January 27, 2021
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God Sighting: We Are Called and Equipped
A member of our congregation pointed out that reading “A Mighty Fortress Is our God” isn’t the same as singing it. Here's what he did about it.
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May 29, 2020
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Online Faith Formation Workshops from Faith Formation Ministries
The following workshops can be hosted live online via Zoom for your congregation at no cost to you. The workshops are highly interactive and allow for discussion and strategizing.
May 28, 2020
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5 Factors That Influence Resilience in Children
These five factors can determine how well kids deal with and recover from difficult life situations.
April 13, 2020
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Coaching Corner: Going Beyond "How Are You?"
This simple question takes on new significance in a pandemic.
July 30, 2018
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Toy Story: How We Used Lego in Summer Children’s Ministry
Read about one church's experience incorporating Lego™ into children's Bible storytime!
May 15, 2018
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Coaching Corner: Welcome to Our Mess
As a coach, I am invited into a church before they’ve had a chance to clean up. This is a real privilege.
March 26, 2018
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New VBS Curriculum Explores Creation Care with Kids
The new Wild Wonder VBS curriculum from A Rocha focuses on creation care and spiritual formation for elementary-age children.
November 7, 2017
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Family Worship: Something to Get Excited About
We have nine Bible storybooks in our house, one for every year we’ve been parents. But recently we added something new to the mix, a big book on family worship. And we're pretty excited about it!
June 5, 2017
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Bringing Faith Practices Home
In the midst of Family Jeopardy, photo scavenger hunts, and watching kids connect with extended family members, we took time to intentionally talk about how God has been with us and faithful to his promises.
May 16, 2017
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How to Use a Family Devotional in Your Church Programs
Family devotions can be a challenge! The book Teach Us to Pray by Lora Copley and Elizabeth Vander Haagen offers a solution by using short, child-friendly readings that follow the liturgical year.
April 4, 2017
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A Reminder: Kids Come to Church With Baggage Too
I usually enjoy an opportunity to be with the kids but on this day I was near the end of my rope and they were too. Though I wish they'd been easier on me, I'm grateful for the reminder that these kids have complex lives, too.
February 27, 2017
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found
The new short board book, found (yes, all lowercase letters) by Sally Lloyd-Jones, is a great way to introduce kids to Psalm 23. I can see this book as a great bedtime book for a toddler.
February 9, 2017
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Jenga: Towers That Connect Generations
Before our church remodeled, the kids felt comfortable in our building and knew the places where they could hang out and socialize. After the remodel, we realized the need to create kid-friendly spaces.
January 3, 2017
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Two Training Events for You!
Training events related to Coffee Break and young adult ministry are coming to Kalamazoo, MI, this January! Learn more and consider attending one of these worthwhile workshops.
December 7, 2016
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Faith: Inspired by a Star
Hope is much more than just a blind wish. It's having a clear expectation and the confidence that what you hope for will come to pass. Like the wise men we too have hope—hope for today and for the future.
November 16, 2016
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The Language of Faith
It's easy to see my 2-year-old granddaughter learning things about church each week, but adults are developing as well. Every week I’m shaping my faith language through the things I see and hear.
October 3, 2016
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Getting to the Balcony
My almost two-year-old granddaughter Joanna wants to jump to the balcony at church. We, her grandparents, have more experience in this world and know the power of gravity. Yet, like Joanna, we too have a hope others may not have.
September 21, 2016
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Churches Took a Risk
Last year thirteen churches took a risk, they joined a cohort of churches willing to work with the Building Blocks of Faith Model. This model answers the question: What do people need for their faith to grow?
September 13, 2016
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The Building Blocks of Faith Toolkit
The Building Blocks of Faith answer a simple question: “What do people need in order to grow in their faith?” The Building Blocks are based on four themes of faith development for all ages.
August 31, 2016
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Off to School: Joy and Tears
In my Facebook feed, I've seen many mothers express the sadness of having a child start college and leave home. But these transition times remind me of all the people in church who have influenced our kids.
August 1, 2016
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A Blessing: Reminding Us of God's Story
Katy and her husband shared this blessing that they speak to their children nightly. Speaking this to children not only blesses them but it reminds them (and us!) of why we tell these stories.
July 7, 2016
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Coffee Time: Can We Intentionally Form Faith While Drinking Coffee?
Coffee time connects us in a very real way to our brothers and sisters in Christ who worship with us each week. How can we find ways to ask and tell each other how God is working in our lives?
July 5, 2016
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God’s Story Written on the Walls!
The puzzle pieces (painted on the wall of the children's wing) are a metaphor for the many pieces of the Bible fitting together into a coherent whole. It's a great teaching piece and reminder for all who see it.
April 5, 2016
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Fishing: Learning From the Best
A good fisherman does his homework. He knows the conditions of the water, researches the latest equipment, and talks to other anglers. I wondered, could these same principles apply to ministry?
April 4, 2016
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Faith Formation, Community and Covenant: Baby Showers
This event was not just about River. It was about a church family celebrating the gift of life and joy of being together. It was one more step toward fulfilling the baptismal vows we made one week earlier.