https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:17:35 +0000 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:21:18 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-libraries/does-your-church-have-little-free-library I'm curious if any churches have set-up and maintained little free libraries on their lawn? I would love to put two little libraries at my CRC church (one for adults, one for kids) and am curious what your experience has been like.  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-libraries/does-your-church-have-little-free-library Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:21:18 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/youth-ministry/devotionals-teens I have a friend who is looking for a good devotional for teenagers. Any recommendations?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/youth-ministry/devotionals-teens Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:42:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/faith-forming-easter-basket-ideas-teens I am planning to put together some Easter gift baskets for teenage girls and would love to add some (relatively affordable) faith forming resources. Any ideas?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/faith-forming-easter-basket-ideas-teens Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:28:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/ideas-using-peg-doll-nativity-set Curious, has anyone made or purchased a Peg Doll Nativity Set? Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/ideas-using-peg-doll-nativity-set Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:49:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/recommendations-pastors-salary A question came through via CRC chat this week from a treasurer working on the 2021 budget for his church. The treasurer asked: In the past, the CRCNA had recommendations for a pastor's salary. Do you have current recommendations or survey to help me in this process?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/recommendations-pastors-salary Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:04:59 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/parenting/parents-teens-what-resources-are-you-looking Parents of teenagers, I'd love to know: What resources are you currently looking for?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/parenting/parents-teens-what-resources-are-you-looking Tue, 20 Oct 2020 14:53:09 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/how-are-you-encouraging-jobless One of the side effects of COVID has been the loss of jobs and/or changes in hours. Is your church doing anything to encourage those who are seeking employment? Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/how-are-you-encouraging-jobless Tue, 06 Oct 2020 14:09:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/short-3-or-4-session-bible-study-suggestions My husband and I would like to lead a short Bible study this fall (outside, hopefully before the snow falls) and are looking for suggestions of a study that could be facilitated in 3 or 4 sessions? Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/short-3-or-4-session-bible-study-suggestions Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:11:13 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-practices/how-are-churches-encouraging-participation-body-time Lately I've wondered if I'm only "consuming" church. Unable to volunteer in children's ministry and not yet meeting in person, I feel disconnected from the life of the church.  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-practices/how-are-churches-encouraging-participation-body-time Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:43:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/engaging-visitors-during-covid During COVID, there are likely many people watching your service that are not members. How is your church engaging visitors at this time?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/engaging-visitors-during-covid Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:03:39 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/where-your-church-physical-reopening-process Where is your church at in the physical reopening process? Are you still gathering via live stream? Meeting outside? Meeting inside with precautions? Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/where-your-church-physical-reopening-process Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:28:08 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/small-gift-ideas-church-volunteers Hi there! I'd love to pick up a couple small gifts to give the nursery coordinator and children's ministry leaders in my children's classrooms. These individuals have joyfully poured into my kids and I want to give a them a tangible thank you. Any ideas? Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/small-gift-ideas-church-volunteers Tue, 26 Nov 2019 16:21:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-communications/does-your-church-have-logo I recently re-read the post Why Your Church Needs a Brand and was curious about one particular aspect of branding: the logo. Does your church have a logo? Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-communications/does-your-church-have-logo Tue, 24 Sep 2019 16:16:18 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/creation-matters/does-your-church-compost I'm curious if any churches have tried composting? If so, how's it going? Do you work with a company or have a garden? Do you label bins?  I recently started composting at home and it has greatly reduced our waste. I'm excited to hear how this is going for churches.  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/creation-matters/does-your-church-compost Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:48:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/ministry-coordination/how-does-your-church-promote-small-groups-etc A friend of mine recently told me a crazy story: She has been attending a church for over two years and only recently learned the church has a small group ministry. For two years, she had been hoping for such a ministry and had no idea it existed. Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/ministry-coordination/how-does-your-church-promote-small-groups-etc Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:41:16 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/ministry-coordination/does-your-church-have-midweek-programming Curious, does your church hold midweek programs (i.e. GEMS, Cadets, Bible studies, etc) on a dedicated night?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/ministry-coordination/does-your-church-have-midweek-programming Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:06:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/do-you-have-favorite-bible I want to get a new Bible for Christmas and am overwhelmed by all the options. I like to take notes but am not sure I want a journaling Bible. Which Bible do you use? Any recommendations?  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/do-you-have-favorite-bible Tue, 13 Nov 2018 17:45:07 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/family-devotional I am looking for a devotional (with scripture references) that our family can use to spark discussion and bring God into our dinner or bedtime conversations. My son is only 2.5 years old but I want to start this practice soon as it would be good for all of us. Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/family-devotional Thu, 14 Jun 2018 17:05:37 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-order/appropriate-pastors-spouse-serve-board-deacons A Network reader is looking for input (Church Order?) on the appropriateness of the pastor's spouse being on the board of deacons. Are you able to help?  Thanks for input!  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-order/appropriate-pastors-spouse-serve-board-deacons Tue, 22 May 2018 16:40:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/stewardship/do-you-automate-your-tithing I'm curious to hear from readers who have set-up automatic tithing. My husband and I go back and forth on this (usually after doing our taxes and finding inconsistencies).  Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/stewardship/do-you-automate-your-tithing Tue, 08 May 2018 12:00:00 +0000