Mimi Larson
Mimi Larson is the CRC's Children's Ministry Catalyzer with Faith Formation Ministries. One of Mimi’s greatest joys is being with people, learning with them, and encouraging them on their ministry journey. For over 20 years, Mimi served in local church ministry in both small and large churches and has written curriculum for Faith Alive Christian Resources, Big Idea/Veggie Tales, and the 50-Day Spiritual Adventure. Mimi, her husband Keith, and their very spoiled but sweet rescued pit bull Millie, live in the Chicagoland area.
If you have questions or challenges about faith formation in children, choosing curriculum, equipping volunteers, and more, contact Mimi at [email protected].
Posted in: How Do You Share Ministry Resources With Families?
I used to do a book or resource of the month that was highlighted in a variety of ways (newsletters, bulletins, out on the information book, etc.). You can also highlight it on a parent's Facebook page or create a resource list that you keep on the church website that people can access anytime.
Posted in: How Is Your Church's Nursery Structured?
Melanie, I am the Children's Ministry Catalyzer for Faith Formation Ministries and have 25 years of running children's ministries within a local church. I get the challenges you are facing. I am wondering if a team approach might be useful - to have a coordinator and small group of invested adults who can take ownership of the nursery. This then would make sure the work is done and done well but the burden of the work is spread out over a team. With a good team, the work will be more enjoyable too.
If you would like, we could set up a time to meet online or talk on the phone to brainstorm some solutions. Contact me at [email protected] and we can set up a time. Mimi Larson
Posted in: How Covenant CRC Created a Play Church to Communicate Belonging to Children
Each church has different rituals and practices, so a play church needs to reflect your specific context. How does your church practice communion or baptism? What musical instruments do you use? What are the various items utilized in your church that children can play with? Utilized those items in your play church.
The last question you ask is a challenging one. This might be a bigger question for you and your team to wrestle with. If they are not in worship, how do children experience your church? The whole concept of a play church is for a child to make meaning of their church experience through play - just like they do about their homes when they play house.
Posted in: Turning Children's Ministry Upside Down
Thanks for sharing this Caryn. I think your feelings of being overwhelmed and mourning are part of what I call the "Covid grieving process." Thanks for the reminder that God knows exactly where we are and meets us there. Blessings!
Posted in: I Wonder If God Is Here
So glad! It has been such a rich experience for us.
Posted in: Lent Resources? Share Them Here
Here are a couple of resources for children:
We Wonder is a contemplative bible storytelling podcast for children. They will have a scripture episode every Wednesday in Lent and a prayer episode every Monday to use throughout the week. Then on Palm Sunday, there will be daily episodes for Holy Week.
There are also some ideas in Faith Formation Ministries' Family Faith Formation Toolkit.
Posted in: Shepherding the Children of Your Church in Difficult Times
Glad this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
Posted in: Can I Share a Story?
What a gift for your descendants. May they see a gracious and loving God at work in your life.
Posted in: Can I Share a Story?
It is some pig.
Posted in: And a Child Shall Lead Them. . . in Prayer
Great suggestion! Your idea about discussing prayer focus and helping them construct a prayer in their own words will help teach children what prayer (and worship) is about and deepen their understandings.