Jolanda Howe
Welcome to the Network for Sunday School Ministry! Whether you coordinate the children’s ministries, organize the Sunday school program, or lead a small group of second and third graders, I hope this site will be a reliable source of support for your ministry! In case you’re curious, here’s the scoop on me: I grew up Catholic and United Methodist before joining the CRC with my family as a teenager. My ecumenical upbringing has given me a great love for the church in all its flavors—and a deep appreciation for the Reformed theology we cherish. This is my second time around as the Sunday School Network guide, and a lot has changed for me in the time between! The biggest change is motherhood-- little Sophie Howe was born on March 3, 2012. Life has been full of gratitude, joy, and chaos ever since! We're learning how to be a family of 3 and how to juggle worship, work, and time with family and friends. I've stepped away from the role of Sunday school coordinator to give myself space to learn and enjoy this new role. We've also joined a new church, Church of the Servant, which is a place we've developed many deep friendships over the years. We trust that God has led us there to find support and give support to many other new parents as we learn and grow together. This time around, as guide, I hope to tap into the wisdom and experience of many other people who are serving or have served in Sunday school and faith formation ministries. I hope to invite many new people to add their ideas and inspiration to the blogs you see featured week after week. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Posted in: The BIBLE on the History Channel
Interesting conversation here! I agree that determining whether worship is the intention is a big factor in understanding when images of Jesus are or are not appropriate. But we also can't underestimate the power of images to make helpful or harmful impressions about Jesus. When Christ is portrayed on screen or in pictures it can affect the way we think about him. From the smile or stern look on his face to the color of his skin or the friendliness in his voice, these details do make an impression for better or for worse.
In a best case scenario art and film that depicts Jesus could help stir the curiosity of people who don't know Jesus (like the man that Bill Vis mentioned in his comment) and prompt them to take a look at what the Bible has to say. And for those of us who read the Bible, it might challenge us to wonder about God in new ways and take a fresh look at the stories of Scripture. Art can certainly reflect the beauty and truth of God in ways that speak to our imaginations. I wrote about this in an earlier blog when we talked about using art in Sunday school. But in a worst case scenario, depictions of Jesus could make God seem more distant or set in our minds an image of God that we hold as true even though it isn’t accurate.
Posted in: The Future of Faith Alive
Thank you, Michelle, for your prayers and your encouraging words! It means so much to us!!
Posted in: A Community for Every Kid
That's awesome, Tim! That's the kind of web of relationships we need to weave around all of our kids!
Posted in: Rolling Out a New Perception in the Parking Lot
Very cool new symbol, and thoughtful reasoning.
Posted in: Special Events: Advent
Interesting ideas, William!
Posted in: Celebrating Success
Thanks for sharing that tip, Michelle! I know organizations use Mailchimp, but I didn't realize it could work for churches. Great idea!
Posted in: What a Great Idea!
Holly Gort, Children's Ministry Director at South Grandville CRC, sent me this great idea for decorating classrooms and celebrating baptisms:
I put posters on the wall with the kids names, baptism dates, and on the bottom it states: Child of God! We celebrate the kids baptism dates like a birthday! Give them a small book called "God Thinks You're Wonderful" by Max Lucado.
Thanks for sharing, Holly!
Posted in: Is Teacher/Leader Orientation Essential?
Thanks John, I couldn't agree more!
Posted in: Moving On
Thanks for all of your articles and insights, Laura! You and your ministry are a gift to the CRC. You do so much to encourage, inspire, and equip church staff members, children's ministry directors, and Sunday school coordinators. I am always challenged and blessed by you!
Posted in: 5 Ways to Beat the Heat at VBS
I just talked to someone about when churches generally do VBS. I've seen a broad range of dates from the beginning of summer, right after the church school season ends all the way to the end of summer, to build momentum for the new season to come. I tend to favor the second approach because it allows your church to build meaningful connections with the community just as you're signing up new kids for the fall kick off of Sunday school and other ministries. What goes into your thinking when you schedule VBS? Why do you choose the date that you do?
Posted in: What Is Dwell All About?
Update: Faith Alive is now offering Dwell preview webinars for those who can't make it to one of the events. Check out times and dates here. You can also stay up to date on the launch by following the Dwell Facebook page.
Posted in: Using Symbols With Kids
Thanks Ken, but this post was written by Laura Keeley-- she always has lots of insights to offer!