 +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/choosing-childrens-curriculum Choosing the right curriculum can make a huge difference in how your children will come to know God and God’s Word. Jolanda Howe https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/choosing-childrens-curriculum Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:52:00 +0000