As a mother of young children, I so appreciate these reminders. Our kids need to know that they belong in all aspects related to church. Answering their questions ,taking a minute or two to explain something, and building authentic relationships can make all the difference!
Maranatha CRC (Holland, MI) just rolled out the online directory portion of our online Church Management software called SimpleChurch CRM. I've been using the church management side of it for about a year and a half, and have finally decided to make the online directory portion available to our members (website and mobile app). SimpleChurch is cost effective and, in my opinion, extremely user-friendly. It's easy to use their 60-day free trial to test it out!
I recently read Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing by Andy Crouch. A beautifully written book on how all can find abundant life in the unlikely mixture of strength and weakness -- just as we see in Jesus' life on earth.
Coffee is available before the service in our narthex area, which is nice for people who are at church early, like Gary mentioned. We also have coffee and lemonade available after the service. We also provide goodies, such as bagels on the first Sunday of the month, donut holes on the third Sunday of the month, and cookies on all other Sundays. Cake is provided when celebrating a special occasion. We do love our food!
Posted in: What Temperature is Your Sanctuary?
Answering you from the West Michigan climate as well!
On winter Sundays, we keep our sanctuary at 69 degrees F (20 Celsius), dropping it to 65 (18 C) degrees during the week (when not in use).
On summer Sundays, we keep our sanctuary at 72 degrees F (22 C) , bumping it to 75 (25 C) degrees during the week.
We think consistency is key so people know what to expect since we know we won't be able to please everyone :)
Posted in: 5 Ways to Help Kids Worship
As a mother of young children, I so appreciate these reminders. Our kids need to know that they belong in all aspects related to church. Answering their questions ,taking a minute or two to explain something, and building authentic relationships can make all the difference!
Posted in: Recommendations for an Online Church Directory Service
Maranatha CRC (Holland, MI) just rolled out the online directory portion of our online Church Management software called SimpleChurch CRM. I've been using the church management side of it for about a year and a half, and have finally decided to make the online directory portion available to our members (website and mobile app). SimpleChurch is cost effective and, in my opinion, extremely user-friendly. It's easy to use their 60-day free trial to test it out!
Posted in: What Does Your Church Call Its Ministry to Senior Adults?
Our 60+ group at Maranatha CRC in Holland, MI is called O.P.U.S. (Older People Up to Something)!
Posted in: Church Websites
Maranatha CRC - Holland, MI
Posted in: What Books Are You Reading in 2019?
I recently read Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing by Andy Crouch. A beautifully written book on how all can find abundant life in the unlikely mixture of strength and weakness -- just as we see in Jesus' life on earth.
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Here are a few that our church has learned recently:
Who You Say I Am - Hillsong
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Beginnging to End) - One Sonic Society
For the Cause - Gettys
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Another GREAT song that I listen to frequently is "Stand in Your Love" by Josh Baldwin.
Posted in: What Refreshments (If Any) Does Your Church Offer Before or After Worship?
Coffee is available before the service in our narthex area, which is nice for people who are at church early, like Gary mentioned. We also have coffee and lemonade available after the service. We also provide goodies, such as bagels on the first Sunday of the month, donut holes on the third Sunday of the month, and cookies on all other Sundays. Cake is provided when celebrating a special occasion. We do love our food!